It is a book about writing, which ceases to flow from Jack as soon as he begins to project his own problems onto one of the characters in his play. It is a book about reading, and how it can save our lives, literally as well as figuratively. Understanding Danny as I felt I did, and going through that with him, nearly sent me into cardiac arrest. And Darkness and Decay and the Red Death held illimitable dominion over all. Danny calls Dick Halloran, and I called a friend to say that I was wigging out.
Fire also shines.
I am sensitive to caffeine, especially when combined with sugar. But decades later when I reread the book it still scared the rabbit pellets out of me. Thank you to all those who have read and commented, and waited with patience during the last six months. It's been slow going, but uphill all the way. It would not have broken new ground in the genre, but it would nevertheless be a horror novel.