Every month I share what I’m working on, what I’m reading, and what I’m watching. Plus a cute kitty photo! Please Subscribe and Share! It’s a quick, free way to help authors like me. (Do NOT feel obligated to pledge.)
What I’m Working On
I am part of a reading for women in horror later this month - it’s free and virtual! Mark your calendars - I’d love to see you there.
Date and time: Thursday, March 23, 2024, from 7 to 8:30 pm Mountain time
Did you know? Several of my short stories are up on my website www.catlynladd.com and you can read them for FREE. I wrote “Asherah” after a rewatch of The Exorcist - I got interested in the question of why an entity might be so pissed off at Christianity that they destroy a child. In my writing I often take classic horror tropes and spin them in new and interesting ways. So this is my possession story! Content warnings: reference to sexual assault.
I’m in the final stages of cover art for As Those Above Fall (release date: 9/13/24) - I hope to have the cover reveal by next month! Watch my socials. (I’ll also send the cover in this newsletter.)
What I’m Reading
I mentioned in the January newsletter that I am in a Stephen King book club and that we’re working on a comprehensive map of Castle Rock. Here is a glimpse of our efforts thus far! It’s work in progress and super geeky and fun.
We just finished Skeleton Crew, focusing specifically on the four short stories set in Castle Rock: “Mrs. Todd’s Shortcut”, “Nona”, “Uncle Otto’s Truck”, and “Gramma.” Next month we’re reading The Dark Half, which has a ton of Castle Rock geography.
What I’m Watching
I finally watched Talk to Me - this film got some buzz when it released back in 2022. It has great character development - I felt for the characters, loved the dynamics between them, and got invested in their stories. The film has a few fast, gruesome moments that establish it as a top tier horror flick. The ending is also well done.
My only quibble is that a few things were not explained well enough for my liking (and I’m fine with ambiguity!). I want to know more about who, exactly, these spirits are, because they are not who they appear to be. I also want to have a clearer sense of why they follow some people but not others.
If you’ve seen it, drop a comment - I’d love to know what you think!
I also checked out Swarm, a miniseries co-created by Janine Nabers and Donald Glover. It’s described as a “satirical horror comedy thriller” and all I can say is that Donald Glover should do more horror! And I am now following the career of Janine Nabers. Because: damn.
The show stars Dominique Fishback, who many may recognize from her role as Akua Njeri in Judas and the Black Messiah. It’s difficult to explain what this show is about without spoilers. Let’s just say that themes include obsession, trauma, and the lengths fans are willing to go to get close to their idols.
Have you seen Swarm? Leave a comment! Because I need to talk to someone about this show.
Cute cats
Tigger and Hobbes the ginger cats keep me company, keep me laughing, and are always ready to take naps with me. Hobbes often conks out on my lap while I’m writing, and Tigger likes to sit on my feet when I’m watching movies.
Follow me on the socials:
IG: EclecticAcademic
FB: @catlynladd
TikTok: @eclecticacademic