Spooky Empire 2026

My first outing at Spooky Empire is in the books! In addition to meeting many talented and well-spoken writers throughout the weekend, I got to participate in five panels, a trivia contest, and a seance to contact Harry Houdini.

Panel: "60 Years of Dark Shadows" with Elaine Pascale and Stephanie E. Jensen (not pictured: Tom Lucas and Douglas Ford)

Panel: "Found Footage and Creepy Accounts" with Matt Masucci and Robbie Dorman (not pictured: Joshua Ginsberg and Christopher Balzano)

Panel: "It's All in Your Mind and Under Your Skin" with Sarah Tice and Sally Darling (not pictured: John Skipp and Usman Malik)

Panel: "Classic Monsters Remixed" with Matt Masucci, Douglas Ford, and Robbie Dorman (not pictured: Sally Darling and Elaine Pascale)

The costumes and decor at the event were also memorable.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles cos-players

Costume Contest winners

Costume Contest Grand Prize winner

Jack o' Lantern contest entrants

Jack o' Lantern contest entrants

Many thanks to everyone who planned this convention and everyone who attended our events! A special thanks to Patrick McCann for the photos!