Ever heard of folk horror? Think of movies like Midsommar and The Witch. The British really pioneered this movie genre with Wicker Man (the good one), Blood on Satan’s Claw among others.

This guy knows what it sounds like to be stabbed in the back…by stabbing someone in the back.

Well, while scouring YouTube, I found a channel that deals with horror writing, and there was one such entry about folk horror. Thinking, well why not? I clicked on it and watched. As I watched, I realized that this was a genre of horror I could get into. It ticked all the boxes for me: the creeping sensation that something is wrong. Knowing that something is wrong, but no one will or wants to believe you when you warn them. The subversion of the notion of society. Where has this been all my life?

And while I watched it, it hit me – this is the sequel to The Quietest Heart that I have been looking for. For decades (yes, decades) I’ve been trying to continue the adventures of Anya and Rhona, but I never came up with a good idea. I wanted to test the relationship. I wanted to explore more of Anya. I wanted to put the two up against something and see how everything shook out.

I grabbed a notebook and re-watched it, making notes about the qualities of the folk horror genre. Sure – it’s a tried and true trope, but can fit fantasy so wonderfully, and to be honest – who would see it coming? A friendly village in the middle of the woods. Everyone has smiles and waves…to one person. The other is treated with minor deference, but the stares are little too hard for her tastes. The whisper campaign is getting a little heated.

I can’t wait to get started…eventually. I literally just last week. I’m still deliberating about having certain characters in this book, or should I get rid of them? They would tip the power scale over the protagonists’ side quite easily. I’ve got to think about that one.

Also – the story takes place on a fantasy world I created that has undergone several changes in history, societies and populations. So, I’m going to have to carefully write this one so that the world can fit into the abridged history I wrote for the region. It’s a small worry, but I’m still going to obsess about it because it’s me. Anxiety? I’m soaking in it.

Is this new addition going to delay any of the other projects? Nope. I’m still working on Tribal, outlining Unbroken and making characters for my meager attempt at literary fiction called The Crab Bucket. Do I have a lot of irons in the fire? Yes. Am I enjoying myself? Also, yes.

I should get to work with…something. I hit my word count for Tribal today (not a huge amount) and I got let out of work early. I might outline Tyro a little, then make some more notes on folk horror. I should watch Misommar again to pick up some other things about this genre.

Ta-ta for now!