Well. What a calm, quiet and uneventful month January was, wasn't it. January always tends to do a number on my energy and attention and this one left me feeling particularly drained. I hope you are all taking care of yourselves and those around you. Stay informed but focus on what you can influence directly. We'll find a way through.

Here is a list of things that won't horrify you (at least, in the bad way) from January.

• A year ended and that means it's time for lists. I do love lists. First up, I posted Things I Liked in 2024, full of the books, films (non-horror division), and music from the past year that merited my mention.
• Then I rounded up all the spooky and scary films and gave them their own list: Favorite Horror Films of 2024.
• And, of course, my media log for 2024 is now officially complete. That makes eight full years of media logs, which I guess is impressive if you're impressed by obsessively consistent list-making (obviously, I am).
• (Why do I keep a media log? Why, I'm so glad you asked. I wrote a bit about why I keep a media log a few years ago. I also have the HTML template I use for it freely available.)
• I posted a round-up of my recent reads, watches and listens: Recently 29 January.
• And! My little horror film podcast, Quiet Little Horrors, posted our first episode of our sixth (!) season and it takes on the new Nosferatu.
• I'm still sorting out my thoughts and feelings about the loss of David Lynch in mid-January. There will be an essay soon, but, in the meantime, here's just a little space for appreciation and gratitude.

Hey, Bluesky is hopping now, isn't it. That's where my social media activity is all happening now, so, if you like that sort of thing, find me over there. If you enjoy the newsletter, please feel free to spread the word in whichever places you tend to frequent. As always, you can reach me by email, should you wish to do such a thing, at [email protected].

Thank you for reading! I'm grateful for you. 🖤