This piece is deeply human and very Jungian. The shadow isn’t our enemy. It’s part of meaning. What destroys us isn’t darkness, but the attempt to erase it.
This story feels like small-town cosmic horror, it's hard to describe otherwise, and I love that. And the interview is awesome, looking forward to more of these :0
I loved the interview and the author's sense of humor. Thank you, Gennarose, for reminding us to let other people reject us if they want--no need to do that for them.
However, did she think of such a story? It redefines story for me. It blurs genres and throws a spotlight on the author's genius. So happy it was read. I'm sight-disabled and tend to skim otherwise.
So much is going on in this story - in so few words. I think I need to read it again. It's so gothic in its containment in the Illuminarium. So sad too. I loved it!
What a banger of a first story!! I enjoyed the mention of Kelly Link in the interview, because I was thinking the story reminded me of the eerie bizarre nature of her stories. If this is the first, I'm very much looking forward to what's to come.
Love love love this so much. Reminds me of song lyrics by Big Thief, on the song "Change,": "Would you stare forever at the sun / Never watch the moon rising? / Would you walk forever in the light / To never learn the secret of the quiet night"
This was such a beautiful piece! I love how, in trying to surround themselves in the light, they (through overloading the electrical circuit) became the light for the town. And the vision of the building burning up! So cool! Just chills all around!
That was my most enjoyable moment on Substack! I loved the story (no surprise here, I knew you'd find the gold and it delivered!) but the pairing with the author interview was just chef kiss. A deep dive into her funny and brilliant personality that truly elevated the story. I'm totally prompted to read more of her work! (And more of Strange Pilgrims, of course).
This piece is deeply human and very Jungian. The shadow isn’t our enemy. It’s part of meaning. What destroys us isn’t darkness, but the attempt to erase it.
I really enjoyed this!
Thank you Rosie. Jungian is an apt description!
This story feels like small-town cosmic horror, it's hard to describe otherwise, and I love that. And the interview is awesome, looking forward to more of these :0
Thank you more reading Uluscri! And I love that description "small-town cosmic horror"
I loved the interview and the author's sense of humor. Thank you, Gennarose, for reminding us to let other people reject us if they want--no need to do that for them.
Yes, GennaRose is lowkey hilarious haha
However, did she think of such a story? It redefines story for me. It blurs genres and throws a spotlight on the author's genius. So happy it was read. I'm sight-disabled and tend to skim otherwise.
Haha, I felt the same when first reading it, Rochelle! 💙
This was a lovely read! A fascinating concept as well.
Thank you E. Ivey!
That piece of writing advice, genius, and means a lot. Gracias.
Yes indeed! Thank you!
What an incredible story and interview! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for reading Annelise!
This author is so effortless, the story without guile.
effortless is spot on!
The story/the interview--both incredible, unforgettable. Thank you so much
Thank you Tara! It really is unforgettable 💙
So much is going on in this story - in so few words. I think I need to read it again. It's so gothic in its containment in the Illuminarium. So sad too. I loved it!
Thank you for your kind readership! So glad this moved you🌻
What a banger of a first story!! I enjoyed the mention of Kelly Link in the interview, because I was thinking the story reminded me of the eerie bizarre nature of her stories. If this is the first, I'm very much looking forward to what's to come.
Thank you Tiffany!! Kelly Link is truly brilliant and I was betting that GennaRose loved her work, so was happy to see it confirmed haha
Loved this!
And the interview genuinely had laughing out loud to myself!
Yes the interview really was delightful! Thank you Dale!
Fabulous start to the series!!! The piece and the interview alike.
Thank you Susmitha!!
Love love love this so much. Reminds me of song lyrics by Big Thief, on the song "Change,": "Would you stare forever at the sun / Never watch the moon rising? / Would you walk forever in the light / To never learn the secret of the quiet night"
Thank you Hannah!! And delightful comparison/connection there with the song!
This was such a beautiful piece! I love how, in trying to surround themselves in the light, they (through overloading the electrical circuit) became the light for the town. And the vision of the building burning up! So cool! Just chills all around!
Thank you for reading, Lillia (LOVE your name by the way)!
That was my most enjoyable moment on Substack! I loved the story (no surprise here, I knew you'd find the gold and it delivered!) but the pairing with the author interview was just chef kiss. A deep dive into her funny and brilliant personality that truly elevated the story. I'm totally prompted to read more of her work! (And more of Strange Pilgrims, of course).
Aww sooo happy to hear that Camille!! Thank you for you readership and also elation and encouragement, it really is our driving force!!