HAUNTED MINDS GRAVEYARD RUMBLE HIGHLIGHT

The horror community thrives off three things: connection, terror, and battles to the death. Don’t worry, not literally dying. Only in books. Check out the Rumble!

The Haunted Minds Facebook group, led by horror author Nick Roberts, began as a haven for lovers of the genre to connect and discuss the books they loved. It didn’t stop there, though. Movies, comics, magazines… It’s a place for all things spooky to thrive. Memes included. From its conception, we have seen two New Year’s celebrations highlighting indie authors (and some in the Big 5) who have written something exceptional in the previous year, with the guest of honor – [Legends of Horror] – being recognized as Stephen Graham Jones and Joe Hill. Yes, they even cameoed.

While this did bring up some discussion that the little guys often get left out, it also ignited a flame for many to get out there and market themselves harder. Also, those who didn’t make the final nominations were still highlighted, their work being showcased one way or another.

The group, now moderated by Roberts and Courtney Jay-Madden, is notorious for not putting up with the drama either. Bots? Gone. Got beef? Yeeted. Stirring the pot? Cooked. Keep that for the DMs and figure it out. They have created an atmosphere of positivity and objective discussion… and fun. Fun is important.

I won’t get into the seedy underbelly of deep lore and drama, but the Haunted Minds helped resurrect pieces of a community craving a need to be seen, while also staying engaged in a safe space.

So, let’s talk about the Rumble.

While there is some apprehension in the community due to past “battles”, people have received it well. Guidelines have been established early and they’ve stuck to a familiar Top 24. The main highlight that has been well received is that during the meme wars – the only ones able to participate are the authors themselves. As we’ve seen in the past, sometimes letting others into the mix can make things nasty. Let’s be honest, friends, if you can roast someone, you can do it in their DMs. If not? You’re probably not that close to them. Keep it clean! Another bit that has been (mostly) well celebrated is the no AI usage and that the book cannot have been entered in a previous battle before. This has allowed the underdogs to really jump into the mix and throw the punches they need to garner that visibility that’s well-deserved. Per the usual, the readers are the ones who ultimately decided the Top 24 – the top 15 of each group advancing until the final list was reached. I’m a little worried about what it may look like at the Strand-Nelson house right now… Kidding! Mostly… (#TeamBridgett).

We also see engagement from indie heavy hitters who are helping lead the Graveyard Rumble, such as Sean McDonough who has written “Not Another 80’s Horror Novel” and “Beverly Kills” and is well beloved for his skits. We also see folks like Duncan Ralston making an appearance for a contrarian comment, here and there. Which, if you’ve been around for a bit, is something we all crave from him.

But what is the real purpose behind the Haunted Minds Graveyard Rumble?

One thing the indie horror community does well is rally for one another. Despite what may happen in this family, we come together when someone is in need – that’s what family does! So, while there is fun, games, reading, voting… The goal is really to bring awareness to Scares That Care!, an organization (while it has no affiliation with Haunted Minds) that is devoted to truly helping families in need.

Then, of course, there is the grand prize: The trophy—glow in the dark—made  by Alexandrea Christianson, but also the winning author will have a publication in the print and digital version of CEMETARY DANCE, a Zoom meeting with literary agent, Lane Heymont, President of the Tobias Literary Agency, and individualized merch based on their book by Paradise Sippin’. Mind blown? Mine, too. What a treasure chest, am I right?

So, if you’re down for a community that sticks together and love to read, this may be the time to consider joining up. The rounds are coming up quickly, so don’t sit on this for too long:

Round one: 6/13/2026

Round two: 6/20/2026

Round three: 6/23/2026

Final: 7/4/2026

Don’t forget to stop by Scares That Care! On your way to the rumble: Scares That Care.

Unfortunately, I was unable to upload the theme song that was shared with me. Just know, Flula Borg is involved and it is DELIGHTFUL. Join the group to experience this masterpiece.

PLEASE NOTE: The views and opinions of the staff of Memento Mori Ink do not necessarily represent those of Memento Mori Ink or Crystal Lake Publishing. Thank you for understanding.