Community Corner

Fan of the Fantastical? HollowRead Comes to Ellicott City

If you like your literature on the uncanny side, you're in luck. HollowRead convention is coming to Howard County this Halloween.

Looking for a different way to celebrate Halloween this year? 

If you like steampunk, horror, or paranormal fantasy novels – you’re in luck this year. Rachel Rawlings is coming to Ellicott City to kick off HallowRead – a convention for those who like their books a little spooky.

Rawlings, a Maryland resident, is the author of Wolfsbane and the Maurin Kincade series to name a few. She showed her Maryland cred by choosing to kick off the convention at an Ellicott City Ghost Tour on Oct. 25.

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"I've been a panelist and featured author in the autograph alley at large pop culture conventions and they're great," Rawlings said in a news release, "but you don't get to spend a lot of time with the readers. I wanted to create something intimate and interactive where the authors and fans could really get to know one another."

To that end, she’ll be hosting book signings all day Sat., October 26, and will sit down for brunch Sunday morning fans.  On Saturday night, the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company will host a closed performance of Dracula in the ruins at the Patapsco Female Institute. 

Find out what's happening in Ellicott Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Panels will include discussion on such topics as “The Good, The Bad & The Irresistible: A talk about all things Alpha male”  and a “Name that Vampire” contest with prizes.

Read more about the participating authors and planned activities online.

HallowRead started out with a few authors, according to Ellicott City Business Association events maven Jeni Porter. It’s now attended by 25 – all women, and many best-selling authors.

"We wouldn't be here without our readers,” Rawlings said. “It shouldn't cost a fortune to meet one of your favorite authors or to find a new one. I wanted HallowRead to be affordable for everyone."


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