I always love reading short story anthologies. They’re perfect for just dipping into when you have a few spare minutes, and have introduced me to tons of new authors whose longer novels I then go on to read.
Which leads me to my exciting news: I’m thrilled to have been asked to contribute a short scary story for a brand new YA horror anthology coming this September from Scholastic! The anthology, titled A Taste of Darkness, will feature 13 stories by different authors and curated by Amy McCaw, author of Mina and the Undead and Mina and the Slayers, and Maria Kuzniar, author of The Ship of Shadows duology. As well as curating the collection, Amy and Maria will each contribute a story alongside Kat Dunn, Kat Ellis (me!), Rachel Faturoti, Kathryn Foxfield, Dawn Kurtagich, Amy McCulloch, Cynthia Murphy, Melinda Salisbury, Louie Stowell, Rosie Talbot and Mary Watson.
It’s out in September – the perfect time for spooky reading – and is already available for preorder. The gorgeous cover has just been revealed – isn’t it a stunner?! I love the colours and the creepy trees and the shadowy figure who I’m pretty sure is controlling those birds…
Maria Kuzniar said, “I’m delighted that this anthology has found a home with Scholastic, and beyond excited for readers to discover our collection of thrilling and creepy stories by a selection of very talented authors this spooky season!”
And Amy McCaw added that she is, “absolutely thrilled to have co-curated this anthology that celebrates UKYA horror and allows readers to enjoy new works by familiar authors and find some new favourites.”
Amy has also posted a YouTube video introducing all the authors who are part of the anthology and their previous work:
I can’t give away any details about my story yet, but I will say that it’s inspired by a chilling Welsh folk tale, and I’ve gone all-out on the creep factor. It also includes a character named by request of a student from a recent school visit who asked me to use his name – hi, James!
If you can’t wait until September, or just feel like reading something short and creepy in the meantime, I have written a short story called Christmas Lights which you can read for free. It’s about a girl named Ellie who’s helping to pack away her grandmother’s Christmas decorations after she passes away suddenly, when Ellie finds something terrifying lying in wait for her underneath the stairs. Despite its title, it’s not especially festive and can be enjoyed at any time of year… as long as you like your stories horrifyingly creepy!
I’ll be sure to share any more details about A Taste of Darkness when I have them, and in the meantime, don’t forget to preorder a copy, and sign up for my newsletter to hear all my latest news and adventures each month.
Kat Ellis Writes 