Writers anticipate and dread proofs.After several months of delay, I have received the proofs for Holy Horror—it should be out in the next couple of months for both of you who’ve asked about it.Anticipation is pretty straightforward, but why the dread?Those of us who write books have to deal with the fact that publishing is, by nature, a slow business.What I’m proofreading now is material that I wrote a couple of years ago; the final manuscript was submitted back in January.The internet has accelerated the pace of everything, and now that I have a daily record of my public thoughts on this blog, I can see how my own outlook has changed in that time.Reading proofs reminds you of whence you came, not where you are.
I suspect that has something to do with the internet and instant access to information.I also suspect that’s why many of us trust books more than the “open web.”The oak that has taken centuries to grow is a hardy tree.The handcrafted piece of furniture lasts longer than the mass produced.Books, hopefully, stand the test of time.Writing is an exercise in building eternity.These thoughts, the author hopes, will be around for some time to come.As long as libraries endure. Looking at the proofs, there’s pressure to get things right.Was I correct in what I wrote down so long ago?Since then I’ve read dozens of books more.I’ve even written the draft of another book myself.I face the proofs and shudder.
Part of my angst, I suppose, is that Holy Horror will likely sell better than my previous two books.It may actually get read.No, it won’t be any kind of best-seller, but perhaps a few hundred people will read it.That’s a lot of pressure for those of us who’ve primarily written for other academics.Perhaps this fear is the reason I’ve moved to writing about horror films.Those of us blocked from the academy have to build our own credibility, one book at a time.Reading the proofs, although already dated, I find myself liking this book.It was fun to write, and it has a good message, I think.Even prestige presses know that books about horror films are of popular interest.As I read through where my mind was in days stretching back before the nightmare of Trump, I see that I had only just started on this path.Before me are the proofs of that.