Picture a Kentucky storyteller who conjured a haunting world of Southern Gothic horror—meet Elizabeth Kilcoyne! Born and raised in the rolling hills of the Bluegrass State, this author, poet, and playwright has captivated readers with her debut novel, Wake the Bones. With a knack for blending eerie magic, lush imagery, and raw emotion, Kilcoyne has carved a unique niche in young adult horror, earning accolades as a new standard-bearer in the genre.
Her stories pulse with the heartbeat of rural Kentucky, weaving tales of grief, love, and supernatural forces that feel as real as the soil under your feet. Ready to dive into her spellbinding world? Let’s explore the life and works of this rising literary star!
The Making of Elizabeth Kilcoyne
Elizabeth Kilcoyne grew up in Kentucky, where the landscapes of tobacco farms and dense woods shaped her imagination. A graduate of the University of Kentucky with a degree in theatre, she honed her storytelling craft through playwriting and poetry before turning to novels. Her early career included ghostwriting, a gig that sharpened her ability to capture diverse voices. At just 21, she penned the first draft of Wake the Bones, inspired by a chilling moment stacking rocks in her family’s cemetery, standing atop her own grave.
Kilcoyne’s deep connection to her roots—both the beauty and the struggles of rural life—infuses her work with authenticity. Her love for speculative fiction, sparked by a fascination with the uncanny, set the stage for her to reimagine Kentucky’s landscapes as haunting, magical realms.
Elizabeth Kilcoyne’s Unforgettable Stories
Kilcoyne’s debut novel, Wake the Bones, released in 2022 by Wednesday Books, is a young adult Southern Gothic masterpiece. The story follows Laurel Early, a 19-year-old who returns to her family’s tobacco farm after dropping out of college, only to face supernatural horrors tied to her late mother’s legacy. With vivid prose and chilling imagery—like a bone pile that walks—the novel explores grief, love, and the pull of home. It earned starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews, which hailed Kilcoyne as a “new standard-bearer in YA horror.”
Her writing style is a heady mix of lyrical beauty and visceral horror, grounded in the textures of rural Kentucky—think sweltering summers and whispering woods. Kilcoyne’s themes often grapple with the tension of belonging versus escape, reflecting the complex emotions of young adulthood. While Wake the Bones remains her flagship work, her poetry and plays, published in journals like Still: The Journal, showcase her versatility, blending gothic vibes with emotional depth.
Though Kilcoyne is still early in her career, her ability to craft queer, inclusive narratives and tackle heavy themes—like mental health and abuse—with sensitivity has resonated with readers. Her stories don’t shy away from the grotesque, yet they’re balanced by moments of tenderness, making her work both thrilling and heartfelt.
Why Elizabeth Kilcoyne Matters
Elizabeth Kilcoyne’s impact lies in her ability to elevate young adult horror with a distinctly Southern voice. Her debut novel was a finalist for the William C. Morris Award, signaling her as a talent to watch. By rooting her stories in Kentucky’s cultural and natural landscape, she offers a fresh perspective in a genre often dominated by urban settings. Her inclusive characters, like the queer relationships in Wake the Bones, provide representation that feels organic and vital.
Beyond her writing, Kilcoyne’s work as a teacher at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning and her involvement in Lexington’s community vegetable market reflect her commitment to nurturing creativity and connection. She’s not just telling stories—she’s building a legacy of empathy and imagination that inspires readers to confront their own fears and dreams.
- Birthplace: Kentucky, USA
- Key Work: Wake the Bones (2022)
- Awards: William C. Morris Award Finalist
- Fun Fact: She teaches writing and gardens in Lexington!
Snag Wake the Bones and dive into Elizabeth Kilcoyne’s haunting Southern Gothic world! Whether you’re a horror fan or just love a good coming-of-age tale, her lush prose and eerie vibes will keep you up late, turning pages.