Escape Hatch 057

Usher in the Fall; October Appearances; Horror's Greatest

Oct 01, 2024

My new short story, “Ushers,” will be available through Kindle Unlimited on November 1st… but you can get it right now if you’re Amazon Prime member, through Amazon’s First Reads program.

Martin Lorensen is 20: compassionate, bright, appealing, and, most interesting of all, not dead. And he really should be dead—this is a guy who has walked away unscathed from not one but two heartbreaking disasters that claimed the lives of far too many. Now a pair of federal agents want to know why and if his talent for survival is luck… or something more sinister.

“Ushers” is one of a few stories I wrote back in 2023, back-to-back-to-back, and has been burning a hole in my proverbial pocket ever since. I’m glad to finally get this one out into the world and in front of readers. I think it’s pretty good, a lively, quick little bite—sort of like a small plate at a tapas bar. Hope it makes a tasty snack for you.

October Manifestations

I’m out and about for a few events in October. On the 9th, you can find me in my hometown, Bangor, Maine, at Briar Patch Books, to host a Q&A with Keith Rosson, author of a couple gonzo horror novels, Fever House, and its brand-new sequel, The Devil by Name.

I’m also dropping in on the Merrimack Valley Halloween Book Festival, on October 19th, though it’s just a flying visit. I’m going to sit down for a Q&A with Bracken McLeod at 3PM, to talk about my older stuff and the next novel, King Sorrow. No signing or anything, though, it’s just a hello, how d’ye do, and happy Halloween to ye.

Who’s The Greatest?

If you’re looking for scary season viewing, you might check out Horror’s Greatest, now on Shudder and AMC+. It’s a brisk, cheerfully gory survey of some of the best horror films out there; you’re bound to make a few discoveries, even if you’re a long time horror-hound. Also, uh, I’m in it, if you have a burning desire to look at my face.

Don’t Let This Call Go to Voicemail

All through October, AMC theaters is bringing back some favorite freak-shows from Blumhouse… including, on October 23rd, The Black Phone. AMC has also promised there will be posters, at least while supplies last. If you missed it in its last go-around in theaters, or if you just want to see it again on the big screen, here’s your chance.

The Mailbag

Substack offers a chat feature and a while back I started a thread where readers can ask me questions and I try to answer one every newsletter.

I admit I’ve been inconsistent about that. But I thought I’d dip into the bag today and see what’s there.

Bryce Wilson wonders: “1) Will we ever meet the Walking Backwards Man in a dark alley, or anywhere else? 2) What about Orphenhenge?”

Answer: 1) yes and 2) yes. I have an idea to try and get out a book a year for the next 8 years—6 novels, 2 collections—beginning with King Sorrow in 2025. Maybe Orphanhenge will be one of those six. I’ve also thought about bringing back Maggie Leigh from NOS4A2 for a book (or novella?) about The Crooked Alley. We’ll have to see. I’ve noticed I’m much better at coming up with hypothetical books than finished books.

I know most of what there is to know about The Walking Backwards Man, I’ve just never figured out how to write a book about him.

Got an ask? Drop it in the mailbag and I’ll try and get to you.

Have A Happy One, Pumpkin

As far as I’m concerned, October is the best month of the year and Halloween is the best holiday. Here in New Hampshire, the dusk smells like woodsmoke and crushed leaves. The air is sharp and crisp and reminds you that you’re alive. The night comes soon and the morning comes slow and nothing tastes quite so good as that first cup of hot tea with a cider donut. It’s a month for reading old, tastefully terrifying ghost stories by the likes of M.R. James and Algernon Blackwood and watching black-and-white horror films. As with Christmas, the build-up to Halloween is everything—the night itself is just a silly bit of fun, especially if you have kids, and you all go out in costume as a family. My twins were Ewoks last Hallow’s Eve. It’s looking like knights this time around.

Speaking of ghost stories, I’m writing a good one myself right now (I think? I hope?). It’s called Hunger and will be the 2026 follow-up to King Sorrow. Now and then I sneak in a new short story. I’ve written a few more this year. I’d like to hold off on that next collection until 2028, but we’ll see.

Don’t eat so much candy you get a cavity. If you hear screams at night, that’s probably just kids, running house to house, collecting candy bars in their pillowcases. PROBABLY. Have fun, sleep well—if you can—and I’ll be back to visit your in-box before turkey day. ———————————————Joe Hill, Exeter, NH, Oct. 24