Four horror novelists – Riley Sager, Leah Rowan, Rachel Harrison and Grady Hendrix – share advice for embracing Halloween, even if you’re a scaredy cat

• What do the best Halloween costumes all have in common?

In October, horror lovers can finally rejoice in the season’s endless supply of spooky films, haunted houses and macabre decor.

Others prefer to bask in the comforting glow of the TV while enjoying their 70th rewatch of Hocus Pocus (which arguably is scarier than you might think).

Responses have been edited for clarity and length