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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/3584-.html
Horror/Scary: March 03, 2010 Issue [#3584]

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Horror/Scary


 This week:
  Edited by: Adriana Noir Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Wicked clown, wicked clown . . . Hi there! I’m Adriana Noir Author Icon, and this week, we’ll be taking a look at clowns and the role they can play in horror. *Smile*


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Letter from the editor

Clowns are icons everyone recognizes. For almost a decade, my family had the tradition of going to the circus every year. At first, I was entertained by the people running around in make-up and wigs. Some of them looked happy, others sad, but their antics were always outrageous. Then, I became more aware of the world around me and some of the perils it held. The clowns no longer made me laugh. They made my skin crawl. They evoked an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach, and I found myself wondering what kind of dark secrets they hid. What really lurked beneath the layers of make-up and false smiles?

Take, for instance, John Wayne Gasey. Here was a man who dressed up in a clown suit and went around to various institutions and hospitals, to cheer up the ill. With a painted face, frizzy wig, and funny routine, he seemed like the proverbial embodiment of cheer. One could look at him, and his actions, and think him a very selfless and charitable man. His actions made him appear to be concerned about the happiness and well-being of others. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.

He had a secret, a very dark secret.

John killed little boys. His basement harbored over a dozen lifeless bodies. How’s that for a clown?

Those who haven’t heard Gasey’s chilling story might remember a more notorious clown from Stephen King’s best-seller turned movie, It. Pennywise was the star of this thriller with his flaming wig, pasty make-up, and formidable smile. Those who read the book or seen the movie would be hard pressed to forget his infamous tagline, spoken whenever he offered a balloon: ”They float. Down here, they all float.” He lured unsuspecting children in with his clown-like appearance, and once they got too close . . .

Between Gasey and Pennywise, I never looked at clowns the same. Or sewer grates, for that matter.

So, how about those clowns? Are they really innocent, harbingers of joy and laughter? Is the man behind the make-up a jovial soul who thrives off the happiness of others, or is he hiding something sinister? After all, who would suspect someone in such a benign costume?

Hmm. Maybe laughter can kill you after all!

So, the next time you find yourself struggling for inspiration, couple a clown with a few dark secrets and you could end up with one truly terrifying character. *Smirk*

~Best wishes and happy haunting!~
Adriana Noir Author Icon



Editor's Picks

Submitted by our readers for your reading pleasure!

 The Night Open in new Window. (18+)
Kenny Cochran finds out about the nightlife in Deacon, Mississippi.
#1615338 by very thankful Author IconMail Icon


 The Legend of Kazimir Open in new Window. (E)
A short ghost story written as a tribute to the great M.R James...
#1622307 by Zaina Anwar Author IconMail Icon


More chilling reads!

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Jo-Jo the Clown Open in new Window. (18+)
Nowadays, kids just don't like clowns...
#1162589 by W.D.Wilcox Author IconMail Icon


 A Birthday Gone Awry Open in new Window. (13+)
What happened on Manny the Clown's birthday ?
#1379077 by J. A. Buxton Author IconMail Icon


Berserk Open in new Window. (13+)
A clown can only take so much...
#1382016 by Jeff Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#560929 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1264103 by Not Available.


 Face-Paint Open in new Window. (GC)
What lies behind the make-up of a clown? Come in and find out.
#1158914 by Pennywise Author IconMail Icon


 
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Ask & Answer


Azrael Author Icon What a wonderful newsletter, it make me think about the" what if" part, giving me that glimmer of inspiration that i needed. Thank you.
Azrael
Thank you! I’m so very glad! *Bigsmile* That’s usually my main goal here. Don’t forget to submit your story!

Shannon Author Icon What an excellent (and inspiring) editorial, Adriana! Your newsletters just keep getting better and better.
Thank you so very much, Shannon! *Heart* You just made my day!

Nomar Knight Author Icon Your newsletter on the use of Ouija boards in horror is excellent. Thank goodness I don't "possess" one. Although, I must admit, the more I think about what you wrote, the more jittery I feel. I owe you one. *Wink*
Thank you, Nomar! *Heart* I would say I’m sorry, but . . . *Smirk* Let’s just say I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

very thankful Author Icon Your newsletter about Ouija boards got me think about writing a short story surrounding one featuring my Deacon, Mississippi characters, Lucifer and Cydia Webster. I've also submitted a story to let you know what they're all about.
Awesome! Thank you so very much! *Thumbsup*

That's all for this month! Don't forget to send in your comments, stories, and suggestions. *Smile* See you in April!


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