Rick Hautala
Rick Hautala was an American author born in 1949 in Gloucester, Massachusetts, and raised in Rockport. He earned an M.A. in English literature from the University of Maine in Orono in 1974. Hautala began his writing career in the horror genre in 1980 with the publication of his first novel, "Moondeath," followed by "Moonbog" in 1982. Over his career, he authored more than eighteen stand-alone horror novels, as well as a series of works co-written with Christopher Golden, often describing his stories as family-oriented horror set in New England. In addition to novels, Hautala contributed short stories and novellas to various collections and anthologies, such as "One Hundred Vicious Little Vampire Stories" and "Predators." He also ventured into screenwriting and was active in the literary community, attending Northeastern Writers' conventions and serving in leadership roles for the Horror Writers Association. Hautala lived in southern Maine with his wife, author Holly Newstein, and they had three sons. His work remains significant in the horror literature landscape.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Rick Hautala
Writer
- Born: February 3, 1949
- Birthplace: Gloucester, Massachusetts
- Died: March 21, 2013
Biography
Rick Hautala was born in 1949 in Gloucester, Massachusetts, and raised in Rockport, Massachusetts. His father was a civil engineer and his mother kept house. In 1974, Hautala graduated from the University of Maine in Orono with an M.A. in English literature. Hautala began writing horror novels in 1980, when his first book Moondeath was published. He followed that book in 1982 with Moonbog.
Hautala wrote more than eighteen stand-alone horror novels, as well as a series of books cowritten with Christopher Golden. Hautala described his tales as narrowly focused family horror in a New England setting. His short stories and novellas have appeared in numerous collections and anthologies, including One Hundred Vicious Little Vampire Stories in 1995, and Predators in 1993. In addition to novels and short stories, Hautala collaborated on several screenplays.
Hautala continued to write while living in southern Maine with author Holly Newstein. The Hautala family includes three sons of various ages. In addition to writing, Hautala attended several Northeastern Writers’ conventions. He also served terms as vice president and trustee for the Horror Writers Association, the oldest worldwide organization dedicated to the craft of writing and the publishing of horror literature.