Where I've Been

It's been a while since I've updated this blog... but I have a good excuse. I've spent the last few weeks trying to wrap up two big projects. I'm not completely finished with them, but I'm pretty damn close on both accounts.

The first project is a feature-length documentary adaptation of my book Nightmares in Red, White and Blue: The Evolution of the American Horror Film. I'm writing and producing; my friend and co-conspirator Andrew Monument is directing and editing. Rounding out the team are Director of Photography Mike Bratkowski, composer Paul Casper, and sound mixers Larry Goeb and Cret Wilson. The project has been a labor of love for all of us.

The most exciting part for me has been conducting interviews with some of my favorite filmmakers, including George A. Romero, John Carpenter, Joe Dante and Larry Cohen. Recently, we voiced the documentary with Lance Henriksen narrating. I'm not sure yet when Nightmares will be available for all to see, but I do believe it will be worth the wait.

I'm just as proud of my other pet project. For several months, the name of my forthcoming second book - The Alchemy of Words - has appeared in the sidebar on this blog. Alchemy is a study of T.S. Eliot and his literary influences. Unlike many specialized studies of Eliot, this one is aimed at the student who wants to understand how a wide variety of oft-cited literary, philosophical and religious influences helped to shape the poet's worldview. Basically, it's the book I wanted to read when I was a senior in high school, and first began using some of the poet's writings to try and sort out my own beliefs. After four years of research and writing, I'm happy to report that the manuscript is finished and under contract for publication. I'm hoping it will find its way to print by mid-2009.

In the meantime, I'll get back to blogging...