One Year Later

My second book, Midnight Rambles: H. P. Lovecraft in Gotham, a biography of the iconic and influential horror writer and New York City, was published exactly one year ago to the day. This marked the conclusion of a half-decade of researching, reading, writing, editing, and revising. I couldn’t wait to step away from my desk and begin the promotion for my book. As an author, meeting readers stands as the most rewarding aspect–and gift–of my pursuit of this sullen art.

For the past twelve months, I’ve been fortunate enough to discuss Midnight Rambles and Lovecraft’s New York misadventures at bookstores, libraries, and other institutions and businesses. I presented my work at the storied main research building of the New York Public Library and to audiences in Lovecraft’s beloved hometown of Providence, Rhode Island. I’ve talked with readers throughout the metropolitan region, the United States, and even from other countries. The Times Literary Supplement–one of the most revered literary publications in the English-speaking world–positively reviewed my book.

As I was working on Midnight Rambles, my driving goal was to present a compelling narrative of Lovecraft’s ill-fated New York sojourn and how his encounters with the city transformed him as a writer. I believe that I accomplished that. Throughout the respective writing and publication processes, the fear of failing to get the story “right” filled me with insecurity and dread. Generations of readers are devoted to Lovecraft, and my book questions several long-standing presumptions about him. Given his deep-seated and vocal bigotry and racism, Lovecraft himself is a problematic figure. Yet, his complexities and contradictions disallow easy pigeonholing and vilification. Ultimately, I wanted to paint a full and honest portrait of him as an individual and a writer. I think–I hope–that I met that challenge.

Now, Midnight Rambles is out in the world. Will it enjoy a life beyond this year? That will be up to scholars and readers. At this moment, I’m beginning to contemplate my next project. Will I be bidding farewell to Lovecraft? That I cannot yet say.