E.J. Moon Weekly Newsletter
For the week of April 28–May 4, 2025.
Exploring the Shadows of Gothic Culture
For the week of April 28–May 4, 2025
Dear Gothic Humanities Enthusiasts,
Here’s your weekly update on the latest news and happenings in Gothic Humanities! ⚜️🌖🌜
📚 New Gothic Media
Beasts by Ingvild Bjerkeland (YA horror, survival in a beast-ravaged world).
Deadstream by Mar Romasco-Moore (sinister YA thriller with paranormal livestreams).
Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito (psychological horror for fans of classic Gothic suspense).
Looking ahead: The Possession of Alba Díaz by Isabel Cañas (out August 19, demonic possession in 18th-century Mexico), and Katabasis by R.F. Kuang (out August 26, a dark academia journey to the underworld).
🎨 Gothic Art Events
Whitby Gothic Weekend continues April 24–27 in North Yorkshire, UK, featuring live music, Victorian-inspired bazaar, and immersive gothic fashion and art experiences.
🎭 Gothic Cultural Events
April’s European Gothic webinar series wraps up, with sessions exploring regional gothic traditions from Spain to Sweden.
World Goth Day is coming up on May 22-start planning your celebrations now.
🕯️ Spooky Things
Grimoire’s Gothic Market returns April 27 at the Danvers Doubletree, MA, with witchcraft, horror, tarot, and supernatural vendors. Costumes encouraged; all ages welcome with ticket.
🎬 Spooky Book & Film Recommendations
Beasts by Ingvild Bjerkeland
Deadstream by Mar Romasco-Moore
Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito
Nosferatu (2024 film, now streaming), and upcoming Wolf Man (Jan 2025)
⚜️ Important Dates
April 24–27: Whitby Gothic Weekend, UK
April 27: Grimoire’s Gothic Market, Danvers, MA
May 22: World Goth Day (International)
Looking Forward
Anticipate the August release of The Possession of Alba Díaz and Katabasis, plus more gothic festivals and webinars as summer approaches.
Gothic Media Spotlight
This Week’s Spotlight: Gothic Tales Inspired by Newspaper Stories
This week, I came across three strange and spooky stories from the Victorian era, as reported or inspired by real events and popular press of the time. I found these really interesting, especially because it helps us understand how writers got some of their ideas for their Gothic stories.
The Ghost of the Hand: J. Sheridan Le Fanu’s “Authentic Narrative of the Ghost of a Hand” drew on Victorian fascination with spiritualism and ghost sightings, recounting the eerie tale of a spectral hand haunting a household-a story that echoed many newspaper reports of supernatural occurrences in Victorian homes.
The London Monster Panic: In the late 19th century, Victorian newspapers fueled public fear with reports of mysterious figures like “Spring-heeled Jack,” a cloaked, devilish man said to leap over rooftops and terrorize Londoners at night. These stories blurred the line between urban legend and news, captivating and frightening readers.
The Woman in White: Inspired by real-life sightings and reported in the press, Wilkie Collins’ The Woman in White was based on stories of ghostly female apparitions seen wandering English roads and graveyards, which were frequently discussed in Victorian newspapers and became a sensation in both fiction and popular culture.
These tales reflect the Victorian era’s obsession with the supernatural, mystery, and the unknown, often amplified by the newspapers of the day.
🗡️ Resource List for More Information
Whitby Gothic Weekend: Search “Whitby Gothic Weekend 2025”
Grimoire’s Gothic Market: Search “Gothic Market April 2025 Danvers Doubletree”
European Gothic Webinars: Search “April 2025 European Gothic webinar series”
World Goth Day: Search “World Goth Day 2025”
New Gothic Books: Search “April 2025 gothic book releases”
Gothic Community Events: Check local event listings and gothic culture forums
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed this journey through the shadows of Gothic culture, and hope it inspires your imagination and deepened your love for all things mysterious and enchanting.
Keep embracing the night and stay enchanted.
Until Next Twilight,
EJ Moon
Great information resources! Thank you.