Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Celebrating And Keeping It Real

Last month was an anniversary month here at Fascination with Fear. For four long years I have toiled and plugged away on this blog, sometimes putting it ahead of things I should have been doing. But it is a labor of love. I've never expected to get anywhere with it, and I've always done it strictly out of my inherent need to write and my love of all things horror. 
I've met some exceptionally wonderful people in the course of the last several years - some of which I have formed life-long friendships with, any many of which I talk to more than my family and care for just as much as. I've had great opportunities (joining the Fangoria family for one, writing an article for the exemplary magazine, Paracinema, and being on staff at The Bloodsprayer).
I've also had a few bad times (the horror community can be a feisty bunch) but mostly it has been fantastic, four of the best years of my life.  I have no intention of going anywhere anytime soon, just in case you think I'm leading up to the big blog finish.  Not so.  


But in the course of those years, I've went through some rough times "outside the blogosphere" - upsetting changes at my job, my husband lost his job of 20 years due to outsourcing and had to start from scratch, my mother got brain cancer, I had a cancer scare of my own last summer... well, you see what I mean.  A lot of outside factors were stressing me and still, I kept up with the blog. Because it helped me through everything. (Well, that and a terrific marriage.)


Through thick and thin, horror has been there with me - to comfort me and to make me forget about things for awhile. I enjoy writing, even if only a handful of people ever read it. 

But I've been a bit dejected lately because I don't seem to have as much time to blog because of all these outside stressors. I'd become somewhat complacent, figuring not updating and writing on the blog is just the way it is and I'd have to deal with it, life would go on.  But then I felt like I was letting myself (and my ten readers) down.
So it is mostly with excitement - and a tiny bit of trepidation - that I announce I have decided to get some help. 
NO, not psychological help - I see where your mind went there...  Help for the blog.  I've decided to take on another writer.  If it works out, I won't be looking for any additional help.  And I've already got that person lined up and ready to go. 

My blog is my baby, my calm in the storm. So I'm determined to keep it up and running even if it means I had to admit I needed some assistance to stay in the loop.  I will of course, still be the primary writer, and everything has to come through and be approved by me, so it's not like I'm just letting random people post willy-nilly.  


That said,  it is my great pleasure to introduce Marie Robinson.  She contacted me through my blog and just seems to be a good fit.  Only 20 years old, she is what I would have to call an old soul, claiming Roman Polanski as one of her favorite directors and she is well-versed in such authors as M.R. James and Algernon Blackwood (If you're looking up who they are then I think you need a slight slap).  She's still a babe in the woods but already knows her horror!  I mean, this is a girl that proclaims The Sentinel as being one of her favorite films. Sounds pretty promising!

I hesitate to call anyone my protége, as I detest the word, but suffice it to say I am happy to allow her the space to profess her love of the genre.
By all means, let me know what you think.

And before I go, I just want to say thanks to anyone and everyone who has read my blog, and special thanks to those who have left comments (the catnip of the blogging world!) I'd also like to do a shout out to  people who have befriended me, others who have given me a chance within the genre to do bigger and better things, and others still that just make my day on a regular basis.  If you don't see your name then it's not because I don't love you.  It's because it's midnight and I'm tired! 
Here goes:

Andre ~ BJ-C ~ Kristy ~ Pax ~ James G. ~ Lance ~ Mike F. ~ Brian S. ~ Zach K. ~ Wes ~ James C. ~ Zach S ~ Christine M. ~ Rebekah M ~  James H. ~ William M. ~ Will E. ~ Matt H. ~ John C. ~ Emily I. ~ John S. ~ Sarah J. ~ Steve J.


Stay tuned for Marie's first contribution, a review of the 2011 British film, The Awakening!



Progress is what happens when impossibility yields to necessity. ~ Arnold H. Glasgow 



12 comments:

The Mike said...

Congrats, ma'am! You've been an inspiration to me and my blog since early on, and I appreciate the shoutout. (Unless it's some other Mike F....)

I completely relate to being worn out at times and feeling bad about not keeping up, but you're so right about the positive effects of maintaining the blog even when you are burnt out.

Looking forward to what the future brings and Marie's contributions!

Zachary Kelley said...

Happy 4 years, Cuz! You are one of the shining becons of the horror writing world! It's been wonderful getting to know you a bit, and I wish you many more years to come! Also welcome Marie, I'll look forward to checking out your posts.

James Gracey said...

Wow, Chris. Four years!? Many, MANY happy returns and Birthday/Anniversary wishes! I think the first time I came across your blog was when I spotted the beautiful photographs you’d posted of long abandoned and dilapidated houses. I think I knew right then that you were a kindred spirit. That, and your love for the more understated approach to horror; yes, I’m thinking of The Woman in Black and Session 9. The ones that give you genuine chills and a hankering to leave the light on. Just in case…
One of my favourite things about your writing, aside from those wonderful lists of yours, is how you constantly address the more personal side of what it is to be a hardcore fan of horror cinema; how your love for these films filters through your day to day activities. Your reviews are always so personable and passionate, and like you pointed out, Fascination With Fear is a real labour of love for you. That shines through in pretty much everything you post.
I know last year was an extremely stressful time for you, and throughout it you had to face many real-life horrors, and what you said about horror films providing some sense of escapism rings true for me too. It’s one of the things I love most about the genre; it can take all these fears and anxieties we have and contextualise them - probably the reason why horror films are often so popular during times of social unrest and turmoil. They make us address and think about terrible things, work out bothersome feelings and get the adrenaline flowing; but all in the safety and comfort of our own living rooms.
I think this is something you've frequently addressed too - the psychology behind horror and those who love it.
I’m looking forward to reading Marie’s posts (I can see that her first will be on a very 'Fascination With Fear' type film!) and hope that the next four years are just as great as the last ones.
Lots of love, Merlot and Argento films.

Andre Dumas said...

Hooray! Love this and your courage to let your baby be "babysat". Looking forward to where these changes may take you. Lots o love

Christine Hadden said...

The Mike: But of COURSE you're Mike F!! Thanks for the kind words! And just so you know, your blog is one of the few that I read all the time - I don't miss a post. Thanks for inspiring me right back!

Hey Cuz! Thanks and I'm so glad we became internet relatives :)
Like I told Mike, your blog is burned in my brain and prominent in my bookmarks - funny how my first three comments are from three of my favorite fellow bloggers!

And dearest James: Thanks to you for being there to lend an ear when I need to vent, and for all the other things that make our friendship special. It's been so much fun getting to know such a kindred spirit, and without too much gushing, I'm happy serendipity shone on us! And thanks for all the kind words about the blog, you've always been very generous with comments and thoughts and ideas.
You're much the best.
xo

Jose Cruz said...

Many congrats to you, Christine. Although I may not comment too often, I assure you that I stop by your place quite frequently and I always enjoy what I read. You're one of the most unique and human writers out there chronicling the genre. Four more years of this would suit me just fine.

Also, a hearty welcome to Marie! She sounds like a girl of sturdy macabre mettle and I look forward to reading her thoughts. Goes to show you shouldn't count us younglings out of the game... we got a lot of horror passion and fight in us! ;)

Happy Blogday!

Christine Hadden said...

Ah, Andre! My blogging BFF. Did I actually just write that? Anyhoo - thanks for being there to listen to my bitching and ranting and pitching a fit. You rock my world (in a non-sexual way of course!)

And your blog? My favorite. I love me some Horror Digest sass.

Jose: Thanks much for the kind words! And I'm certainly going to try my best to be here another four years.

And some of my dearest friends in this community are "babes in the woods" - and you guys have taught me things and inspired me just as much, believe me! I'm happy to know the love of the genre will continue...

kindertrauma said...

Happy Anniversary Christine! I never see a beautiful house in a film and not think of you! I'd write more but i just did a shot in your honor and I'm afraid of typos. Keep up the excellent work kindred spirit & welcome aboard Marie!

Christine Hadden said...

Thanks so much Unk! I love our mutual appreciation for horror homes, as well as the heaps of other things we have in horror-common! It's been an honor to have worked with you on several occasions and I hope to do it again in the near future! Kindred spirits, indeed!

Marie Robinson said...

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! It is an honor to be here and become a part of this community.

Michele (TheGirlWhoLovesHorror) said...

Little late on the congratulations, but CONGRATULATIONS, GIRL! You're one of those bloggers that I respect and admire and am impressed with at all the stuff you come up with for posts. They are always so interesting to read (even if I don't always comment, I'm always reading!) and of course I love your Sunday Bloody Sundays! Four years and it doesn't seem like you're slowing down at all, so good luck in the future!

Christine Hadden said...

Thanks, Michele! I appreciate all the kind words. I always read your blog as well, actually. Love that your opinions shine through and that you're willing to stand up for what you like and don't, even if it goes against the grain. ;)