The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Halloween Season (which, let’s be honest, is the entire month of October) has always been my favorite time of year. The weather is generally nice - that sweet spot between too hot and too cold; after the summer storms but before the winter blizzards. The entertainment market is flooded with a cornucopia of paranormal offerings, everything from flash fictions to movies to artwork, and dressing in elaborate or unusual outfits is embraced as the ‘spirit of the season’ instead of merely eccentric. The pageantry, the costumes, the horror. I live for it all.
I have always been fascinated by paranormal and supernatural tales for as long as I can remember. It blends escapism, magic, the afterlife, and the human condition all into one. History’s relationship with the present is often a key theme. The narrative and character journey possibilities are almost endless. The impossible is not only possible, but likely to happen in seat-gripping ways. That love of dark fantasy fiction and history blends perfectly with my love of dressing up and pretending to be someone else in the form of Halloween.
I enjoy these elements every day of the year, but October is when everyone else enjoys it with me, and that shared experience only enhances the fun.
In this time of Coronavirus, civil unrest, and uncertainty, now is the perfect time to pay homage to Halloween by reading a good horror book, having a scary movie marathon, and reveling in all the gothic visual aesthetic to be found online and in the holiday aisle of grocery stores. I will not be participating in any parties or gatherings, but you can bet your bippy I’ll be donning my full costume to sit on the couch and binge-watch my favorite spooky tv and film. I highly encourage you to do the same.
Don’t let the lack of physical gatherings dampen your joy of the season. Try a virtual party, a watch party, engage in online events. If you have family members at home, make Halloween crafts or treats together. If you’re a writer, pen some scary flash fiction and read it to your public via video. If you’re a reader, watch your writer friends live-read on their social media pages. Wear a full suit of armor to your living room. Paint your face like a zombie. Live that Halloween life! But whatever you do, don’t stare into your bathroom mirror in the dark at midnight.
Until next time,
Happy Writing!