Unearthing Iowa's Hidden Horror: The Rise of 'One of Us'

Discovering the Literary Abyss in Iowa

Iowa City is widely celebrated for its rich literary heritage, often hailed as a beacon for aspiring writers. However, beneath this renowned surface lies an intriguing absence—a vacuum where certain genres struggle to thrive, particularly horror, existential fiction, and cult fiction. This realization, as explored by Damion and Mia in their deep dive, is the driving force behind a new venture called "One of Us," a literary showcase aiming to bring these genres into the limelight.

The Need for "One of Us"

The motivation behind "One of Us" stems from a glaring gap observed by Iowa City horror author Ira Rat. With only two horror-related events recorded statewide last year, including one that was a fleeting part of an anime convention, this void pointed to a broader issue. Literary institutions traditionally favor "high art," often overlooking genres that provoke discomfort yet resonate deeply with primal human emotions.

Enter "One of Us," a response to this oversight, aiming not just to fill a gap but to bridge a chasm between local creators and a broader, vibrant horror community.

Building a Community

For Harriet Everend, a horror author based in Cedar Rapids, the struggle to connect with like-minded authors required traveling great distances—often to conferences dominated by writers from coastal regions. The necessity of "One of Us" became clear: create a physical space in the Midwest where independent voices in these niche genres can find their audience.

Sam Richard of Weirdpunk Books echoed this need. Once isolated, the Midwest scene is now burgeoning with potential, likening it to an underground music movement gaining momentum. This organic growth promises rich cultural exchanges and a thrill of connection for those passionate about horror.

The Debut of "One of Us"

Set to launch on Saturday, September 6th, at Public Space One in Iowa City, "One of Us" promises an afternoon teeming with creativity from 12NN to 4PM. In an inclusive move, the event offers free admission, ensuring accessibility for anyone curious about these intriguing genres.

With 19 invited authors and four presses, including Minneapolis' renowned Weirdpunk Books, the lineup boasts prominent names in horror literature such as Paula D. Ash, Joe Koch, and Matthew Mitchell. These established voices bring with them accolades, including the revered Shirley Jackson and Bram Stoker awards, signaling that "One of Us" is a significant event, not merely a local gathering.

Exploring New Dimensions of Horror

The genres showcased at "One of Us" reflect the diversity and evolving nature of horror. Ira Rat describes horror as a "transgressive genre" that subverts norms and challenges safe storytelling boundaries. This controlled exploration of fear is echoed by Harriet Everend and further broadened by Sam Richard. He posits that horror extends beyond mere fear into domains of grief, trauma, and transformation, revealing its cathartic potential.

Highlighting the resurgence of late '90s and early 2000s internet nostalgia—often referred to as the "Dark Internet"—adds another layer to horror's modern appeal. The blend of digital primal fears and contemporary storytelling creates an enriched ecosystem where nostalgia fuels creativity.

Conclusion: A New Horror Hub

As "One of Us" steps into the spotlight, it does more than establish a horror community in Iowa. It acts as a mirror, reflecting our evolving relationship with fear, the unknown, and the unconventional narratives we are drawn to today. This initiative, while deeply rooted in local culture, is a testament to the wide-reaching potential of horror and niche genres, challenging us to reconsider what and who holds value in storytelling.

Whether you're a diehard horror fan or simply curious about the unfolding trends, "One of Us" extends an invitation to explore the edge of the literary map, urging us all to ponder—the next time we delve into a story—what unexpected corners of the literary world might be waiting to occupy their spotlight.

Listen to the full podcast episode here!