Writing After Dusk
And hearing Shirley Jackson’s voice for the first time.
‘Morning lark or night owl?’ It’s a question that comes up more often than you’d think, pushing its way to the surface of conversation like some creature coming up for air.
As I write this, it’s 12:44am. For me there’s something about the solitude of writing at night that’s more alluring than being first up to face the day. Writing at night separates me from what’s happened before. Writing at night sets me up for what’s to come tomorrow.
It’s also, if you hadn’t guessed, what inspired the name of this newsletter. Almost all of the ideas that have been rattling around my head are released onto paper after dusk.
So what are you? Night owl or morning lark? First in or last out? Do you chase the dawn or the dusk?
I believe Shirley Jackson is one of the finest writers of all time. There’s something about her characters, settings and tone that burrows its way under your skin. It’s the alienation that thrives in her suburbias. It’s her treatment of houses and what happens at home.
I’ve done my best to read as much of Jackson’s work as possible. I even went as far as reading Ruth Franklin’s biography Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life.
Not too long ago, I stumbled on the below recording of Jackson reading The Lottery, her short story that caused such outrage The New Yorker received a torrent of letters (the most it ever had for a piece of fiction).
After reading so much of (and about) Jackson’s work, I’d never considered what she sounded like. I never knew I’d get this perspective, until now.
I recently swapped a manuscript with a writer I’d only exchanged a few emails with. The first thing we said to each other when we sat to discuss what we’d read? It feels like I know you.
So if you have a spare 20 minutes, take a listen. Maybe you’ll enjoy it. Maybe you’ll get to know Jackson a little better.
There’s something about religion and horror that just works. Think of all the standout scary you’ve encountered. Religion’s probably in there.
When Netflix announced Midnight Mass, its hooks landed as intended. A series set in a small, isolated island community? I’m interested. A string of life-changing events after the arrival of a new priest, all from the mind of Mike Flanagan? Count me in.
I was expecting to watch something that approached religion as a springboard to explore otherworldly horror. Instead, I came away struck by its relevance to the world we live in today. Midnight Mass’s take on religion isn’t a springboard to a wider story but a total interrogation of faith.
It’s filled with characters that range from good to malicious, and moments that I’ll think about for a while. It dives into topics like addiction, community and symbolism and has all the cinematic ingredients that make something scary.
But it’s the way it looks at how faith can shape someone’s view of the world and how they treat others that makes Midnight Mass truly frightening.
Before you go
I live in other corners of the internet. Every Tuesday, I post new micro-fiction on TikTok. I also attempt to keep an Instagram updated and tweet every now and then.
When they’re ready, I post short horror stories to Reddit. A recent one is called VENUS, which you can read a snippet of below:
As my insomnia continued, so too did my observations. He didn’t appear every night but when he did I was gripped. I noticed he left his front door ajar before disappearing up the path and every time he returned he’d be carrying something.
Happy Halloween! / JW