The Girl in the Attic

I’m excited to announce that my short story, “The Girl in the Attic,” came out today in Growing Pains, a youth horror anthology from Sinister Saints Press.

I’m psyched about this anthology because A) kids love to be scared and B) what’s more terrifying than the teenage years? Growing Pains brings it all together.

Here’s the description of the book from Sinister Saints:

“Growing up has always been difficult. There’s peer group pressure to contend with, teenage angst, making social connections, acceptance, finding out who you are and what you want… So add psychopathic tendencies, crazy families, hidden secrets and loopy la la crushes into the mix and you’ll be lucky to hit puberty! Join editor Rich Dodgin and the authors from imprint Sinister Saints Press for this horrific ‘coming of age’ collection.”

The mention of “crazy families” and “hidden secrets” brings to mind my piece in the anthology. Here’s a little teaser:

“The Girl in the Attic”
by Carie Juettner

The door, which was nailed shut with one hundred and eight silver nails, had not been opened in sixty years. The girl, who had just turned twelve, stood in front of the door, thinking. The hammer, which dangled from the girl’s right hand, belonged to her father, who was not home.

Lydia had always wondered what was behind the attic door… But every time someone saw her with a hammer, they took it away from her and made her play outside. She could never catch a break.

Until now.

To find out what’s behind the attic door, buy a copy of Growing Pains!

P.S. My story is in good company. The anthology also includes work from my World Horror Con roomie Ashley Davis and fellow Austin author Rie Sheridan Rose. I’m honored to be published alongside them.