Clive Barker is set to return to the realm of short horror fiction with his upcoming collection, Library of the Dead. This three-book series includes titles such as Fear Eternal, Pyres of Bedlam, and Dark Descents. It will feature a mix of new stories, rare previously published works, as well as Barker's illustrations and poetry, with publication planned for 2027 through Clive Barker Ink and Ensata Press.
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In an exclusive interview, Barker explained why he prefers short fiction over longer novels for horror, stating, "I've always thought horror was better served by short fiction, rather than novels. That’s why I started that way.” He noted that over the past 40 years, he has been compiling ideas that fit the short format, waiting for the right opportunity to bring them to life.
Barker expressed his desire to challenge readers' expectations, drawing comparisons to his earlier work in Books of Blood. He asserted that the stories in Library of the Dead will differ greatly from one another, as he aims to address the predictability he perceives in contemporary horror.
Reflecting on his experiences with storytelling, Barker mentioned how horror's short-form structure allows for effective delivery of ideas that wouldn't necessarily need the duration of a feature film. He offered Lights Out as an example; originally a compelling short, it was expanded into a feature that required additional content to fill its runtime.
Barker acknowledged the challenges of selling a diverse collection of stories, recalling the skepticism he faced from publishers early in his career about focusing on short fiction. However, he believes that this choice has ultimately benefited him, enabling him to produce unique content.
With Library of the Dead, Barker aims for narratives that maintain familiar intensity while exploring new storytelling formats. He emphasizes his commitment to originality, stating that he wants to create stories that take readers outside their comfort zones, asserting, “It’s important to me to surprise myself; otherwise, there’s no point in doing the writing.”
The crowdfunding model via Kickstarter has allowed Barker greater creative freedom, enabling him to explore ideas that might not thrive within traditional publishing constraints. He described horror as a personal genre, often intertwining autobiographical elements in his storytelling.
The Kickstarter campaign initially ended on September 8, but supporters can still contribute via the project’s page for updates and current funding options. Barker's aspiration for his new tales is clear: “I want readers to feel the hair rise on the napes of their necks.”