A Crash Course in Gothic Fiction With Erin Crosby Eckstine

Take a crash course in Gothic fiction with Junie author Erin Crosby Eckstine as we trace the genre's origins, evolution, and enduring allure.Erin returns to Book Gang to share what surprised her most about debut life and what she's learned about balancing writing, book promotion, and an ever-growing TikTok community. Then, we dive deep into the eerie, elegant world of Gothic literature — where decaying mansions, stormy moors, and family secrets reflect the darkness within.If you've ever wondered what makes a book Gothic, how the genre evolved from the 18th century to the present day, or how writers can utilize Gothic techniques to explore contemporary fears, this episode is your guided tour through the creeping shadows, courtesy of a former English teacher.In this illuminating conversation, we discuss:📚 Debut Surprises: What Erin learned from releasing Junie and how this political moment is impacting visibility, sales, and future book deals for BIPOC authors like her.📚 A Gothic 101 Deep Dive: Erin breaks down the key elements of Gothic fiction, from its origins in 18th-century England to how modern writers are reimagining it today.📚 Erin's Top 5 Gothic Fiction Recommendations: Erin shares her top five picks for your books that include modern Gothic fiction that continue to illuminate today's anxieties — about identity, race, power, and belonging — through atmosphere and suspense.Meet Erin Crosby EckstineErin Crosby Eckstine is an author of speculative historical fiction. Her debut novel, Junie, was selected for the Good Morning America book club. Born in Montgomery, Alabama, Eckstine grew up between the South and Los Angeles before moving to New York City to attend Barnard College. She earned a master's in secondary English education from Stanford University and taught high school English for six years. She lives in Brooklyn with her partner and their cats. 📚 BONUS BOOK LIST: Don't miss this week's TWO companion reading guides to continue your Gothic education: 11 Classic Gothic Novels That Started It All and 30 Modern Gothic Novels That Keep the Candle Burning. Patrons will receive printable checklists to take on their next visit to the library!Mentioned in this episode:Download Today's Show TranscriptJoin the November Book Club 11/21 at 8 PM ET (Weyward by Emilia Hart)NEW BOOK LIST: 11 Classic Gothic Novels That Started It AllNEW BOOK LIST: 30 Modern Gothic Novels That Keep the Candle BurningJunie by Erin Crosby EckstineHow Family History & Legacy Shaped Junie (Erin Crosby Eckstine's First Episode on Book Gang)Jane Eyre by Charlotte BrontëThe Secret History by Donna TarttThe Odyssey by HomerWuthering Heights by Emily BrontëThe Lives of the BrontësTo Walk Invisible The Brontë SistersKanopy appShirley by Charlotte BrontëVilette by Charlotte BrontëThe Lilac People by Milo ToddBrickBeloved by Toni MorrisonWilliam FaulknerMexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-GarciaThe Hacienda by Isabel CañasThe House of the Spirits by Isabel AllendeWhy Is The New "Wuthering Heights" Movie Stirring Controversy?SaltburnWe Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley JacksonOur Share of the Night by Mariana EnriquezBleak House by Charles Dickens Bookshop.org pays a 10% commission on every sale and matches it with 10% to support independent bookstores.Connect With Us:Join the Book Gang PatreonConnect with Erin Crosby Eckstine on Instagram or their WebsiteConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals Newsletter