Strathmore author featured in new horror anthology
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Strathmore-based author Francine Cunningham is among several Indigenous authors who have contributed to a new horror anthology, Zegaajimo: Indigenous Horror Fiction.
“It is a book of Indigenous horror stories and I was asked to contribute a story to it, which I did very happily,” said Cunningham. “I write a lot of dark fiction and horror fiction when I write short stories, so I was very excited to write a story for this collection.”
Cunningham explained one of the editors at Kegedonce Press reached out to her asking if she had a story she would like to contribute to the book, which she excitedly accepted.
The stories which comprise the book are exclusively written by Indigenous authors. The same is true for the editorial and the art team behind the publication. In total, 11 writers from across Turtle Island are featured in the anthology.
“They told us we could write about whatever we wanted … I think some (of the stories) draw on myth and legend, but I think a lot are contemporary stories,” said Cunningham. “My story is called ‘A Season for Everything,’ and the idea is there is this young hunter, this woman, who goes out to the bush to see if she can live on her own and survive on her own and make her way in this world on her own.”
Cunningham added she is inspired to write dark fiction and horror because she finds it a joy to write, though it is not her sole genre.
A Season for Everything was penned over the course of an approximately two-month period, between drafts and editorial feedback before being finalized into the anthology.
“I am currently up in Dawson City, Yukon at the Burton House residency and I am working on a novel of stories, so that will be my next book that comes out,” she said. “I am always happy to be included in anthologies and so whenever people ask I say ‘sure.’ I love being part of an anthology. Currently right now I am really focusing on this current novel I am writing and so I am hoping by the end of the year I have a fully finished first draft.”
Zegaajimo: Indigenous Horror Fiction was officially released Nov. 9, and has been made available through online resources, as well as at local bookstores. It is also available to borrow through the Strathmore Library.