Join Sam Fern as he explores the influences, motivations, and practicalities behind writing scary books for younger readers.

From reimagining gothic horrors in his YA puzzle book Escape Castle Dracula, to touring children through the festivals, tombs, and mythologies of Where the Dead Live, author Sam Fern explores the influences, motivations, and practicalities behind writing scary books for younger readers.

A literary Hallowe’en Special, this adventure through pop culture, horror literature, intermediality, and the practicalities of publishing is aimed at any adults, students, and creatives who still hope to be chased by a vampire.

Sam grew up in the perilous Wiltshire countryside of England, then scribbled his way to a First Class Honours degree in English Literature from Queen Mary, University of London. His dissertation specialised in Victorian Gothic monstrosity, kicking off an interest that would later inspire his first book, Escape Castle Dracula (Big Picture Press, 2024).

His latest book, Where the Dead Live (Templar Books, September 2025) is a non-fiction globe-trotting walk among the tombstones, exploring the thriving community of the dead, from festivals to archaeological digs, through tombs and catacombs, to realms of myth and ghostly goings-on. It was shortlisted for ‘Children’s Non-Fiction Book of the Year 2026’ by School Reading List.

Talk followed by Q&A and book signing.

Book your tickets today!

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Event starts at 7pm, please arrive early to secure a good seat.

Tickets are £3 and there is a Ticket & Book option which includes a signed copy of Escape Castle Dracula by Sam Fern.

The bookshop has level access, events are seated and speakers use microphones. If you have any concerns about accessibility, please do get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Refunds are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, we are unable to offer a refund after the event.

For more information or if you would like a signed copy because you can't make it to the event, please contact the Blackwell's events team on 0131 622 8222 or matthew.land@waterstones.com

Description supplied by the event organiser.