Welcome to the Dark World of Tracy Cross

Tracy Cross is a renowned horror fiction author. Tracy Cross is a horror author based in Washington, DC. Her debut novel, Rootwork, introduced readers to a richly layered conjure world that explores themes of racism, sexism, karmic justice, and the deep bonds of family and faith. In October 2024, she followed up with A Gathering of Weapons, the second installment in her “Conjure Series,” published by Dark Hart Publishing. Her forthcoming short story collection, Sinner Man Hand and Other Folk Horrors, arrives in October 2026 with a foreword by Lisa Morton.

Her short fiction has appeared in numerous anthologies, including Don’t Break the Oath, Black Magick (13 Tales of Darkness, Horror and the Occult), and 99 Tiny Terrors, where her work weaves folklore, ancestral memory, and Southern Gothic horror into sharp, unforgettable narratives. Tracy is a recipient of the Ladies of Horror Fiction Writers Grant and the Horror Writers Association’s prestigious Scholarship from Hell, recognizing her growing impact in the genre.

An active member of the HWA, Tracy is also a passionate supporter of inclusive storytelling and community-based literacy efforts. Her books are archived at the Edith Garland Dupré Library at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a nod to her cultural roots and literary vision.

Beyond writing, Tracy is an avid Prince fan and a lover of disco.

Follow her work and updates at tracycwritesonline.com or on Instagram: @tracycrosswrites.

A Gathering of Weapons is a worthy follow-up to Rootwork in that it brings the character of “Pee Wee” back to the forefront with such visceral passion. Tracy Cross deftly weaves enchanting stories that tell about the character’s growth, both physically and spiritually, as she learns more and more of what it means to be a “conjure woman.” This book brims with cultural significance and beautiful story-telling. When you read this, you won’t be disappointed.

~Scott A. Johnson, Through the Witches Stone, Ungeheuer, and Shy Grove: A Ghost Story.

“In A Gathering of Weapons, Cross demonstrates her finesse of understanding multiple genres and writing devices. The imagery and dialogue are especially vivid, offering her readers ways to visualize Pee Wee’s journey. Integrating elements of historical fiction and magical realism, A Gathering of Weapons illustrates the conditions of Black, Brown, and other marginalized peoples while allowing for her characters to gain more control of their circumstances. Experiencing Pee Wee grow more into herself and her abilities is so affirming to me as a Black woman living in current times.”

~Nicole Young-Martin, Producer & Host, Black Writers Read

Tracy Cross’ writing reminds me of the Conjure Woman tales by Charles Chesnutt — magical realism that sparkles with authentic power — pure fantasy that remains true to the author’s heritage and values — the kind of folk horror that I wish I could write with such passion and authority. A Gathering of Weapons returns us to her world of hoodoo that she do so well, and this book will eat at your mind. Her series gets a high recommend from me. Trust: She’s the only one who could conjure these nightmares so vividly.
~Michael Arnzen, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Grave Markings

“Tracy Cross echoes the talented, confident conjure woman she writes about, summoning suspense and menace in this compelling follow -up to Rootwork.”

~Johnny Compton