Serial Novel: ISLA
Missed something? Sketchbook | Stories | Dispatches
A doorway… to something else
You may have heard a few rumblings over the past week…
Last year, we gathered a remarkable mix of writers and artists on Substack to reimagine The Twilight Zone—and what emerged defied expectation.
This year, the portal widens: Everyone is invited. Yes, everyone.
Introducing: The Midnight Vault II — a grand collaboration of writers, musicians, and artists, each creating their own strange and brilliant tribute to Rod Serling’s timeless series on its 67th anniversary.
Deadline: November 24th, 2025 at 12:01am
Head to The Midnight Vault for full details and submission info.
And one more twist — select stories will be published in a brand new Midnight Vault anthology, complete with shared royalties.
So gather your ideas, set your clocks and ready your imagination.
Because once again… midnight is almost here.
The end (of ISLA) is neigh…
Can you believe it, the end of my serialized novel ISLA is almost here? I can’t.
It’s been a long road – nearly 13 years – that I’ve been thinking about some version of this story. Looking back, I found this journal entry from a trip to Isla Mujeres:
2/12/2012
I have this idea floating in my head about a story set on the island. Perhaps a boy traveling with his family for vacation [and] has the chance at adventure with some of the other local kid.
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I think the story is/should be partially based on local legends with a twist of goonies and a overt dose of “getting out of your element".
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The island must have many legends and mysteries from the old ways, carrying over to modern day. Superstitions?
Later that day I wrote a synopsis of the story. Let’s just say it was *very* different. But… that’s for a future Dispatch.
Stats don’t matter much but here we are, years later, and ISLA is a 36 chapter/ 70k word novel. Plus a 45 song soundtrack.
Many of you have come along for the ride, so, Thank you!
If you haven’t, no problem. There’s still time to have an adventure with George as he goes to the mysterious island.
P.S. - Don’t forget fresh batteries for your Walkman.
P.P.S. — if you’d like to read it ebook form in exchange for feedback, let me know.
Congrats on wrapping Isla, my friend. Such a huge accomplishment, you should be ultra-proud.
And so excited about The Midnight Vault II!!!