Picture a Maryland storyteller who conjures magic and monsters with a cup of tea in hand—meet Ann Fraistat! This author, playwright, and narrative designer burst onto the young adult horror scene with her debut novel, What We Harvest, in 2022. With a knack for blending spine-chilling suspense with heartfelt coming-of-age tales, Fraistat’s work captures the eerie beauty of small-town secrets and the resilience of youth.
Born and raised in Maryland, Fraistat’s love for storytelling was sparked by childhood favorites like R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps and grew through her multifaceted career in theater and game design. Her stories, drenched in spooky vibes and lush imagery, invite readers into worlds where magic and horror intertwine.
The Making of Ann Fraistat
Ann Fraistat’s creative journey began in Maryland, where her imagination was fueled by horror novels and a passion for the spooky. By age 10, she was dreaming of becoming an author, inspired by works like The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman. Her path wasn’t just literary—she co-authored plays, acted, and directed on DC-area stages, bringing her love for interactive storytelling to life. Fraistat also designed alternate reality games for the National Science Foundation, sharpening her skills in crafting immersive narratives.
Her writing career took shape through persistence. After years of manuscripts and a mentorship in PitchWars, Fraistat landed her debut deal. Her move to Texas infused her work with a sense of longing for home, which became a haunting thread in her novels. This blend of personal experience and creative grit defines her unique voice.
Ann Fraistat’s Unforgettable Stories
Fraistat’s debut, What We Harvest (2022), is a feminist folk horror tale about a small town ravaged by a zombifying blight. The story follows Wren, a teen fighting to save her family’s farm, where rainbow-hued wheat sways under a sinister curse. Praised for its lush atmosphere and visceral chase scenes, it earned a 2022 Bram Stoker finalist nod and became an ABA Indies Introduce pick.
Her second novel, A Place for Vanishing (2024), is a USA Today bestseller that dives into contemporary gothic horror. It follows Libby, a teen grappling with bipolar disorder, as she uncovers dark secrets in her mother’s eerie Victorian mansion. With insect-themed imagery and themes of mental health recovery, it’s both chilling and deeply moving.
Fraistat’s style is a vivid mix of hopeful horror and magical realism, drawing comparisons to Claire Legrand and Grady Hendrix. Her stories weave small-town mysteries, supernatural thrills, and emotional depth, making them resonate with teens and adults alike. She’s also co-authored the playful Romeo & Juliet: Choose Your Own Ending, a comedy that reimagines Shakespeare with audience-driven twists.
Why Ann Fraistat Matters
Ann Fraistat’s impact lies in her ability to craft horror that’s as hopeful as it is haunting. Her focus on mental health, family ties, and resilience speaks to young readers navigating their own challenges. By blending gothic and folk horror with feminist themes, she’s carving a niche in YA fiction, inspiring fans to embrace the spooky and the heartfelt.
Her work also elevates interactive storytelling, from plays to games, showing how narratives can engage audiences in fresh ways. As a rising star, Fraistat’s influence is growing, with her books sparking conversations about trauma, identity, and the power of stories to heal.
- Born: Maryland, USA
- Key Works: What We Harvest (2022), A Place for Vanishing (2024), Romeo & Juliet: Choose Your Own Ending
- Awards:
- Fun Fact: She’s a tea enthusiast and loves baking!
Snag What We Harvest or A Place for Vanishing and dive into Ann Fraistat’s spellbinding blend of horror and heart!