Picture a Boston-born storyteller who spins tales so dark and vivid they linger in your mind like a chilling whisper—meet Eric LaRocca! This rising star in horror fiction has captivated readers with his unsettling narratives and fearless exploration of the macabre. With a knack for blending psychological depth and visceral horror, LaRocca is redefining contemporary horror with every twisted page.
From his viral novella to novels optioned for film, LaRocca’s work is a must-read for anyone craving stories that push boundaries and haunt long after the final sentence. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this unique voice in horror.
The Making of Eric LaRocca
Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Eric LaRocca (he/they) found solace in storytelling from a young age. A creative child, he was drawn to the art of crafting narratives, initially exploring theater with plays performed by a local company in his hometown of Kent, Connecticut. His love for fiction deepened during his college years in Connecticut, where encouraging professors nurtured his talent. LaRocca later earned a master’s degree in writing from Emerson College, honing his skills across fiction, poetry, and screenwriting. His early experiences with anxiety and feelings of ostracization fueled his affinity for horror, a genre he views as a cathartic space to confront fears in a controlled environment.
Eric LaRocca’s Unforgettable Stories
LaRocca burst onto the horror scene with his 2021 novella Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke, a viral sensation that explores the unraveling of an online relationship through an epistolary format. Set in a claustrophobic chat room, it’s a masterclass in psychological horror, blending obsession and dread with a queer lens. The novella’s Splatterpunk Award win and Bram Stoker Award nomination cemented LaRocca’s reputation as a bold new voice.
His 2022 novella You’ve Lost a Lot of Blood dives into the psyche of a gay serial killer, weaving surreal and visceral elements that challenge readers’ perceptions. Everything the Darkness Eats (2023), his first novel, tackles trauma and cosmic horror in a small Connecticut town, earning praise for its luminous prose and unflinching look at bigotry. The Trees Grew Because I Bled There: Collected Stories (2023) showcases his short fiction, with tales like “You’re Not Supposed to Be Here” delivering moral reckonings and psychological chills. LaRocca’s style—raw, transgressive, and often queer-focused—pairs bold horror with nuanced characters, making his stories both unsettling and deeply human.
Why Eric LaRocca Matters
Eric LaRocca’s impact on horror fiction lies in his ability to amplify marginalized voices, particularly queer ones, in a genre historically lacking diversity. His complex, morally gray characters challenge stereotypes, offering readers authentic, boundary-breaking narratives. Praised by Esquire as one of the “Writers Shaping Horror’s Next Golden Age” and by Locus for his unique voice, LaRocca has inspired a new wave of horror writers. His growing global following and the film optioning of At Dark, I Become Loathsome by Norman Reedus’ production company signal his rising influence. LaRocca’s work doesn’t just scare—it invites readers to confront their fears and embrace the beauty in the grotesque.
- Born: Boston, Massachusetts
- Key Works: Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke, You’ve Lost a Lot of Blood, Everything the Darkness Eats, The Trees Grew Because I Bled There
- Awards: Splatterpunk Award winner, 3x Bram Stoker Award finalist
- Fun Fact: LaRocca is a lover of luxury fashion and European musical theater.
Snag Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke and dive into Eric LaRocca’s thrilling, thought-provoking horror today!