Why Appalachian Folk Horror?
The Appalachian Mountains have held a certain mystique for centuries, rich with cultural heritage, unique customs, and enduring myths. I grew up in the heart of this region, in rural northeastern Kentucky, where life moved to a different rhythm. Ghost stories were a common form of entertainment, especially during family bonfire gatherings. We would sit around the fire, roasting marshmallows and sharing tales of local legends from the woods that surrounded us.
Growing up, I was fascinated by the horror genre. I quickly fell in love with classics like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and the world of monsters, ghosts, and terror became a part of my identity. In high school, I took an Appalachian Folk History class as an alternative English credit. It was there that I truly found my voice, devouring literature by other Appalachian authors and immersing myself in the legends, myths, and stories of the region.
In late February of 2025, I had an epiphany: a horror story that would weave together the unique folklore of two distinct cultures. The idea first sparked with Appalachian legends—the belief that death comes in threes, the eerie tapping of a bird at the window, and the mysterious whistles that echo from the woods.
But these unsettling legends weren’t enough to satisfy my hunger for something more expansive. I recalled a college course on the Gullah/Geechee people, direct descendants of West African slaves who preserved their rich heritage in the Southeastern United States. Their myths and folklore, having intertwined with those of the Appalachians, presented a fascinating new dimension.
This is where the true inspiration for my debut novel was born. I wanted to create a rich, atmospheric narrative that not only honored Appalachian legends but also incorporated the vibrant traditions and powerful folklore of the Gullah/Geechee Nation.
Thus, the genre came to fruition: Appalachian Folk Horror
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