By Jim Mcleod 
What if our deepest childhood fears held the key to our greatest strengths? For author Joe Chianakas, the terrifying woods of Springdale Cemetery, the anguish of potential loss, and the isolating fear of being “different” weren’t just memories—they were the raw materials for his horror novel, Darkness Calls. In this deeply personal reflection, Joe Chianakas explores the universal nature of fear and reveals how he transformed his own struggles with darkness into a story of confrontation and, ultimately, healing. Journey beyond the simple scare to discover how the monsters of our past can inspire the stories that save us.
In Darkness Calls, I didn’t just write a monster-in-the-woods mystery. I wrote my monster story. I tapped into those fears. The eerie silence of getting lost in the woods, the pain of tragic loss, and the feeling of being different and being hunted for it—all of that and more bleeds through the pages of Darkness Calls.
Joe Chianakas How My Darkest Moments Inspired Darkness Calls
I grew up near the edge of Springdale Cemetery in Peoria, Illinois. It was the kind of place that looked peaceful in the daylight but transformed into something entirely different after sunset. I feared I’d never find my way back after getting lost multiple times in the woods that surrounded the cemetery. More than once, I got lost at night and every shadow was a monster. It became the stuff of my worst nightmares. I imagined shadowy creatures watching from the trees and lurking behind headstones. What if I couldn’t find my way out? What if something found me first?
And the fears didn’t stop there. Like many kids, I was terrified of losing the people I loved, like my parents and grandparents. I’d lie awake wondering what life would be like without them. And when I did lose them as an adult, I fought tremendous pain. Cancer took my mother and ALS took my father, ripping them (and me) of decades of life together.
As a child, I also feared anyone who could break into your home, anyone who could hurt you just because you’re different. As a queer kid figuring out my identity in a world that didn’t always feel safe or welcoming, I felt like I was constantly looking over my shoulder. Bullies weren’t just on the playground. They followed me in my thoughts, shaming me in the darkness.
Oh, the Darkness. Literal darkness, metaphorical worthlessness and shame that makes you feel dark. All of those aren’t just memories or fears. No, they are inspiration.
In Darkness Calls, I didn’t just write a monster-in-the-woods mystery. I wrote my monster story. I tapped into those fears. The eerie silence of getting lost in the woods, the pain of tragic loss, and the feeling of being different and being hunted for it—all of that and more bleeds through the pages of Darkness Calls.
Darkness Calls isn’t just about fear, though. This story will haunt you if you share any of my fears. But it will do more than haunt.
It will heal.
It’s about characters who choose to fight back, who uncover the most incredible secrets and confront monsters, and the secrets and monsters are both metaphorical and literal. It’s a story that will surprise you in the best way.
If you’ve ever feared the dark depths of our mental hells, feared being alone, or feared not being understood, Darkness Calls was written for you.
The line between light and dark is thinner than you think.
Darkness Calls: 1 (The Pit of Darkness) by Joe Chianakas
In the woods surrounding a quiet Midwestern town, an ancient malevolence awakens. Unseen by most, the Darkness hungers for the radiant energy of children-a feast it craves with an insatiable thirst. A decade after a nightmarish onslaught shattered the community, this evil thought to be vanquished returns, more ferocious than ever.
Christina finds herself once again at the heart of the storm. The Darkness destroyed her family and twisted her childhood friend Fiara into something neither fully human nor wholly monster. But this time, Christina refuses to be a victim. Determined to fight back, she rallies an extraordinary group of gifted individuals, each with unique talents and untapped energy. Together, they form an unlikely alliance, bound by a shared goal: to rescue their abducted friends and unravel the sinister enigma that threatens their world.
As they venture deep into nightmarish realms, monstrous creatures and inner demons rise to confront them. Secrets become their weapons, trust their shield. The line between light and dark blurs, and the fate of their world hangs by a thread. In this battle against ancient malevolence, only the bravest hearts will endure.
Darkness Calls beckons you into a world where the line between light and dark blurs, where friendships forged in adversity become the armor against ancient malevolence. Will their combined strengths be enough to stem the tide of darkness? The battle for survival is about to ignite once more, and only the bravest hearts will endure.
Joe Chianakas
Joe Chianakas is a two-time teacher-of-the-year winner. Inspiring students is his favorite passion. He’s written multiple bestsellers and loves to entertain in horror and young adult genres.
When he’s not writing, he’s probably walking or playing with Bailey, his mini-Australian Shepherd and the best dog in the world.
Chianakas is currently represented by Amy Brewer of Metamorphosis Literary Agency and has multiple publishing contracts with Roan and Weatherford. He lives in Peoria, IL with his husband, Brian.
WEBSITE LINKS
Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B015UJP0GE/
Author Website: https://joechianakas.weebly.com/#/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chianakas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joechianakas
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joechianakas
Horror Features on Ginger Nuts of Horror
If you’re a fan of spine-chilling tales and hair-raising suspense, then you won’t want to miss the horror features page on The Ginger Nuts of Horror Review Website. This is the ultimate destination for horror enthusiasts seeking in-depth analysis, thrilling reviews, and exclusive interviews with some of the best minds in the genre. From independent films to mainstream blockbusters, the site covers a broad spectrum of horror media, ensuring that you’re always in the loop about the latest and greatest.
The passionate team behind The Ginger Nuts of Horror delivers thoughtful critiques and recommendations that delve into the nuances of storytelling, character development, and atmospheric tension. Whether you’re looking for hidden gems to stream on a dark and stormy night or want to explore the work of up-and-coming horror filmmakers, this page is packed with content that will ignite your imagination and keep you on the edge of your seat.
So grab your favourite horror-themed snacks, settle into a cosy spot, and immerse yourself in the chilling world of horror literature and film. Head over to The Ginger Nuts of Horror and embark on a journey through the eerie and the extraordinary. It’s an adventure you won’t soon forget!
