Kate Reedwood - dReadCon Author Spotlight

This is the second annual dReadCon, and we are thrilled to have you attending.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, what books we can expect to see at dReadCon, and where we can find you on social media.

I’m speculative fiction author Kate Reedwood, the Canadian half of KC Stories, and I am thrilled to be back at dReadCon this year. I had a great time last year and I’m looking forward to seeing new and old fellow book lovers and friends. I will have the Mall Priest trilogy in paperback, as well as both paperback and hardcover copies of It Came From The Pumpkin Patch and Slasher Cruise at the bookfair. The hardcovers are very limited in quantity, as they are numbered, limited edition copies so be sure to stop by and see me and grab one in person .They come with all the stickers and bookmarks and art cards, of course.

To find out more about KC Stories and our full catalogue of books, please visit

Follow me on social media - https://linktr.ee/KC_Stories

Why is DreadCon important for horror and dark fiction authors?

It’s an opportunity for readers and authors to meet and interact; a wonderful time to chat and for book lovers to get books signed and discover new-to-them authors they might not otherwise get the chance to find out about. Book fairs and conventions are really vital to the community and I’m honoured to be part of dReadCon. Much thanks to Michelle and all the organizers for making this wonderful event happen.

Do you have a favourite character you have written? If so, what book are they in and will it be at dReadCon?

Favourite character, gosh… with 17 books written, nearly eighteen, that’s a tough one to answer. I really like all of the characters I write, whether they are villains or the heroes. Some fan favourites are Ricky Gibson and Bella Morris from Mall Priest, who spawned a whole new side series called the Supernatural Slayers. Book one of that series, Slasher Cruise, just released in April. They have a, shall we say, unique relationship, and it’s great fun deep diving into their heads and writing about them. I will have both Mall Priest and Slasher Cruise at dReadCon.

What’s the biggest misconception about horror authors or dark fiction?

I think the biggest misconception is that to write horror and dark fiction you must also be a horrible person and as twisted as the monsters in the books. Authors tell stories, they don’t live them in reality, at least in most cases, haha. Most authors are really kind, quiet, and introverted people who spend a lot of time looking at the world and writing about it. Horror and dark fiction doesn’t shy away from exploring at the dark side of people. But while we might write about killing flies at times, in reality we are more likely to shoo one out the door than smack it down.

What draws you to dark fiction—fear, mystery, or the psychology of horror?

For me it’s the gritty realness and the open-endedness of the plot. I used to write mostly romance, which always has, by definition of the genre, a happy ending. Whereas with horror in particular, the ending isn’t as predictable. ‘Will the characters survive or won’t they’ is the big question driving horror stories, followed closely by, ‘how far will someone go to survive?’ Finding the answer to both those questions is what motivates me as an author.

What role does fear play in storytelling, and how do you harness it effectively?

Fear, just like love, is universal. It’s a basic emotion we all experience regardless of age, race, or location. It is something we can all relate to, especially in stories. Harnessing fear as a connection to the reader creates emotional empathy, which is the lifeblood of all storytelling. If your reader can empathize with the character, whether they want to or not, they are there in the story, living the words along with the characters.

Has writing ever made you confront personal fears or experiences?

Yes. Every book. I live in fear that I’m not good enough and that I don’t do my stories justice because I’m a terrible writer. I live in fear that someone will hate what I’ve written because it’s mediocre, and I fear that it’s true. I face fear every time I write a book and release it into the world. And by extension of that experience, I’ve had to face my fear of being seen and noticed, as it’s important to do things like speak in public and meet people when trying to promote books. I’m actually a very shy person. Writing forces me to face that and overcome it for the sake of the books.

What makes a truly unforgettable villain or monster in dark fiction?

I think the greatest villains are ones who are believable and so well rounded that you can understand why they think that how they are acting is valid and necessary, and you empathize with them. I think Hannibal Lecter is one of the greatest villains I’ve ever read. His name inspires fear because even the thought of him is a gateway for him to get inside your head.

Do you have any writing rituals that help you get into the mindset for writing dark fiction?

Music. I listen to the same three or four tracks of a playlist when it’s time to write to get my mind into the trance-like state necessary for writing. It’s a bit like self-hypnosis, I guess. When I listen to that music, I know it’s time to focus and visit the land of make believe and write down what the characters do and say. The playlist is usually different for every story, but it is usually dark emo-ish electronic stuff. Or a movie soundtrack, like Interstellar, or Halloween 3. I listened to the soundtrack for Firestarter (the original) over and over again while writing It Came From The Pumpkin Patch.

dREADcon Canada is happening on september 13, 2025 in Burlington Ontario.

Grab your VIP tickets now or only $5 at the door!