NASHUA – Five authors of horror fiction will be at Balin Books shortly before Halloween for a roundtable discussion exploring the themes, inspirations and lasting appeal of the horror genre.

Residents are invited to meet authors Christopher Golden, Paul Tremblay, Bracken MacLeod, Christa Carmen and Tanya Pell at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 28. The event will feature an in-depth discussion, question and answer period and opportunity to purchase signed copies of the authors’ books. Balin Books is located in Somerset Plaza, 375 Amherst St.

The impetus for this “Horrorfest” is the publication of The End Of The World As We Know It, an original short story anthology based on Stephen King’s number one bestseller The Stand. Golden is the editor of the collection and contributor along with Tremblay. The book brings together 36 of the greatest and most visionary writers featuring unforgettable, all-new stories set during and after the events of The Stand. Brilliant, terrifying and painfully human tales that will resonate with readers as an essential companion to the classic, bestselling novel.

A New York Times bestselling author, Golden is best known for his supernatural thrillers set in deadly, distant locales…but in his latest work, All Hallows, a suburban Halloween drama, Golden brings the horror home. It’s Halloween night, 1984, in the fictional town of Coventry, Mass. and two families are unraveling.

Tremblay is the author of eight novels including Horror Movie, an obsessive, psychologically chilling and suspenseful feat of storytelling genius that builds inexorably to an unforgettable, mind-bending conclusion.

MacLeod has been nominated for the Bram Stoker, Splatterpunk and Shirley Jackson awards for his novels, Mountain Home, Stranded, Come To Dust and Closing Costs.

Carmen writes the blog “Horror Homesteading” offering thoughts on the creative process and general horror-related commentary. She is the author of four works of fiction including Something Borrowed, Something Blood-Soaked, the winner of the Indie Horror Book Award for Debut Collection.

Pell is the author of Her Wicked Roots.

“Her Wicked Roots is a stellar, genre-bending debut from Tanya Pell,” said Golden. “It’s a full-fledged Gothic, creepy as hell and full of yearning, soaked in dread and mystery.”

This event is free and all are welcome. For more information, call the bookstore at 603-417-7981 or look online at balinbooks.com.