Thanks so much, Evelyn! As I study Will, I am struck by the perfect storm of influences and experiences that shaped him…and perhaps there was something dark in him all along that thrived on it all. I am trying to uncover it as I write. The world he lived in was a study in wild disparity. I’m learning so much from this story!
Yeah - that's a serious and profound psychological question - are monsters born or made? Dysfunctional nature or dysfunctional nurture? I've thought about this sort of thing a lot myself and wrote a little series on these thoughts (it turned into more of a dissertation in the end). It does touch on so-called conspiracy theories a little but it's mainly psychology. Starts here if you ever have time (the four parts are a lot in total so I wouldn't blame anyone for not getting through it!). https://inadifferentplace.substack.com/p/circe-1-social-psychology-and-the?r=2s9hod
I think the horror genre is probably the ideal medium for exploring these sorts of questions, and elevates it into something more than just a frightfest.
Oh, yes, it IS the perfect medium for investigating the deep, dark tunnels of the psyche. I am going to start reading your series today! Nature vs. nurture is a slippery question. The answer is probably a bit of both in just the right (and frighteningly random) proportions.
Tremendous. You have captured the time period and language. Spot on. I'm trying to think of the right single, descriptive word for this saga. I've settled on enthralling. I'm all in on this one Liz. - Jim
Algood sounds a bit Jack the Rippery. You have the ambiance down perfectly!
Thanks, Leanne! Algood is a nasty piece of work who thinks he’s brilliant. His tutelage will definitely bear dark fruit.
That's either unsettlingly brilliant or brilliantly unsettling.
And I agree with Renee - these flashbacks are excellent and insightful. It makes the story as much a character study as a classic gothic romance.
Likewise the contrast between the dirty East End and the lavish aristocracy makes both equally striking.
Anyway - this story is superb and I love it. So there.
Thanks so much, Evelyn! As I study Will, I am struck by the perfect storm of influences and experiences that shaped him…and perhaps there was something dark in him all along that thrived on it all. I am trying to uncover it as I write. The world he lived in was a study in wild disparity. I’m learning so much from this story!
Yeah - that's a serious and profound psychological question - are monsters born or made? Dysfunctional nature or dysfunctional nurture? I've thought about this sort of thing a lot myself and wrote a little series on these thoughts (it turned into more of a dissertation in the end). It does touch on so-called conspiracy theories a little but it's mainly psychology. Starts here if you ever have time (the four parts are a lot in total so I wouldn't blame anyone for not getting through it!). https://inadifferentplace.substack.com/p/circe-1-social-psychology-and-the?r=2s9hod
I think the horror genre is probably the ideal medium for exploring these sorts of questions, and elevates it into something more than just a frightfest.
Oh, yes, it IS the perfect medium for investigating the deep, dark tunnels of the psyche. I am going to start reading your series today! Nature vs. nurture is a slippery question. The answer is probably a bit of both in just the right (and frighteningly random) proportions.
Tremendous. You have captured the time period and language. Spot on. I'm trying to think of the right single, descriptive word for this saga. I've settled on enthralling. I'm all in on this one Liz. - Jim
Thanks, Jim! I’m enjoying the time travel and learning how to make it authentic.
So well done! These bits of Will’s history that lead to who he has become.
Thanks, Renee! It’s a bit like Build-a-Monster, lol.