What's Next for Discontent Dispatch?
SHOCKTOBER is over. The horrors continue.
Now that Halloween’s over, you’d think the ghouls and ghosties would be packing it in. In theory, at least, the crypt doors are closing, interdimensional portals sealing, and Michael Myers is heading back to the asylum. It’s too bad – there are so many films to watch, so much fiction to read, so many more opportunities for thrills, chills, and terror. Some of us aren’t ready to let go just yet.
Here’s the thing, though. Ghosts have a tendency to hang around; monsters and killers tend to keep coming back for more. Stephen King was right when he said “Sometimes dead is better.” But he also said “Sometimes they come back,” and he was right then, too.
I had a lot of fun with SHOCKTOBER this year. The posts were a blast to write (when they weren’t a giant pain in the ass, that is) and every single response was a thrill to receive. On top of the movies Lexie and I weren’t able to get to this year, a lot of people gave me recommendations I’m anxious to check out. SHOCKTOBER, like the version of Christmas I let Lifetime sell me every year, is as much a state of mind as a holiday season. I’ll be tending the flame this year, keeping it alive until next October rolls around.
In the meantime, though, I’ll be making a few changes here. Both the Dispatch and SHOCKTOBER have always been experiments, and, as I’ve written before, my fiction is my main focus.
It’s important to me that this space remains active, but I can’t maintain a weekly posting schedule while still devoting adequate time and attention to the other projects I have in the works. For now, I’ll be moving to a more relaxed timeline. I’m thinking a post per month (two if I’m lucky), along with periodic updates on my novel-in-progress (and the stories I’ve been sending out for publication, if anything comes of them). I do think it makes sense to remain focused on horror here, but I also reserve my right to be a generalist. DD may end up resembling my original vision for it after all. It’s only a matter of time before Bob Dylan comes up.
One last thing. I’m grateful just to have you here, reading. But if you enjoy my writing and want to lend some (non-financial) support, the two best things you can do are subscribe to this newsletter (if you haven’t already) and share my work with others. Attracting readers when you’re a nobody like me is a steep uphill battle, so both of these things can make a huge difference. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to follow me on Twitter at @discontentdisp – if you hurry, you can be the first.
Just to be clear: you don’t owe me anything, but whatever support you’re willing to offer is appreciated. I’m excited about this project – I’m excited to have writing projects at all, to be honest with you – and I don’t really know where it will lead. Thanks for coming along for the ride.
Attainable goals and progress. Understood.