Maria Vellanz
4 min read
REROUTE Magazine
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In the world of horror fiction, Briana Morgan (she/her) stands in her own light. Her creativity pours into every story she writes, and her love of all things terrifying is just part of why she is a horror author to watch out for.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Briana has had a passion for storytelling ever since childhood. After learning to read, she devoured every book she could get her hands on. Soon, it dawned on her that someone wrote the stories she loved—and it became clear what she wanted to do: become an author.
Her earliest memory of writing goes back to her elementary school’s annual Young Writers Contest. “Students could submit their stories for judging,” Briana shares. “Two winners from each grade level got to attend the Young Writers Banquet in the library, where they received T-shirts and refreshments, along with the chance to read their writing.” Briana’s first full-length story, Skyla Dame and the Gatlinburg Gazebo, landed her a coveted spot at the table. (This wasn’t a horror story, of course—that would come later.)
From that moment on, Briana was hooked on writing.
Gateway to Horror
Growing up, Briana was captivated by all things spooky. She describes the TV series Are You Afraid of the Dark? and the Goosebumps book series as “gateway drugs for many millennial horror authors.” Even as a kid, she was undeterred by nightmares. “I couldn’t put those stories down,” she says. “To this day, I still feel a touch of wonder when I think about those books.”
Her horror influences speak to her deep love for the genre:
So, what draws her to horror?
“I love how horror allows me to safely explore my trauma as well as the depths of the human psyche within a controlled environment. I think horrific situations either make or break a person, and I love discovering how my characters react to a world turned upside-down.”
And upside-down worlds are what Briana creates with breathtaking ease.
The Art of Monsters and Gore
Briana’s writing thrives on gore, body horror, and the monsters that haunt her stories. Her novella The Reyes Incident features carnivorous mermaids, while her short story The Mistake House presents a house that twists its victims in unspeakable ways. To Briana, good gore is art. She’s quick to notice when directors or authors rely on excessive gore for shock value. (She cites the Terrifier franchise as an example.) “There is beauty in the macabre,” she reflects. “That’s what drew me to horror in the first place.”
Beyond gore, Briana has a soft spot for monsters. One of her most striking creations is the Tricker-Treater—a top-hat-wearing horror figure described as “a mix between the Babadook and Jigsaw.” The Tricker-Treater grants wishes if you win his games, but the consequences are always dire. He features in two of Briana’s works, with a third, The Tricker-Treater Rides Again, on the way.
Currently, Briana is working on a story inspired by the wendigo, a mythological cannibalistic creature from North American Algonquian traditions.
ADHD and the Neurodivergent Lens
Briana’s ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) diagnosis has significantly influenced her writing life. Although she excelled academically, she recalls procrastinating until the last moment in college—a cycle that placed immense pressure on her.
It was during the COVID-19 lockdowns that Briana began to look inward. “The longer I was locked inside, the more I realized—my brain was fundamentally different.” She received her official ADHD diagnosis in 2022. With therapy, medication, and a better understanding of herself, Briana now harnesses her hyper-focus as a creative “superpower.”
When asked about neurodiversity and creativity, Briana is clear:
“It’s not a death sentence. So many writers believe they can’t be successful without a ‘normal’ brain, but that just isn’t true. It will be more difficult, but once you find the right process to accommodate you, you can still accomplish your goals.”
Briana also challenges misconceptions. “ADHD doesn’t equal laziness. Many of us work harder to achieve what neurotypical people do effortlessly. We are constantly striving to improve.”
The Power of Community and Representation
Social media has allowed Briana to expand her reach. Instagram remains her favorite platform, where she connects with fans, shares writing updates, and celebrates milestones (including her marriage!). Though she experimented with TikTok, she’s stepped back due to its impact on her focus.
Despite her social media success, Briana’s primary focus remains on her books. An indie author for now, she’s looking to break into traditional publishing. She’s currently querying her novel, Tiger Cult—a psychological horror tale delving into cults, true crime, and vital queer and disability representation.
For Briana, representation isn’t optional. “If we, as authors, aim to portray the world around us truthfully, we must include diversity. I’m a queer, disabled woman. It’s only in the last few years that I’ve seen myself in fiction, and if I can help change that, I’m thrilled to do my part.”
A Promising Future in Horror
Briana’s recent success includes her participation in Eerie Elixir 2024, a writing retreat held at the historic—and haunted—Sayre Mansion in Bethlehem, PA. Invited alongside two literary agents, she presented workshops and critiques. “It was a weekend chock-full of learning, networking, and writing,” she says. “I made lifelong connections there.”
As a queer, disabled woman and a voice for both the horror and neurodivergent communities, Briana Morgan proves that success is possible, even when the path is more difficult. Her passion for storytelling and her resolve to keep creating are nothing short of inspirational.
Through her monsters, her worlds of terror, and her unwavering voice, Briana Morgan shows us that there’s power in embracing who we are—flaws, struggles, and all.
Briana Morgan is not just an author to watch—she’s one to remember.
INSTAGRAM: @brianamorganbooks
