Updates 6/5/24
Last Thursday, I did a Live Q&A on TikTok. Generously hosted by splatter phenomenon
, the Live saw us discussing my dozen-year career in the horror industry, the strategy of writing novellas instead of novels, growing up in the ‘90s, our mutual wrestling fandom, and much more. We also fielded questions from the audience. All in all, we were on for nearly two hours. I think it went well, and I definitely plan on doing more Lives on that platform in the future. As someone who still occasionally struggles with online marketing, I expected it to be outside my comfort zone, but aside from some early technical difficulties, I felt at ease the entire time. I think the rush of going live maybe contributed to that a little, but most likely, I attribute it to Aron’s experience, as he’s done a few of these now.If you’re on TikTok and not following me already, you can find me there [at] lucasmangumhorror.
Things have been difficult these past few weeks. I no longer know if it’s bravery or sheer stubbornness, but I continue forging ahead. I Was a Teenage Cult Leader has just crossed the 20,000-word mark. I’m meeting weekly with Shane McKenzie and Wrath James White to write and discuss business matters. My DMs remain open, and I respond whenever I can.
All that said, I am tired. I’m not the only one either; I’m seeing a lot of similar feelings expressed by others across the socials. Maybe it’s the planetary alignment. Maybe it’s the looming election. Maybe it just is.
For some reason, the last possibility is the most frightening of all.
My essay on The Horror of Liminality continues to generate some nice attention almost two years later. Most recently, Instagram user valourfilms cited it as inspiration for their own photo essay on “Liminal Spaces in Film.” You can check it out at the link below. I haven’t seen many of the films listed, but if the imagery is any indication, I’ll probably dig them when I do.
While I always enjoy hearing that someone enjoyed my work, it’s extra special when someone says my work inspired them. Then to have them take that inspiration and do something with it—it’s a nice feeling. Kinda makes it all worth it.
The weather here in Central Texas this year has been fluctuating between stifling hot and wrath-of-God thunderstorms. The other night was one of those times the phrase about the sky opening up felt literal. It sounded less like rain coming down and more like water spilled from some massive, upturned bucket. The next morning, aside from a few stray puddles, it was like nothing happened. Wild stuff.
There’s a saying around here: “If you don’t like the weather in Texas, give it a minute.” I find that it’s true in every season but the summer. Soon, it will get hot and stay hot for at least four months. I am not looking forward to that, especially as the temperature climbs its way to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Oh, well—at least our neighbors are generous with their swimming pool.
And speaking of weather, I’m currently listening to this mix of weather channel vaporwave while I work. Weather forecasts have always had banger music to go with them, but only in the past years have I realized just how good this kind of music is. Check it out below if you need to get work done or just want to relax:
Also, Scout Tafoya posted a new episode of The Unloved, a video essay series where he examines and argues for films that are generally overlooked and loathed. The series is a great example of one using their contrarian tendencies for good. In his latest, he looks at the bonkers science fiction film, Zardoz. You can watch it here.
The last time I watched Zardoz, I was with Jean and a friend, and we thought it would be funny to watch it with the sound off and Skrillex playing on the iPod stereo. Early 2010s me was an animal, I tell you. Completely unhinged.
Lastly, I’ve still got 8 signed hardcovers of Barn Door to Hell available in my store. Grab one if you’d like. If not, you can of course still get the paperback and e-book in all the book places, including Amazon.
Lots of new subscribers these past few weeks. If you’re new here, welcome! I hope you’ll stay a while. If you’ve been here a while, welcome back! Thanks for staying. This might be the last newsletter until next month, as I’ve got my head down trying to finish writing I Was a Teenage Cult Leader and getting Barn Door to Hell in readers’ hands. Until then, cheers.