" In 1984, when ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’ came out, not only was I twelve and couldn’t get into an R movie, but I lived twenty miles from a theater. So my first experience of it was on VHS. "
- Stephen Graham Jones

In 1984, Stephen Graham Jones was twelve years old when the horror film "Nightmare on Elm Street" was released. At that time, he could not watch an R-rated movie due to age restrictions and lived quite far from any cinema showing it. As a result, his first encounter with this iconic film occurred through home video rental.

The quote reflects a common experience of delayed gratification in the pre-digital era when access to movies was geographically limited. Jones's statement also highlights the significant cultural impact of films like "Nightmare on Elm Street," which gained popularity despite initial barriers for young viewers. The delay in experiencing such influential works can sometimes add a layer of anticipation and personal significance to the viewing experience once it finally occurs.

Stephen Graham Jones is an acclaimed Native American author known for his work in horror, science fiction, and literary fiction. He has written numerous novels and short stories, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated following within the genre community. His unique perspective blends traditional storytelling techniques with contemporary themes, making him a respected voice in modern literature.