It’s the most wonderful time of the year…
I’m writing this from a hotel room in Columbus, Georgia, and neither of those things — me writing the intro for the horror issue or me being in Columbus — are what I expected. One, I stepped down from my editorial post at CL in February and two, I was supposed to be camping out west right now.
Things evolve.
That’s also a great mantra for this year’s horror issue
HORROR ISSUE 2019
EXQUISITE CORPSE | PINELLAS PARK TERROR TENT | REAL GHOSTS OF SCREAM-A-GEDDON
ST. PETE’S NEW ‘HALLOWEEN LADY’ | HALLOWEEN EVENTS
When CL asked me to guest edit this year’s horror issue, I couldn’t say “Yes” fast enough (it’s one of my two favorite CL issues every year). My plans: A campy horror theme, with lots of B-movie schlock and funny-not-scary happenings in Tampa Bay (listen up, every other city: We do Halloween right). John Allman was right there with me, planning to film a “horror” film at Scream-A-Geddon. Blair Witch Project, watch out.
Things evolve.
Apparently John found actual hauntings and then an old artist bud of mine approached me with a horror story of his own. Many of you may not realize this, but in addition to John reviewing modern classics like "Sharkansas Women’s Prison Massacre," he also has a solid background in journalism, and I asked him to do a deep dive into allegations surrounding Exquisite Corpse. His reporting revealed a horror story of its own.
The other half of our horror dream team, Jen Ring, marries arts and horror. She hit the Terror Tent ride in Pinellas Park and then curated a robust list of horrible things to do this season. And we do mean horrible is the best possible way.
As for me? Well, I might not be staring up at the stars in the Grand Canyon, but I’m looking forward to tomorrow night’s “Not For Everyone Walking Tour” in Columbus, which looks scary AF.
It’s not camping but, well, ‘tis the season.
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