Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Alonso.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been involved in the horror and creative community for several years through events and creative business work. My husband, Andrew Alonso, is an independent horror and science fiction author, and I serve as the literary agent for his work. Together, we also own Guy McMonstermaker’s Creatureporium, a small business focused on horror collectibles, where I act as Director of Business Development. Through vending, networking, and supporting Andrew’s work at conventions and literary events, I became deeply familiar with the challenges indie authors and creators face when it comes to visibility, community, and access to the right kinds of events.
We attended the Texas Author & Reader Con as vendors for the last two years and found it to be a welcoming event with a strong sense of community and a solid foundation for continued growth. When the event’s founder, Merrill David, relocated and began looking for someone to take over the convention he created roughly five years ago, I stepped in. At the same time, I had been actively searching for more horror-specific events in Texas to better support Andrew’s work and connect with readers who love the genre. Taking over the event felt like a natural next step and a perfect fit.
Since assuming leadership, I’ve worked to evolve the convention into what is now the Texas Horror Lit Fest, with a clearer focus on horror and adjacent genres while maintaining the inclusive, author-forward spirit that made the event special in the first place. I’m focused on supporting indie authors, artists, and creators by helping build spaces where meaningful connections with readers can happen and where the genre community can continue to grow.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Overall, the road has been fairly smooth, with only a few small and expected challenges along the way. There was some initial pushback from past participants related to the rebranding of the event, which I anticipated and addressed through clear communication and transparency about the vision moving forward. We’ve also had to navigate food options due to the Irving Convention Center’s requirement to use their on-site café, which limited outside solutions. None of these challenges have been unmanageable, and the small planning committee I’ve put together has been instrumental in helping identify solutions and move the event forward in a positive, productive way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
By trade, I’m a healthcare professional with over 15 years of experience. I currently work in the Trauma department at my hospital, after spending several years in the burn world. Alongside my healthcare career, I serve as the Director of Business Development for Guy McMonstermaker’s Creatureporium and act as the literary agent for horror and science fiction author Andrew Alonso, managing the business, promotional, and strategic sides of his work.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to successfully balance these very different worlds while building something meaningful in each of them. Texas Horror Lit Fest is very much my passion project—it brings together my love of literature, community-building, and organization, while allowing me to create opportunities for indie authors and creators. What sets me apart is my unique blend of clinical discipline, business strategy, and creative advocacy, along with a genuine commitment to supporting others and building spaces where creative communities can thrive.
What does success mean to you?
Success, to me, is helping people and ideas thrive. It’s about creating impact, fostering connection, and leaving things better than I found them—whether that’s a project, a community, or a personal goal.
Pricing:
- $250 – Table Price
- $300 – Friend of the Fest Sponsor
- $500 – Creepy Sponsor
- $1500 – Nightmare Sponsor
- $2000 – Grimm Sponsor
Contact Info:
- Website: https://edbutler17.wixsite.com/texas-author-con
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/texashorrorlitfest?igsh=MXJxaXBlcnJqb3J6OQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1C7Fj4Xr7w/
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@texashorrorlitfest
