Here, for creators and fans of horror and the Gothic, is a linked list of the online places worth visiting consistently–the best sources of genre study and celebration.
The list is certainly not exhaustive; I expect to add to it over time. Recommendations are also welcome from any proud denizens of the Macabre Republic.
Adam Cesare’s Project Black T-Shirt: On this YouTube channel, the horror writer and cinephile Cesare typically reviews horror films and the books that make excellent pairings with them. The list videos periodically posted also make for terrific viewing.
Bloody Disgusting: The ultimate go-to for genre news and analysis (although I wish some more coverage was given to horror fiction, and less to toys and comics). The editorial essays and year-end summations rank among the site’s best offerings.
Cemetery Dance Online: This “Free Reads” section on the website of the premiere specialty press publisher of horror and dark suspense features a slew of book reviews and author interviews. The recurrent columns (e.g., Stephen King News from the Dead Zone, Horror Drive-In, Revelations, Video Visons) always make welcomed appearances.
Crimereads: Despite its title, this site does not just discuss crime novels. The dark suspense and horror genres are also covered, in consistently well-written and insightful essays.
Eli Roth’s History of Horror: This AMC docuseries takes thematic deep dives into the genre’s rich cinematic heritage (lovingly and eruditely discussed by leading horror creators and personalities). No less enjoyable is the companion podcast, comprised of episode-long interviews with singular figures (e.g., Tom Savini, Tippi Hedren, Diablo Cody, Quentin Tarantino).
Fantastic Fiction at KGB: This long-running series hosted by Ellen Datlow and Matthew Kessel presents readings by, and Q&A sessions with, a pair of genre authors. The monthly in-person event normally held at the KGB Bar in Manhattan’s East Village has been pre-empted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic (so no chance to hobnob right now with the horrorati), but continues currently in podcast/livestream format.
Gwendolyn Kiste: One of the genre’s fastest-rising stars writes a blog on her website that features plentiful author interviews (particularly with women in horror). Her monthly “Submissions Roundup” post is also a great help to horror writers looking to find markets for their work.
Halloween Daily News: The title says it all. An indispensable, year-round source of information on holiday-related media and pop cultural items.
The Horror Fiction Review: This long-running site has been dormant since the pandemic started, but hopefully is not done for good. It is a terrific source for reviews of (mostly) small press publications.
Horror Homeroom: This informative website covers modern and classic horror in film, TV, and fiction. No mere fluff pieces, the posts are filled with analytical insight. The “Top Ten” feature is a consistent standout.
The Horror Show with Brian Keene: Alas, this weekly podcast ended its run in the Fall of 2020, but it has left an invaluable archive of material. In these episodes, the horror field’s leading voice conducts interviews with who’s-who list of authors, and engages in compelling state-of-the-genre discussion with his panel of co-hosts.
Horror Writers Association: The organization’s website includes a blog (which you don’t have to be a member to access) that’s a great source of award news and author interviews. Also, the often-overlooked subject of horror poetry is given due attention. The “Halloween Haunts” feature that runs throughout October is a special treat.
iHorror: A great website for news on horror in its various media forms and subgenre manifestations. The “Strange and Unusual” feature is a must-read for anyone interested in the darker side of life.
Lilja’s Library: Superfan Hans-Ake Lilja’s website dedicated to the world of Stephen King is a reliable source of breaking news about, and video clips of, the author. The Stephen King Podcast associated with the site never fails to entertain.
The Lineup: This comprehensive website gives ample coverage to the creepy as it focuses on the mystery, true crime, and horror genres. The articles (e.g., “The Saddest Horror Movie Deaths of All Time,” “7 Violent Books Just Like Your Favorite Slasher Films,” “Horror Books That Would Make Clarice Starling Proud”) are both original and entertaining.
LitReactor: The online magazine connected with this writing-education website is replete with book reviews, author interviews, and genre overviews. Columnist Max Booth III posts copious amounts of horror-themed content, and aspiring horror writers will revel in the craft-related essays.
Lore: This popular podcast hosted by Aaron Mahnke is a treasure trove of folklore for fans and a rich idea generator for horror writers. The episodes are formulaic in structure yet quite impressive in their range of subject matter.
The Losers’ Club: A podcast that takes arguably the deepest dives into the fiction of Stephen King (and film/TV adaptations thereof). The Club members are clearly big fans of the fright master, but also aren’t afraid to voice critique of his work.
The Lovecraft eZine: The website’s associated podcast serves as a wonderful author-interview series. Discussion isn’t limited to the Lovecraftian, though, as Mike Davis and his co-hosts cover horror in various genres and media.
The Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies: An international educational community dedicated to the celebration and critical study of horror. In non-pandemic times, classes/events (currently taking place in live-stream format) are based in New York City, Los Angeles, and London.
Nightmare: This gold-standard horror fiction magazine includes “Spotlight” interviews in which the author provides tremendous insight into the chosen work (and the writing process in general). But the most invaluable aspect of the magazine is “The H-Word” column. Guest-written each month by a different horror writer, it provides a varied look into the subject of horror that no fan or student of the genre will want to miss.
Nightmare University: Hosted by Dr. Rebekah McKendry, this fascinating Fangoria podcast takes a studious approach to the horror genre. The full-length episodes have inspired themes (e.g., Naughty Nuns, Heavy Metal Horror, Horror Musicals, Insect Horror), while the shorter, interstitial “Office Hours” episodes present McKendry’s insider’s view (gained through her many years’ experience working in the horror field).
Post Mortem with Mick Garris: An outstanding podcast, in which the melodious-voiced filmmaker/writer interviews the genre’s brightest luminaries. Listeners can get in on the fun themselves in the “Ask Mick Anything” short episodes.
Revelations: The Official Clive Barker Website is the place to turn for news (updated monthly) about the author. The site also contains a helpful listing of the many interviews Barker has done in various places over the years, but the real gems are the periodic interviews Barker conducts with Phil and Sarah Stokes for the website (and which typically reveal the current status of the author’s book projects).
The Skeleton Key: This holiday-themed blog returns every autumn and is a must-read for Halloween lovers. The inventive entries form perfect signposts to the October Country, covering Halloween from every conceivable angle.
This is Horror: The website is loaded with book reviews, and the weekly “5 Must Read Horror Articles” post provides a great roundup of genre-related writing. But horror fans–and writers–will take the greatest joy from the podcast episodes, which consist of lengthy (often two-part) interviews with leading figures in the field.
Tor Nightfire: This more-recently-created website has quickly distinguished itself for its intelligent articles and author interviews. The annual post “All the Horror Books We’re Excited About in 202_” furnishes the ultimate reading list for genre-lovers.
Unobscured: The success of Lore has allowed Aaron Mahnke to develop further podcasts, and this might be the best of them. Each season-long series of episodes offers an in-depth exploration of history’s darkest moments (e.g., the Salem Witch Trials, the Spiritualist movement, Jack the Ripper). Here Mahnke’s narration is intercut with audio commentary from a host of scholars and experts.