Inaugural Bookshop of Horrors event connects local authors with fright fans
The smell of new books and fresh baked goods will catch the attention of many strolling down the streets of downtown Oshkosh. The Little Bookshop of Horrors event took place at Caramel Crisp & Cafe on October 19-20 with a spooky stroll where the community could take in the fall scenery all while visiting downtown businesses while enjoying cider samples. The cafe invited local Wisconsin authors and artists to show off their horror books, fright-filled masks, spooky prints, and jewelry creations at the event.
This one of a kind experience got put into motion after the idea arose earlier in the season.
“This is the first year for this particular event,” Jennifer Frank, a bookstore section worker at the cafe, said.
The idea for Little Bookshop of Horrors came up around two months ago, but was finally planned and carried out in the last month by Frank. Caramel Crisp has done other fun-filled book events in the past like DIY craft and trivia nights, live music, and a plethora of family and pet friendly events.
Frank began making connections with local artists, and local authors, in advance to prepare for the big day.
“I’ve been working on it for about a month or so,” Frank said.
Some of the local Wisconsin authors that were invited to the Little Bookshop of Horrors event included Ula Klein, Charlotte Greene and Julian Greystoke, who were also available for book signing. Wisconsin artists, like Liz Frank, came to the Oshkosh downtown to show off her creations that could spruce up the community's costumes for Halloween.
This event also serves as a way for authors and artists alike to connect.
“I love meeting the other artists who are here,” local author Sarah Reed said.
Reed won the Bram Stoker Award for the Bone Weaver’s Orchard in 2019 and currently works at the Oshkosh Public Library.
Reed came down to Caramel Crisp to talk about and sign her newest book; The Atropine Tree, which is about Victorian surgery, ghosts and alchemy.
“We talked about getting my books into the store,” Reed said.
Reed also talked about her childhood and how she grew up on spooky children's books, which helped her get into writing her own horror stories and novels in fifth grade.
“My fifth grade teacher would actually try and help me publish them,” Reed said.
Around 10 years ago, Reed began to publish her own books professionally after writing throughout her younger years and college after gaining more experience. The fall season has always had a special place in her heart. This especially spooky Halloween event captured the perfect environment to display her work.
“I’ve always been into spooky books,” Reed said.
Caramel Crisp worker and West senior Emma Otradovec was thrilled about both the idea and execution of the new event.
“It was really fun,” she said. “There was face paint, tarot card readings, crafts, and even a girl with resin coffins.”
Although Otradovec wasn’t directly involved in the event, she was able to observe the unusual chill in the atmosphere with all of the spooky activities.
“The turnout was great and the event was definitely successful, so I hope we do it again next year.”
by Kayden Brandt
Published November 4th, 2024
Oshkosh West Index Volume 121 Issue II