Black Heritage HWA interview series: Introduction by Linda D. Addison

Black History Month is the annual recognition of African-Americans and their role in U.S. past and present history. As our country celebrates the achievements of Black Americans other countries are also devoting a month to shining light on Black history. Our part in every area of America now and in the past is still being discovered, still expanding.

This country is built by a wide variety of people from different cultures, and just as horror fiction has many sub-genres, Black horror writers are not defined by one type of writing. From gothic through paranormal, supernatural, weird and so on, Black writers are creating work in wide-ranging areas.

Black horror is growing in every category of writing: novels, short/long fiction, non-fiction, as well as graphic novels, screenplays, poetry collections, and podcasts. Publishing through traditional and Black-owned publishing companies, along with self-publishing presents authors with several venues to offer their work to the public.

Horror writing allows readers to experience the rush of fear, the thrill of danger in the safety of their homes or theaters. Black Americans have historic and current experiences with real-life horror that can flavor our work. A society can only benefit by exposure to different voices and stories.

The Horror Writers Association is honoring this month by presenting an interview series with horror writers from the African Diaspora. Take this opportunity to read about these creators, check out their work and help spread the word.

Linda D. Addison is an award-winning author of five collections, including How To Recognize A Demon Has Become Your Friend, and the first African-American recipient of the HWA Bram Stoker Award®. She is a recipient of the HWA Lifetime Achievement Award, HWA Mentor of the Year and SFPA Grand Master. She has published over 380 poems, stories and articles and is a member of CITH, HWA, SFWA and SFPA.