San Antonio’s Ghoulish Book Festival 2025: Everything You Need to Know

For horror lovers, writers, and fans of the macabre, Ghoulish Book Festival is an annual event celebrating the dark and eerie side of literature. Taking place in San Antonio, TX, the festival brings together horror authors, industry professionals, and readers for two days of panels, workshops, live readings, and interactive events. The event offers a mix of insightful discussions, book signings, and unique activities—including a spooky spelling bee and a live ghost tour.

The highly anticipated 2025 Ghoulish Book Festival is just over two weeks away, and the full programming schedule has now been revealed! Taking place on Friday, March 14, and Saturday, March 15, this two-day festival will offer an array of horror-focused panels, workshops, readings, and networking opportunities. If you haven’t already secured your badge, you can do so right here. A quick reminder: badges are only required for attending panels, workshops, and live readings. The vendor room and the Saturday Night Mass Author Signing will be open to the public.

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New HarperCollins Imprint, Storytide, to Release 30+ Middle Grade & YA Books in 2025

A fresh wave of middle grade and teen fiction is set to hit the shelves with the launch of HarperCollins’s latest imprint, Storytide. With more than 30 books scheduled for 2025, alongside a selection of backlist titles, Storytide aims to spotlight dynamic literary voices across a range of genres, including romance, contemporary fiction, and fantasy.

Leading the imprint is VP and publisher Tara Weikum, whose extensive experience in the industry has played a key role in shaping Storytide’s vision. Weikum described the imprint’s foundation by telling Publishers Weekly, “While Storytide was taking shape, we spent a lot of time focusing on what makes each of our imprints at HarperCollins unique. As the pieces fell into place, it became clear to us that the list that became Storytide, and the editors who work on these books, share a common point of view and sensibility.” (more…)

Writing Prompt Wednesdays: Dying to Live

Welcome to “Writing Prompt Wednesdays,” a haven where your imagination can roam free in the realms of speculative fiction. As we embark on this weekly journey, it’s thrilling to think about the untold stories waiting to be penned in the domains of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Whether you’re a seasoned author or a budding wordsmith, these prompts are your gateway to unexplored worlds and untapped potentials.

Every Wednesday, we’ll serve up a fresh, thought-provoking prompt designed to ignite your creative spark and challenge your storytelling prowess. Think of these prompts as a key, unlocking the doors to uncharted territories where your creativity is the only limit. From eerie, shadow-laden corridors of Gothic horror to the farthest reaches of interstellar space, and the mystical depths of high fantasy, our prompts are a kaleidoscope of possibilities.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to approach these prompts. They are mere stepping stones, guiding you towards the vast landscapes of your imagination. Use them to break free from writer’s block, to experiment with new ideas, or simply as a fun exercise to keep your writing skills sharp.

This week’s writing prompt:

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5 Premium WordPress Themes for Authors in 2025

As an author, having a professional online presence is crucial for showcasing your work and connecting with your audience. The right WordPress theme can enhance your website’s functionality and aesthetics, making it easier for you to share your writing and sell your books. In this article, you will discover five premium WordPress themes that I feel would really work for authors in 2025, each offering unique features that can elevate your online presence.

As I’m working on Horror Tree’s new layout, I’ve also been starting to plan the new layout of my own very outdated author site, so I have been spending probably more time than I should in order to find a theme for myself. A lot of the ones here have really stood out as some potential winners for me.

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