Hi all! I’m thrilled to announce that Katherine Tegen Books/Harper Collins is going to be publishing my next middle grade spooky book in the Summer of 2022! It’s called THIS APPEARING HOUSE and for maximum effect, say it outloud. Cool, right?
I’m really excited about this book, friends, because not only do I love a good Haunted House story but this one hits very close to home and I’m really hoping that for kids it will be an avenue to talk about things – like illness and fear and death – that they might struggle with.
I’m beyond thrilled and I cannot wait for you to meet Jac and her best friend Hazel as they try to find their way out of a sentient House that is more than what it seems. In the story, the idiom “the only way out is through” could not be more literal. As they manage their way through each twisted room of the House, we learn more about Jac and why she has found herself stuck in a place that exists simply for her to face her Truth.
And in case you wanted a feel for the vibes, here is the aesthetic I built when I was writing it.
That’s about it for now. I’m going to have a new post up soon with an interview with the illustrator who did the cover of GHOST GIRL about her process! Bonus includes a couple alternative covers!
I can’t believe GHOST GIRL comes out in 4 months! If you haven’t pre-ordered you can do so here! It really helps an author out!
Also, I think we’re going to start sharing blurbs soon, but I couldn’t help but love this one so here you go:
“Malinenko has crafted a vivid portrait of what it’s like to be young and scared, even as she reminds you that fear can only win if you let it. A good horror novel should plunge you into darkness, but it should also guide you back toward the light. Ghost Girl – just like it’s heroine – absolutely rises to the challenge.”
-Alison Ames, author of TO BREAK A COVENANT
Nice right?
Till then, diving back into THIS APPEARING HOUSE edits.
Peace, love, and starbursts,
Ally
Ally Malinenko 