On the 7th of February, 2025, a particularly intriguing project materialized on Substack: “First Word on Horror,” a documentary series that feels like a privileged invitation into the creative sanctums of contemporary horror’s most compelling voices. This isn’t your typical talking-head affair; it’s a carefully curated fifteen-part exploration, a series that, this writer suspects, will become a touchstone for anyone fascinated by the darker corners of storytelling.
Imagine, if you will, being privy to Stephen Graham Jones as he reads one of his short stories before then sharing the very genesis of his ideas. This experience, repeated with authors Paul Tremblay, Elizabeth Hand, Laird Barron, and Mariana Enriquez, provides an intimate encounter with the artist, a glimpse into how personal anxieties, experiences, and observations are transformed into chilling narratives. It’s a thoughtfully designed format, one that will likely resonate with anyone who has ever pondered the ‘why’ behind a truly effective scare.
To coincide with Elizabeth Hand’s documentary episodes debuting from March 14th, 2025, CinemaChords spoke with her about her creative process. She offered thoughtful insights into her involvement with the series, explaining how her experiences living in diverse locations around the world have shaped her writing, both subtly and directly. Hand also discussed one of her more recent projects: crafting a sequel to Shirley Jackson’s ‘The Haunting of Hill House,’ emphasizing the delicate balance required for such a work, navigating the tension between honoring the original text and introducing her own creative vision.
