Live readings
Curated, rehearsed excerpts that make chemistry immediate and impossible worlds vivid.
A speculative romance reading salon
Where words become worlds.
Live readings, spirited conversation, and stories shaped by magic, myth, monsters—and romance.
Founded in Texas · Gathering twice yearly
The House gathers
Spring & Autumn
01
Spring Gathering
March / April
02
Autumn Gathering
September / October
Two gatherings. Countless worlds.
October 2026Inaugural gathering
The next gathering
The House Circle
A deliberately intimate salon—close enough to hear every breath, laugh, revelation, and dangerous promise.
- Date
- Sunday, October 25, 2026
Tentative · Time to be announced - Format
- Limited-seat daytime salon
Two featured authors
October 25 is our tentative date. Time, featured authors, and reservations will be announced soon.
More than a signing
The story is
the experience.
House of Arcane brings speculative romance authors and readers together for an intimate, polished gathering centered on the spoken story.
Conversation
Authors talk craft, characters, monsters, magic, and the emotional heart of their books.
Books & community
Discover new voices, meet fellow readers, and find the story that captured you before leaving.
For devoted romance readers, speculative-fiction fans, and anyone curious enough to step through the door.
“Every spell begins with words.
Every legend begins with a story.”
— The House closing ritual
What guides us
The House
Principles
Eight standards shape every invitation, every reading, and every gathering.
Story First
The reading is the experience. Let the words, voice, characters, and emotion do the magic.
Leave Them Wanting More
Open a door into the book without revealing its greatest secrets.
Share the Spotlight
Every featured author receives equal time, a generous introduction, and the room’s attention.
Read What Readers Can Find
Whenever possible, the story you hear will be available to purchase at the gathering.
Come Prepared
Our authors select, edit, print, and rehearse their excerpts for the listening experience.
Honor Every Reader
The House welcomes devoted romance readers and the genre-curious alike.
No Bribes Required
The reading is the gift. The story—not a giveaway—earns the audience’s affection.
Open Minds
We gather to expand the imagination and treat every identity, story, and reading taste with respect.
Why the House exists
Built by a storyteller,
for storytellers.
House of Arcane was founded by independent author Kharma Kelley, whose work lives among monsters, myths, and messy romance.
After reading from Selenium Night at the Heart of ATX Reading Salon, she saw how a beautifully prepared excerpt could transform a book event into a shared act of storytelling. The House carries that generous model forward with a dedicated home for paranormal, fantasy, romantasy, gothic, sci-fi, monster, mythic, and other speculative romances.
For readers
Come inside.
Meet unforgettable characters, discover new voices, and experience speculative romance beyond the page.
For authors
Approach the
House Door.
Authors of romance-forward speculative fiction may submit work for future consideration. All appearances are curated and offered by invitation so every gathering remains distinct.
Submit Author Interest ↗Interest is accepted year-round. Submission does not guarantee selection.