Fright Girl Summer

Back in 2022, V. Castro posted on Twitter that she wanted to start an online book festival to promote and highlight marginalized authors. She said she wanted something like “hot girl summer,” but for people who are overlooked in publishing, namely in horror. I chimed in that we could call it “Fright Girl Summer,” which she loved.

This exchange led to the creation of Fright Girl Summer, a website where, for almost two years, we posted seasonal reading lists, interviews, and stories from a wide array of authors, especially those who are most overlooked in the literary world. BIPOC, queer, gender-nonconforming, neurodiverse, everyone was welcome at our table — and we were always happy to add another seat.

Sadly, life got in the way, as life does; and V and I shuttered the site. The last reading list moved to my author site, and we said we’d maybe bring the full site back someday.

Today is that day. V. Castro and I are delighted to bring back this wonderful festival, which brought so much joy in the short time it lasted. V and I want to keep it going even longer and even better than before. We’re going to post our reading lists and highlight authors from all walks of life, not just the ones dominating the (U.S.) cultural status quo. We’re starting a blog for more frequent updates that aren’t just on our socials. We’re keeping Fright Girl Summer going through all four seasons (and with all four logos).

Fright Girl Summer is back — we hope you’ll join us!

Cheers,
Sonora

Sonora Taylor is the author of several books and short story collections. She also makes a mean dish of pasta.