Presented by Charm City Books
Step into the dark with us as our horror authors talk about what makes us scream. Hear how these masters of the macabre build tension, invent terrifying worlds, and turn everyday anxieties into page-turning dread.
Moderated by Brandon Rashad Butts (@b_rad.books)
Richard Chizmar is the New York Times bestselling author of the Gwendy Trilogy (with Stephen King), as well as Widow’s Point: The Complete Haunting (with W.H. Chizmar), Memorials, Becoming the Boogeyman, Chasing the Boogeyman, and many other books. His next novel, Killing the Boogeyman, will be published by Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books in October 2026. Chizmar’s work has been translated into more than fifteen languages throughout the world, and he has appeared at numerous conferences as a writing instructor, guest speaker, panelist, and guest of honor.
W.H. Chizmar is the New York Times bestselling coauthor (with Richard Chizmar) of Widow’s Point: The Complete Haunting, as well as numerous short stories and essays. He lives in Maryland with his Bernese Mountain Dog, J.J. (short for James Joyce).
David Simmons is the author of the critically acclaimed Eradicator, the short story collection Fetty on the Switches, and the breakthrough cult novels Ghosts of East Baltimore and Ghosts of West Baltimore. His work has appeared internationally in numerous magazines and anthologies. He lives in Baltimore with his wife and three daughters.
Clay McCleod Chapman writes books, comic books, YA and middlegrade books, as well as for film and podcasts. The USA Today bestseller Devil Inside is his most recent novel. You can find him at www.claymcleodchapman.com.
Brandon Rashad Butts (He/Him) is a cultural curator, writer, and producer based in Baltimore. He’s published in 3 Element Literary Review, DGX Magazine, and contributed to Huffington Post Black Voices. Brandon also works as an interviewer speaking with authors such as Deesha Philyaw, Bob the Drag Queen, Kosoko Jackson, and S.A. Cosby. He is founder of Black Writer’s Pride Week, curator of Homeboy Dinner party, and co-creator of “…But Make it Books”.
He believes Toni Morrison and James Baldwin are require reading, but reads quite a bit of Jesmyn Ward and Jason Reynolds as well. He’s also always taking recs on pastry spots and record shops. Follow him on Instagram @b_rad.books.
