So last week ushered in an absolutely wonderful surprise: Reluctant Immortals is on the Preliminary Bram Stoker Awards ballot!

Now it’s very important to note this is not a nomination, as this is only the preliminary ballot; voting on the official nominees has just started, with the final ballot being announced in the coming weeks. But to make it this far is beyond thrilling and humbling.

Reluctant Immortals has been out for almost six months now, and it’s been a really wild and wonderful ride. Not only was the American version released from Saga Press, but the UK edition came out in November from Titan Books. The novel was named one of the best horror books of 2022 by Esquire, and it’s been highlighted as a top horror book at The Lineup, Flyleaf Books, and A.C. Wise’s annual reading roundup. It’s also been featured at Harper’s Bazaar, Goodreads, Book Riot, Rue Morgue, The Rumpus, and more. Not too shabby for a book about two gothic heroines who are forgotten within their own stories.

I was recently interviewed by the incredible Andrea Blythe over at Interstellar Press, which was a lovely experience all the way around. I’m also beyond delighted that the fantastic Christina Ladd reviewed Reluctant Immortals last month for Strange Horizons! I’m such a huge fan of both Andrea’s and Christina’s work, so this is truly such an honor!

It’s also such an amazing honor to be on the preliminary ballot alongside so many horror authors whose work I admire so much. This year’s preliminary ballot is truly filled with some of the absolute best voices in the genre right now, and to appear on the same list as their names is beyond a dream come true.

And finally, a quick reminder! The iMailer newsletter from HWA went out last week, which included a special link to download Reluctant Immortals, but if you missed that email, then it bears repeating: if you’re an Active or Lifetime member and would like to read my novel, please email me at gwendolyn@gwendolynkiste.com, and I would be thrilled to send you a copy of Reluctant Immortals!

Once again, so many congratulations to everyone on the preliminary ballot! There are so many incredible works in every category, and it’s truly so wonderful to be among all of you!

Happy reading!