The nights are drawing in, growing darker. Growing colder. Who knows what strange and terrifying things might be out there, in the dark?

So it’s a good time to think about cosying up indoors, by a fire, with a good (spooky) book or two! Or three. Have you heard of Spooktastic Reads? Let me tell you about it.

 

 

Spooktastic Reads is an annual event, a little sister to Wyrd & Wonder, that we run each October, beginning on the 19th and running for thirteen days, straight through to Halloween on October 31st. And, as the timing of it might suggest, the focus is on spooky fantasy!

What counts as spooky fantasy, you might ask? Is it horror? Paranormal? Ghost stories? Monsters, etc.? The simple answer is yes. All of the above, or whatever type of spooky/dark/scary fantasy takes your fancy. You can go light, or go as dark as you please. If it has fantastical elements, it’s fair game!

As this is a shorter event than our month-long ones, it’ll be more casual – there’s no official sign-up. If you want in on the chatter on social media, you can tag us with your blog posts/Instagram pics/skeets at @wyrdandwonder, on Bluesky and on Instagram. You can also use the hashtag #SpooktasticReads2024 to help us, and each other, find the good chatter!

Casual it may be, however we do still have our daily prompt challenge to get creative juices flowing!*

 

 

19th: Spooktastic TBR
20th: Urban legend
21st: Pure evil
22nd: Pumpkin
23rd: Hocus pocus
24th: Haunted house
25th: Occult
26th: (Un)Seelie Court
27th: Dark omens
28th: Hunting
29th: Underworld
30th: Writing on the wall
31st: Day of the Dead

 

*Prompts are, as ever, wide open to interpretation. Have fun with ’em!

As for my own plans, those are still in the works. But as always, I’ve got ideas for (fun) scary films to watch and chat about, and I’m working on my TBR. Watch my Bluesky space (deargeekplace.bsky.social) for any updates on that!

What about you? Do you have any plans yet? Whether you’re familiar with Spooktastic Reads or not, you’re welcome to join in the fun and conversation!

See you in October…

 

IMAGE CREDIT

Banner art: Vera Petruk

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