There is a great Stephen King quotes that reads, “If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write.” It’s one of my favorite quotes to haul out when I’m talking to new writers because it contains so much truth: if you are wanting to write a book, then you need to be reading books. This statement is often met with enthusiastic head nods and more than a few sighs. I get it – who has time to read when writing a book on the side? We barely have enough time in this insanely oversaturated world for our own thoughts, let alone the time to read and write.

Ever get that feeling when you finish a book that you want to read something drastically different, something fresh? I know the feeling well. I remember feeling this at the end of October (a month when I only read creepy books). I was desperate for something – anything – different.

You see them at parties. You see them in pictures. You see them on Christmas cards. Suddenly, they are everywhere and yet most of the year they are nowhere, buried in the back of the closet until they burst out in glorious tackiness. 

They are garish. They are loud. They hurt your eyes. They are ugly Christmas sweaters.

Halloween season is here and I, for one, am ready for it. My family lives for trick-or-treating, Halloween costumes, pumpkin patches, copious amounts of candy and flickering candles. To help set the ominous atmosphere, I decided years ago that I would only read creepy books for the entirety of October. It's something I highly recommend. Are you ready to join me on this haunted literary adventure? 

Anythink has a list of new books of all genres that will put a chill up your spine, and a ghostly whisper in your ear. Most of these are avaliable at Anythink libraries now!