Picture a Northern California storyteller who conjures ghosts and interstellar horrors with a flick of her pen—meet Courtney Alameda! A former librarian and bookseller, Alameda has carved a niche in young adult fantasy and horror, blending spine-chilling supernatural tales with sci-fi thrills. Her debut novel, Shutter, snagged a Bram Stoker Award nomination, proving her knack for crafting worlds that linger long after the final page.
The Making of Courtney Alameda
Born in Northern California, Courtney Alameda grew up surrounded by stories, eventually earning a B.A. in English Literature with an emphasis in Creative Writing from Brigham Young University. Her years as a bookseller and librarian fueled her love for genre fiction, particularly horror and fantasy. This passion, paired with a vivid imagination, led her to trade library stacks for a writer’s desk, where she began spinning tales of monster hunters and cosmic adventures.
Courtney Alameda’s Unforgettable Stories
Alameda’s debut, Shutter (2015), introduces Micheline Helsing, a tetrachromat who sees ghostly auras and battles supernatural creatures as a descendant of the famed Van Helsing lineage. Praised as a “standout in the genre” by School Library Journal, the novel’s fast-paced urban fantasy and nods to Bram Stoker’s Dracula hooked readers. Her follow-up, Pitch Dark (2018), shifts gears to a sci-fi horror mashup, following teens Tuck Morgan and Laura Cruz as they face sound-sensitive monsters aboard a derelict spaceship. Critics likened it to Ridley Scott’s Alien, with School Library Journal calling it a “must-have sci-fi read.”
Co-authored with Valynne Maetani, Seven Deadly Shadows (2019) dives into Japanese mythology, blending urban fantasy with Shinto priestesses and vengeful spirits. Alameda’s style shines through her vivid worldbuilding, heart-pounding action, and emotionally rich characters. Whether it’s ghost-hunting in San Francisco or surviving alien-infested ships, her stories balance thrills with heart, making them perfect for teens and adults alike.
Why Courtney Alameda Matters
Courtney Alameda’s work has invigorated young adult horror and fantasy, offering fresh takes on classic tropes. Her ability to weave diverse influences—from Dracula to Japanese folklore—creates immersive, inclusive worlds that resonate with readers. Her Bram Stoker nomination for Shutter marked her as a rising star, and her genre-blending approach continues to push boundaries, inspiring new voices in speculative fiction.
- Born: Northern California
- Key Works: Shutter, Pitch Dark, Seven Deadly Shadows
- Awards: Bram Stoker Award nomination for Shutter
- Fun Fact: She lives with a five-pound cat with a giant personality!
Snag Shutter or Pitch Dark and dive into Courtney Alameda’s thrilling blend of horror and heart—you won’t look at ghosts or spaceships the same way again!