Picture a storyteller who weaves sapphic horror and fantasy with a queer, vibrant twist—meet Kayla Cottingham! This New York Times bestselling author has taken Young Adult literature by storm, crafting tales that blend spine-chilling thrills with heartfelt romance. From her debut My Dearest Darkest to the gory yet witty This Delicious Death, Cottingham’s unique voice captivates readers with vivid characters and bold narratives.
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and now calling Boston home, Cottingham’s journey from librarian to literary star is as compelling as her stories. With a knack for pushing genre boundaries, she’s become a fresh, exciting presence in contemporary YA fiction, celebrated for her diverse, relatable characters and unapologetic storytelling.
The Making of Kayla Cottingham
Kayla Cottingham grew up in Salt Lake City, where her imagination found fuel in books and the vast Utah landscapes. A librarian by trade, she honed her love for stories by connecting teens with diverse voices, a passion that shapes her writing today. Her transition to authorship wasn’t planned—she initially pitched her debut as 'dark contemporary fantasy' before embracing its horror roots, a pivot that launched her into the spotlight. Cottingham’s love for RPGs and hiking in Boston’s woods adds a playful, adventurous streak to her creative process, often reflected in her dynamic narratives.
Kayla Cottingham’s Unforgettable Stories
Cottingham’s debut, My Dearest Darkest (2022), is a sapphic horror masterpiece set at the eerie Ulalume Academy. When Finch and Selena accidentally summon a carnivorous creature, they face a gruesome bargain for their deepest desires. Critics hailed its blend of cosmic horror, slow-burn romance, and dark academia vibes, landing it on the New York Times and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller lists. Readers adore its witty dialogue and terrifying imagery, often comparing it to Wilder Girls meets The Craft.
In 2023, This Delicious Death delivered a fresh take on the zombie genre. Four queer 'ghouls'—teens transformed by a pathogen called the Hollowing—attend a desert music festival, only to uncover a deadly plot. With synthetic flesh keeping their hunger at bay, the novel mixes gory horror with millennial humor and social commentary on queer identity. Reviewers praised its inclusive representation and fast-paced mystery, earning starred reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly.
Her upcoming novel, Practical Rules for Cursed Witches, promises a sapphic romantasy twist, showcasing Cottingham’s versatility. Her style—vivid, character-driven, and unapologetically queer—tackles themes of self-acceptance, chosen family, and societal stigma, all wrapped in thrilling, accessible prose that resonates with teens and adults alike.
Why Kayla Cottingham Matters
Kayla Cottingham’s impact lies in her ability to humanize the monstrous, using horror and fantasy to explore queer and marginalized experiences. Her stories challenge stereotypes, offering representation that feels authentic and empowering. By blending gore with humor and heart, she’s carved a niche in YA literature, inspiring readers to embrace their identities and face their fears. Her work’s resonance with diverse audiences signals a lasting influence, making her a voice to watch in the evolving landscape of YA fiction.
- Born: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Key Works: My Dearest Darkest, This Delicious Death, Practical Rules for Cursed Witches (forthcoming)
- Notable Achievements: New York Times and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller
- Fun Fact: She has a ridiculously large black cat named Squid!
Snag My Dearest Darkest or This Delicious Death and dive into Kayla Cottingham’s thrilling, queer horror world—you won’t look back!