Going to read this again ! Thanks for writing this essay on a classic ghost story writer. On a side note you can one day share how long it took u to write this n what inspired you and how you planned the article
Sure thing, Andrew. It took about 12 hours-ish. Had an idea for doing something on this topic for a while, so had a vague idea of structure in mind. Sketched out everything. Then started fleshing out each of those sketched-out beats and let the readings/ideas take their course. Hope this helps. Oh, and thanks so much for reading!
Depends on how complicated the subject matter is, but yeah I'll always plan something out rather than just write and see where it goes. That said, I will allow room for the piece to take whatever direction it wants. Like with the Rolling Giant essay, the more I thought about the movie the more ideas and observations popped up that required writing. I'll bullet-point everything on a Word doc, then go through and think through each bullet as I'm writing. Then, when it's 80-90% there I'll transfer it to Substack and edit it there. Pissing around with images and links takes ages and is a massive pain the arse. :D
Reading your take on an old classic reminds me of other classic ghost stories that have stuck with me all through the years. Have you ever read How Love CAme to Professor Guildea?
its one of those short stories that creeps up on you. Also, one of my favourite king's novellas - the last story in the Different Seasons book - has this MR JAMES vibe as well but updated to the 20th century
Man I wish you were my GCSE English teacher. I've seen quite a few adaptations or filmed readings of MR James's stories, but not the two mentioned here. A super helpful analysis!
All's good thanks. Actually have something being published this summer! Still haven't gotten onto a comic script, but may well start later today. How are things with you?
Going to read this again ! Thanks for writing this essay on a classic ghost story writer. On a side note you can one day share how long it took u to write this n what inspired you and how you planned the article
Sure thing, Andrew. It took about 12 hours-ish. Had an idea for doing something on this topic for a while, so had a vague idea of structure in mind. Sketched out everything. Then started fleshing out each of those sketched-out beats and let the readings/ideas take their course. Hope this helps. Oh, and thanks so much for reading!
Is this your usual method of planning an article ? Do u sketch out an outline so to speak ?
Depends on how complicated the subject matter is, but yeah I'll always plan something out rather than just write and see where it goes. That said, I will allow room for the piece to take whatever direction it wants. Like with the Rolling Giant essay, the more I thought about the movie the more ideas and observations popped up that required writing. I'll bullet-point everything on a Word doc, then go through and think through each bullet as I'm writing. Then, when it's 80-90% there I'll transfer it to Substack and edit it there. Pissing around with images and links takes ages and is a massive pain the arse. :D
Reading your take on an old classic reminds me of other classic ghost stories that have stuck with me all through the years. Have you ever read How Love CAme to Professor Guildea?
Not read that one, no. By somebody Hitchens...? Will keep an eye out for it.
its one of those short stories that creeps up on you. Also, one of my favourite king's novellas - the last story in the Different Seasons book - has this MR JAMES vibe as well but updated to the 20th century
The Breathing Method, right? Pretty sure I've read that one.
Yes !! Great story - I remember having arguments with friends over that quote above the Heath in the story - It is the Tale not he who tells it
Man I wish you were my GCSE English teacher. I've seen quite a few adaptations or filmed readings of MR James's stories, but not the two mentioned here. A super helpful analysis!
Haha! Thanks, Harvey! Hope all's well.
All's good thanks. Actually have something being published this summer! Still haven't gotten onto a comic script, but may well start later today. How are things with you?
That's brilliant! Congratulations! What is it? Fiction?
In this sub-genre of horror, James is the author all the others want to be like...
The most perfect ghost stories ever written!