Horror Novelists Share Their Spooky Halloween Traditions 2026

Horror novelists celebrate Halloween with a mix of whimsical witchy activities, vintage radio shows, and plenty of candy, according to a recent survey. As October arrives, horror lovers rejoice in spooky films, haunted houses, and macabre decor. But for those who write horror, the season is both professional and personal. We asked bestselling authors like Rachel Harrison and Riley Sager how they enjoy the season.

Whimsical Witch Stuff and Corn Mazes

Rachel Harrison, author of Cackle and Play Nice, embraces what she calls "whimsical witch stuff." She loves corn mazes and other lighthearted autumn activities. "I'm very basic in that way," she admits. For Harrison, Halloween isn't about gore; it's about atmosphere and fun.

Her approach reflects a broader truth: horror is a wide spectrum. "We don't need to love Freddy and Jason to love horror," she says. Many horror writers enjoy the season's gentler pleasures, from pumpkin patches to cozy reads.

Vintage Radio Shows for Low-Key Chills

Riley Sager, author of The Unknown and Home Before Dark, prefers a low-key alternative: spooky vintage radio shows. "They are not terrifying. They're just chilling," he explains. His recommendations include Three Skeleton Key and Sorry, Wrong Number.

These classic broadcasts offer suspense without the visual shock of modern horror films. For Sager, they're a way to unwind while still connecting with the genre's roots. It's a reminder that horror can be subtle and imaginative.

Favorite Halloween Candies

Of course, no Halloween is complete without candy. The novelists shared their favorites, though the article didn't specify which candies they chose. But the mention of global candies like Canadian Smarties and Thai sourballs suggests a taste for variety.

For horror writers, candy might be the ultimate treat after a season of tricks. It's a simple pleasure that balances the darkness of their work. The background to this story is set out in DIY Halloween Decorations: Spooky Crafts for Your Home. A related thread runs through DIY Giant Halloween Spider: A Spooky Craft Project. Earlier coverage in Last One Laughing Halloween: Spooky Secrets Behind the Screams shows how the argument developed.

What This Means for Horror Fans

These insights show that horror novelists are just like their readers: they find joy in both the eerie and the endearing. Whether you're into haunted houses or vintage radio, there's a place for you in spooky season. A closer look at the same subject appears in Halloweenmas: The Spooky Trend Turning October into a Month-Long. Anyone following the wider picture can start with DIY Pumpkin Candy Basket for Halloween. The same theme surfaces in Literary Nepo Babies Why Famous Authors Children Are Becoming Novelists, which takes a different angle.

So if you're looking for inspiration, try a corn maze, tune into an old radio drama, and savor your favorite candy. Halloween is about celebrating what you love, however you define it. Context on how this played out before sits in Christmas in July: The Whimsical Summer Tradition You Need to. A companion piece, Christmas in July: Why This Whimsical Summer Tradition Is Growing, approaches the same subject from another angle.

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