Publisher Description

Fifty-two different stories. Fifty-two different Authors. Endless fright for all ages.

Every state has an urban legend that evokes fear and curiosity in equal parts, and we’ve chronicled all of these logic-defying horrors here in the Haunted States of America anthology. From the Jersey Devil to La Llorona, each story included introduces a new chill-inducing, stomach-churning monster, spectre, or poltergeist certain to keep you up at night. A broad-ranging collection of authors, including seasoned veterans and some first-timers making a fright-tastic debut, have all united to unearth the scariest lore from each state in the US, as well as D.C. and Puerto Rico. Make sure to strap in for this spooky cross-country tour, but be extra careful not to let any of these terrors follow you home.

Note: Richelle’s story The Fort represents Oregon. It was published under the pen name Claire Giles.

Halli’s Thoughts on The Haunted States of America

I love short stories. I love horror. I love creative anthologies. So of course this one moved to the top of my “to be read” pile. The idea to showcase each state and a myth related to them was brilliant. It gave me a taste of each state either by lore, community, or landscape. Or all three.

One of my favorite aspects of this anthology is that it features stories from writers who already write scary and some who are jumping into the genre for the first time. And they do not disappoint! We are treated to tales from authors we know and love like Dusti Bowling and Ellen Hopkins, and are introduced to new writers like our very own Richelle Morgan, publishing under the name Claire Giles. (Confession: I’ve read a lot of Richelle’s work so technically I am familiar with her amazing writing. Are you?)

The stories in this book are well done, creative, and SPOOKY! Haunted theaters, haunted hotels, ghosts hundreds of years old who definitely have something to say! The illustrations are just as creepy as the stories and will stay with you long after you close the cover.

Rebecca’s Thoughts

I love the feel of different states in the fall, from fields full of orange pumpkins and white cotton in the farmland of Alabama to Spanish moss hanging from gnarled trees in northern Florida to orange, gold, and blood-red leaves falling from Connecticut trees and skittering across the ground.

The settings were equally varied: long-abandoned caves and historic forts, old graveyards and haunted hotels.

I loved all the different spooky elements, ghosts and ghouls, witches, and even plants that—well, I don’t want to give that story away. But I’m glad I don’t live in Arizona!

But most of all, I love that each story is bite-sized. A few minutes transports you from the mundane to somewhere perfectly creepy. A couple stories would be perfect for a gloomy weekend afternoon or before bed . . . but will you be able to turn off the lights after you close the book?

Complementing the spine-chilling tales is an illustration for each.

Interview with Richelle

WP: This anthology started out as an SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) contest. What made you want to enter?

RM: I saw the contest right before a big birthday, and so I thought I would enter it as a birthday present to myself. It was almost the next birthday when I found out my story would be included.

WP: What was it like to work on a project with this many contributing authors?

RM: I am in awe of the talent included in the anthology and impressed with how much marketing expertise they bring to the table. I am sure that has taken some of the pressure off vs. being the only one trying to sell the book. Now that the anthology is coming out, I’m finally getting a chance to connect with a few of the other authors — 52 from around the country!

I did really enjoy working with the illustrator. He took the time to reach out and ask some questions about Oregon so he could make sure the sisters in my story were authentically Oregonian.

WP: Had you written many short stories before entering?

RM: I had an adult short story published in a literary magazine several years ago, but this is my first published short story for children. This was such a great experience that I would like to try to make writing short stories more a part of my practice.

WP: What else do you write?

RM: Right now, I write middle grade fiction, but I dabble in YA and PB, too. And I have an adult mystery that I’d love to tackle eventually.

Why did you choose to use a pen name?

RM: I’m not trying to keep secrets! I am a copywriter in my regular life and I write for organizations across the country and have built a platform with my real name. I wanted to differentiate my fiction writing from that a bit, and my chosen pen name has a lot of meaning for me. I worried that I would be sad not to see my own name at the top of my story, but it was still a thrill seeing Clair Giles on the page!

WP: Thanks for stopping by the Winged Pen, Richelle, and sharing your writing journey.

The Haunted States of America is highly recommended!

The Haunted States of America series is out today, July 9, 2024. You can add it to your “want to read” list on Goodreads, or order on Indiebound, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon.

Do you have a story included in The Haunted States of America? Give it a shout-out in the comments!