Welcoming submissions for a free scholarly conference on scary literature to be hosted online from October 22nd-24th, 2026 by graduate student, Anais Shelley.

Research may draw inspiration from (but is not limited to) these prompts:

• Supernatural themes

• Domestic horror

• The role of setting within scary stories

• Frightening myths and folklore

• The gothic novel and short story

• Monsters and the monstrous

• Multicultural superstition and regional ghost stories

• The works of authors such as Stephen King, Anne Rice, and Edgar Allan Poe

A variety of presentations are encouraged, including traditional papers, digital graphics, multimodal/powerpoints, roundtables, creative writing, performance art, and visual art. The event is open to researchers at all levels. Please note that all presentations will take place in Central US time. Proposals will be accepted through this form with a deadline of 31 August 2026: https://forms.gle/TfvuQLFPfpj23enq8