aimeehardy

The Gentle Curriculum

How to design a gentle curriculum when social media pressures us to maximize our self-improvement.

I’ve always been a school nerd. I’ve loved the feel of new blank notebooks and the smell of freshly sharpened pencils. I love the excitement of starting something new and working hard to perfect skills I didn’t know I could have. Since I’m an adult now, however, I’ve missed the feeling of the start of school and learning about new topics and have always secretly been yearning for an excuse to dive deep, research like a madwoman, and scribble down my thoughts like the fleeting whisps that they are. 

Cue the TikTok influencer trend of creating fall curricula. 

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MacBook Pro near white open book

Sure, these curricula seem interesting. They’re filled with reading lists and diverse topics (everything from political science to music theory), but I found many of them little more than glorified reading lists. 

There’s nothing wrong with a reading list. I have a whole stack of unread books on my TBR pile by the bed, but when it comes to designing curricula, we have to consider not only what we are consuming, but also how we might add to the conversation. 

For example, if I want to learn about feminism in American literature, I know I need to read the classics (The Bell Jar, A Room of One’s Own, Little Women, The Color Purple). There are also tons of articles written about the subject that I could read for context and analysis, but for a true curriculum to work, I need to be able to analyze and synthesize my own materials. There needs to be some level of output to show my level of understanding. 

pile of books on brown wooden surface

As my “final exam,” I need to be able to show that I fully grasp concepts of my topic, understand the context of my topic, and also have something original to contribute to the conversation. Here are a few ways I could show competency: 

  • Article: Articles are typically informative pieces that are objective and based on facts. Their purpose is to break down complex topics in order to “teach” something new. This could be done in written form or through long-form video or social media posts to inform a selected audience. 
  • Critical Essay: Essays are academic works that present an argument or analysis, using evidence to support their claims. Again, this can be written as an essay or turned into a long-form video or social media posts to persuade a particular audience. 
  • Original Written Work: Creative writing is also a legitimate way to show understanding of a particular concept while building upon the ideas and traditions of their predecessors. A poem or short story inspired by the novel Beloved by Toni Morrison could highlight various ways our society still upholds harmful ideologies. 
  • Other Creative Media: Creative works don’t have to stop at writing. They can expand to art, film, acting, photography, and other forms! 

To effectively plan my fall curricula, I started with my output first. I knew I wanted to start writing articles again, so I planned a reading list and smaller assignments (such as reflections and check-ins) to help guide me along the way. And yet, I still felt overwhelmed. Wasn’t I consuming enough media? Wasn’t my TBR a frightening height already? How could I fit more into this framework? 

white and blue printer paper

That’s when I decided to try a gentle curriculum. 

I knew I was consistently reading things that I liked. I read a new book every week or two and read several articles a day, so why didn’t I just use what I was already consuming to make personal connections, practice synthesizing the information, and write engaging articles about how these topics affect us every day? 

So, this is my call to you, dear reader. You’re doing enough. You’re reading enough. You’re achieving enough. Your life is maximized beyond what anyone has asked for, and if you’re looking to have a “productive” fall, let go of the pressure to design a whole curriculum filled with books that will guilt you until you read them and suggest that you’re a failure if you don’t get around to it. Instead, pause to take a minute to connect with the things that already exist naturally: the sunset after a long day, the conversation you have with a friend over dinner, the rant your partner gives after watching the season finale of Severance. These are the moments that should pack your “reading list,” and they are the ones we should document like our lives depend on it… because they do. These small things are the ones that really matter. They are the essence that makes us human. They are the things that always make us feel a little less alone.

Article originally posted on Substack.

aimeehardy

Reader Reviews and Book Tour

The last few months have been an absolute whirlwind as I hit the road for the Pocket Full of Teeth book tour — and I couldn’t be more grateful for every moment. From cozy corner bookstores to buzzing festival halls, I’ve been welcomed into so many amazing literary communities that have truly brought my novel to life.

A huge thank you to the indie bookstores that hosted my readings and signings. Thank You Books in Birmingham, Birch Tree Books in Dallas, Snail on the Wall in Huntsville, Sweet Home Books in Tuscaloosa, and Shelf Life Books in Richmond — you all went above and beyond to make me feel at home. Every shop had its own unique magic, and meeting readers face-to-face in these special spaces reminded me why indie bookstores truly matter. Supporting small and independent stores keeps our literary culture vibrant, and I’m forever grateful for their passion and dedication.

I’ve also had a great time getting to know some great content creators. Before Pocket Full of Teeth was published, I loved being part of the reading and writing community on Instagram, and I’ve been blown away by the support of content creators. They’ve all had such kind words to say and have really given me the encouragement to keep going. Check out Jessica’s blog below where she reviews my book!

Pocket Full of Teeth – Aimee Hardy

One of my favorite stops on this tour was attending Horror Reader Weekend. I attended in NY in the fall and Fredericksburg, VA this past spring. The energy was incredible — readers, writers, and fellow fans of all things dark and eerie gathered to share spooky stories and celebrate our favorite genre. I also had the honor of leading a panel, “What’s Next in Horror,” where we talked trends, new voices, and where we see the genre going in the years ahead. It was an amazing conversation, one that left me even more excited to see what surprises horror has in store for us.

The entire experience — from chatting with readers about Pocket Full of Teeth to diving into deep, nerdy discussions about ghosts, gore, and Gothic traditions — was unforgettable. Thank you to everyone who came to a reading, attended a signing, or joined our Horror Reader Weekend panel. And thank you again to the wonderful indie shops that champion small-press and genre fiction. I left each event with a heart full of stories and a suitcase heavy with new books.

Here’s to the next chapter — and I hope to see you all again very soon!

🖤
Aimee Hardy

aimeehardy

Bringing Pocket Full of Teeth to the Howler Arts and Literary Festival in Montgomery, AL

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of bringing my debut novel, Pocket Full of Teeth, to the Howler Arts and Literary Festival in Montgomery, Alabama! This event, known for its celebration of southern storytelling, music, and art, felt like the perfect place to introduce my southern gothic novel to readers who appreciate the eerie, atmospheric tales that come from the heart of the South.

The Festival: A Celebration of Creativity

The Howler Arts and Literary Festival is a unique blend of visual art, performance, and literature, highlighting southern culture and its many creative voices. It’s more than just a festival—it’s a gathering of people who live and breathe the art of storytelling, whether through painting, poetry, music, or, in my case, fiction. I was honored to be part of this community, sharing the stage with local writers, artists, and musicians who all draw inspiration from the rich, complex history of the South.

For me, the festival is the perfect backdrop for Pocket Full of Teeth. The story is deeply rooted in southern gothic traditions, filled with dark family secrets, ghostly presences, and the kind of heat that only a southern summer can bring. The Howler Festival, with its lively atmosphere and focus on the arts, mirrors the intensity and magic found in the pages of my novel.

What Pocket Full of Teeth Brings to the Festival

Pocket Full of Teeth isn’t just a story—it’s an exploration of the gothic South, where supernatural elements mix with the harsh realities of small-town life. At its core, the novel follows a young woman as she returns to her rural hometown to confront the secrets her family has buried for generations. As she digs deeper, she unearths both literal and figurative ghosts that have haunted her family for decades.

Selling the book at the Howler Festival feels particularly fitting because Montgomery has its own rich history of storytelling. The city itself, with its deep cultural roots and layers of historical significance, mirrors some of the themes in Pocket Full of Teeth. It’s a place where the past often feels present, where stories never truly die but linger in the air, much like the ghostly figures in my novel.

Connecting with Readers

One of the most thrilling aspects of selling Pocket Full of Teeth at the festival was the opportunity to connect with readers face to face. I’ve spent years crafting this story, layering in southern gothic elements inspired by authors like Shirley Jackson and Stephen King, while also pulling from the deep well of southern folklore. The festival gave me a chance to meet readers who, like me, are drawn to the eerie, the strange, and the unsettling.

I love hearing how readers connect with the characters, the setting, and the supernatural elements that permeate the story. Festivals like Howler are invaluable for that direct connection—where conversations with readers can inspire future work and help build a community around the love of storytelling.

Why Festivals Matter to Independent Authors

For independent authors like myself, festivals provide a crucial opportunity to share our work with new audiences. There’s something special about the face-to-face experience of selling a book directly to a reader, especially in an environment that celebrates creativity, but it isn’t just about selling books—it’s about building relationships, sharing stories, and creating lasting connections with people who might not have discovered Pocket Full of Teeth otherwise.

In a world where so much of book marketing happens online, festivals bring back the personal touch. Readers can meet the author, flip through the pages, and feel the weight of the story in their hands before they decide to dive in. It’s an intimate, tangible experience that reminds me why I love storytelling in the first place.

A Southern Gothic Story Comes Home

Bringing Pocket Full of Teeth to the Howler Arts and Literary Festival felt like a celebration of the unique magic of southern creativity, and I’m reminded of why I wrote this story in the first place—to capture the dark beauty of the South and share it with readers who appreciate the strange and the haunting.

aimeehardy

Alabama Writer’s Cooperative 2024 Conference

I was so happy to attend the Alabama Writer’s Cooperative 2024 Conference this weekend, which took place in Orange Beach, AL.

I had just gotten done with my interview with Katherine Page from ABC 33/40’s Talk of Alabama (you can check out the interview HERE), and drove down to Orange Beach to attend the conference. It was a rainy, gray weekend at the beach–but somehow seemed appropriate since we would be spending the weekend working on the craft of writing.

I had the pleasure of meeting some of Alabama’s best writers and really enjoyed getting to know their stories. When I hosted a critique of a few selected first pages from the attendees, I could really see their talent shine through. Most of them had original voices that made me want to immediately ask for more pages, and other writers dove into their stories without hesitation (we had a funeral, an incoming hurricane, and even a writers sitting down to write something original–how meta!).

Saturday’s Awards Dinner was amazing. We had a wonderful meal, listened to an inspiring speech from Javacia Harris Bowser, and celebrated our contest winners.

On Sunday, we wrapped up presentations with a bang! I presented how I made the “leap” from writing poetry and short stories to my novel, Pocket Full of Teeth. I took the attendees through idea generation with poetry, a possible answer to our poetry questions with short stories, and the mess and beauty of how to stretch to a longer work like a novel. You can check out the presentation HERE.

Although this weekend was a whirlwind of inspiration, new people, and new ideas, it was affirming to be reminded that we are all a part of the writing community. Writing can feel isolating at times (just you and the computer), but it really is a collaborative process where we are part of a larger community. And we are not alone.

All that to say I really had a blast at AWC and can’t wait until our next event! Stay tuned!

aimeehardy

Interview with Katherine Page on ABC 33/40 Talk of Alabama

I had so much fun sitting down with Katherine Page to talk about Pocket Full of Teeth on ABC 33/40’s Talk of Alabama.

I love talking about how this book came to be and am so excited that it will be out just in time for spooky season. You can watch the interview HERE.

Also, I’m planning some big things in the coming months. Here’s a list of the dates and times to keep on your radar:

Sleep in Cinema Podcast (Substrate Radio)–Sep. 14 @9am

Book Signing @ Douglasville Books (Douglasville, GA)–Sep. 21 from 2pm-5pm

Howler Arts and Literary Festival (Montgomery, AL)–Oct 5 from 9am-3pm

Book Signing @ Thank You Books (Birmingham, AL)–Oct. 6 from 2pm-4pm

Book Signing @ The Burrow (Leeds, AL)–Oct. 12 from 5pm-7pm

Horror Reader Weekend (NY)–Nov. 1–3

Stay tuned for more!

aimeehardy

Character Photoshoots

We had a blast with a character photoshoot for Pocket Full of Teeth that we did a few weeks ago. I really wanted the characters to feel like real, living people, so this was a great way to see these characters come to life.

First, Cat is the main character of the found memoir within the book. She returns home after the tragic death of her mother and finds that her childhood home is haunted. Cat attempts to work through grief, becoming an adult, and finding her own voice in a community that is laid with secrets and ghosts of its own. Here’s how the final shot came out.

Next, Mr. Johns is the town patriarch. He’s the guy that everyone knows and loves. His family helped establish the town, and through careful planning restoration, the once- flailing community has another chance at life. But as with all great figures, no one is perfect, and when his secrets are threatened to be revealed, he will do anything to keep them hidden. This was one of the hardest shoots to complete, but I think it came out well!

Then, we shot Liz. She is a breath of fresh air in the novel. She is the local cafe owner and artist who offers Cat a job and a chance at becoming a part of the community. Although Cat is often overcome by the loss of her mother, Liz inspires her to start writing again and trust that she really is deserving of love, no matter what has happened in the past. We had so much fun on this one.

Another fun character to capture was Ray. Disowned by the town patriarch at the age of eighteen, Ray has always had to look out for himself. He works as a handyman and is known for his partying and his charm. Although he loves Sarah, he can’t keep his wandering eye at bay, and soon, he realizes he’s in too deep to ever escape. I love how his photo came out and really think it captures him.

Then, we have Eddy. She is the main character of the novel and tells the entire story. She is being interviewed by police about a body that was found at the bottom of a well, and her locket was found nearby, connecting her to the scene. As she tells the police what happened, she talks about a haunted manuscript found at the back of her mom’s desk drawer. She reads the manuscript aloud and relates how the book’s ghosts began to make an appearance in her own life until that fateful night she found herself at the well. So creepy yet intriguing!

The last shoot of the day was Sarah. When unexplained noises and apparitions plague Cat as she returns home, they also lead her to something unexpected: her mother’s diary. Told from Sarah’s perspective, she outlines the events that led to her death. From falling hopelessly in love with Ray, Mr. Johns’ rebellious son, to struggling with Cat’s coming of age, Sarah’s tender words show the true depth and desolation that come with being a mother and being desperately in love with someone she’s always known was going to leave. When we finally got this shot, we were all in awe. So soft, feminine, sad, yet hopeful. What a great way to sum up the novel!

And here are a few bonus photos for Sarah!

I hope you enjoyed these photos. They were a blast to create.

You can grab your pre-order of Pocket Full of Teeth HERE. The official release date is Friday the 13th of September!

aimeehardy

My Journey into Writing

From Goosebumps to Southern Gothic

Books and Coffee

Hi, everyone! I’m not the greatest at keeping up here, but I’ve been asked a lot recently how I got into writing and storytelling. Honestly, when I was a kid, I was externally motivated. I am not ashamed to admit that I read for those free Pizza Hut coupons, but doing so, I discovered a love for many different types of books.

Goosebumps Books

I was also a Nickelodeon kid, obsessed with pranks, slime, and spooky stories. Naturally, I fell in love with Goosebumps books at an early age. When my mom went shopping each week, I’d beg her to just “walk” down the book aisle to see if R.L. Stine had anything new (and in the 90s, OF COURSE, he always had a new release).

Needless to say, I devoured each one (and yes, The Ghost Next Door changed my life—haha!). I then moved on to Fear Street, Christopher Pike, and finally, Stephen King. I remember reading It at thirteen or fourteen and being totally blown away by how real the characters were and how cool a villain could be. I mean, what better bad guy than fear itself? Reading more King, I loved the way he told stories but would often get frustrated because I had my own ideas about how his stories should end.

In high school and college, I read a LOT of classics and admired so many writers, but I often found it hard to know what I would have to add to the conversation.

Writing Desk

My journey to becoming a writer was not straightforward. I had periods where I had tons to say and then nothing at all for months. I’d have so many questions, but no answers would come through in my writing. As frustrating as that may be, I came to learn that those feelings and fluxes were all a part of the process. Writing is how we work out those hard questions. No, there isn’t a “correct” answer, and everyone’s process is different, but it’s the process—the dedication to writing and storytelling—that really matters. Writing a page a day (or even one sentence) is small, but day after day, it can add up to something big.

And I think we’re all storytellers in our own ways. We tell stories through art, writing, design, and film, but also through the connections between us: the conversations we have standing in line at the grocery store, the mother who holds hands with her child as they fall asleep, the dreams we have when it’s just us and no other interruptions.

Writing has been the constant in my life that has kept me grounded. When things feel out of control, there’s always a clean document. When I’m sad, the page is waiting. When I’m so happy I could burst, my joy dances on the page. After creating various works, I found my own voice. You can see my big influences (Ray Bradbury, Shirley Jackson, Mark Danielewski, etc.), but there’s also something else—something unique, something that’s just me—and there’s no greater joy than seeing it on the page and getting the opportunity to share that with others.

Notebook and Pen

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Whether you’re a fellow writer or just love a good story, I hope you find your own joy in the pages you create and the tales you tell.

-Aimee Hardy

aimeehardy

Pocket Full of Teeth Pre-Order!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

POCKET FULL OF TEETH” NOVEL AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!

Fans of horror and Southern Gothic narratives, brace yourselves! “Pocket Full of Teeth” is now available for pre-order worldwide.

Set against the backdrop of a small, enigmatic town, “Pocket Full of Teeth” promises readers an immersive journey into the depths of human complexity and the intricacies of secrets hidden beneath the surface. With a seamless blend of horror, literary style, and unforgettable characters, this novel is poised to captivate readers from the very first page.

Kirkus Review called it “Haunting and powerful, this dark little gem of a novel is an absolute must-read.” Hardy weaves a tale that transcends mere storytelling, delving into the profound intricacies of human nature and the darker corners of generational trauma. As the protagonist embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her mother’s death, readers will find themselves irresistibly drawn into a world where nothing is quite as it seems.

“This novel is a labor of love, crafted to mirror how and why we tell stories,” says Aimee Hardy. “I wanted to create a narrative that not only entertains but also challenges readers to question their assumptions and contemplate the complexities of the human experience and how they tell their own stories.”

With its richly drawn characters, tightly woven plot, and unexpected twists, “Pocket Full of Teeth” promises to be a must-read for fans of horror and literary fiction alike. From its haunting opening to its breathtaking conclusion, this novel will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

For more information about “Pocket Full of Teeth” and to pre-order your copy today, visit Bookshop.org or order it from your local Indie bookstore!

For media inquiries, interviews, or review copies, please contact: contact@aimeehardy.com