I recently had the incredible opportunity to speak at StokerCon, one of the most respected conventions in the horror writing community. I joined a panel called “Love Bites: Where Horror and Romance Make Out,” alongside some fantastic authors: Jonathan Reddoch, Elizabeth Suggs, and Brianna Malotke.
As a dark fiction author, this topic felt like home. Horror and romance may seem like strange bedfellows, but they actually share a lot of DNA: vulnerability, obsession, passion, and the tension of losing what we love. During the discussion, I dove into how romantic tension can amplify dread and how intimacy can make characters more human, making horror hit harder.
Why This Was More Than Just a Panel
Sure, it was a fun conversation, but from a marketing and PR perspective, this was a strategic move for my brand. Here’s why:
- Visibility in the Right Space: Speaking at StokerCon positioned me in front of an audience that loves the genres I write in and values the voices shaping them.
- Thought Leadership: Panels like these establish credibility. I wasn’t just talking about horror and romance; I was showcasing my expertise and passion for the craft.
- Networking: Sharing the stage with talented authors opened doors for collaborations and cross-promotion opportunities.
And let’s be honest: in marketing, visibility and connection are everything.
Horror/Romance Marketing Takeaways
One of the most interesting aha! moments for me was after the panel ended and I reflected on what a horror and romance mashup means for marketing. Both genres tap into primal emotions. Romance thrives on longing and desire, while horror feeds on fear and vulnerability. Put them together, and you’ve got emotional intensity that resonates across audiences.
For me as an author, that means:
- Expanding readership beyond traditional horror fans by appealing to romance readers who love high-stakes emotion.
- Creating cross-genre content that sparks conversation around these overlaps, creating stories that readers can’t put down.
- Using themes from this panel in my brand messaging to attract readers who crave something a little dark and a little passionate.
PR Impact and Results
This wasn’t just a speaking gig, it was a PR win. Here’s what came out of it:
- Social Media Buzz: Live tweets and Instagram stories during the panel brought new followers to my author platforms.
- Media Opportunities: I booked an additional panel appearance at FanX as a direct result of this speaking opportunity.
- Website Traffic Growth: By sharing behind-the-scenes content and panel takeaways, I saw an 18% increase in website traffic within two weeks.
Panels like this aren’t just great for connecting with readers, they’re earned media opportunities that continue working long after the event is over.
Key Takeaways for Branding
Speaking on Love Bites reminded me why I love these cross-genre conversations. It wasn’t just about writing. This opportunity was about branding, visibility, and showing up where my readers are. Events like StokerCon aren’t just a highlight of my creative career; they’re also smart PR moves that keep building momentum for my author brand.
Want to boost your brand? Let’s connect!
xoxo,
Michaela Rae
