Book Club, Body Horror, & Writing Short Stories

One of my favorite virtual meetings, the Get Weird book club, is hosted by the Austin Public Library. It's a terrific monthly gathering with well-versed members and a fantastic librarian---all of whom have opened my eyes and my heart in learning more and more about fringe cultures, beliefs, and extraordinary ways humankind bends through space and time to survive.

Recently, we chatted about the book Several People Are Typing, by Calvin Kasulke, about the main character's consciousness being trapped in a digital group chat, whereas his co-workers simply think he's working from home. It's a quirky yet compelling narrative that touches on themes about genuine human connections deteriorating in the digital world, the absurdity of language expressed with emojis, domino effects of the work environment, and the risks of digital surveillance---does privacy actually exist?

One of our club members noted the book's narrative felt like a prototype of the TV series, Severance. Another member commented it's like a disembodied body horror. That comment spurred a wonderful conversation about David Cronenberg's films. At this point, I jotted a full page of notes. Especially since I am a big fan of the recent film Substance featuring Demi Moore in the lead role.

Turns out, I've been an unwitting admirer of Cronenberg for years, not realizing he directed and co-wrote The Fly (1986), and he wrote and directed Scanners (1981). Both films that, to this day, still prick at my spine.

Last night, with my pugs snuggled next to me, I watched his more recent film, Crimes of the Future, starring Viggo Mortensen and Kristen Stewart. My gosh! I would watch it again and again. It creeped me out, and I loved the feeling.

Have I always been a body horror fan?

I can't help but think---yes.

Not only because I'm attracted to his filmmaking techniques, but also because Cronenberg's themes have percolated into some of my writing. The idea of physical alterations---whether a conscious choice or not---to survive the curved and serrated perceptions of our reality, occasionally awaken in my short stories.

Currently---before our recent discussion about Cronenberg with my book-club friends, I've been finessing a 1,600-word short story about a boy's relationship with his father, in particular his admiration for father's working-man hands.

Yes, it's speculative fiction with a tad of body horror, but I aim far from horror and any gore. Sorry to disappoint, if that's what you were looking for. Rather, the narrative spins a positive, coming-of-age message. I really want young people to believe they can conquer the world without violence, but with understanding, inclusion, and kindness.

As always, thanks for reading and, if you're compelled, leave a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's blog (or any previous posts). Take care!

Write, re-write, re-re-write until your narrative rests deeply in your soul. Then you know you're ready to share it with the world.