A fascinating new documentary series, “First Word on Horror,” launched on Substack this past 7th of February, 2025, offering an unprecedented look into the minds of contemporary horror’s leading figures. This compelling fifteen-part exploration delves into the creative worlds of Stephen Graham Jones, Paul Tremblay, Elizabeth Hand, Laird Barron, and Mariana Enriquez. Each episode presents a unique format: the featured author reads one of their short stories, followed by an intimate discussion of their inspirations and creative processes. This provides a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the very essence of their terrifying narratives.
With anticipation building for the upcoming episodes featuring Elizabeth Hand, Scream was fortunate enough to secure an exclusive interview to gain a compelling insight into the artistic process of a modern master of the genre. During their conversation, Hand offered insights into her experiences with the documentary, as well as her distinctive journey within the genre. She also shared how her experiences of living in diverse locations around the globe have influenced her writing before going on to discuss the challenges and rewards of her recent project: crafting a sequel to Shirley Jackson’s iconic novel, “The Haunting of Hill House.”
Words: Howard Gorman
