  Horror/Scary
This week: The Potential of Red Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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An Elf (written) Horror/Scary Newsletter
Colors have many uses within writing and with the very red and pink holiday nearby, Valentine's Day that is, we are taking a look at the color red. There are many uses for this particular color in ways that can even define a story within the genre. |
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Red
The color evokes many different reactions and moods. There are different shades that each hold their own meaning. Bright red can have a cheery holiday glow, that type that we see in December in relation to christmas, or the not as bright but still cheerful red of Valentine's Day. Those can invoke happy moments and thoughts. Or, as is the case in this newsletter, those same colors can evoke sheer horror. Red splatters contrasting the cold, white snow on Christmas Eve... or the pulsing obsession that drives a person to go too far in the name of love. Fun times.
Also, the color isn't limited to the holidays. We see red on a daily basis. It can be real or even figurative (ever get so angry you see red?). And how the color is used can showcase the genre. Let's take a look at some uses of the color red and what little changes can make it horror or not.
 Red Wax
- the red seal on the envelope indicating the house and its importance (historical or regency)
- red wax dripping on a stomach in ritual (many but possibly erotica or supernatural or horror)
- words scrawled in red wax, now dry, by fingers numb from pain to give warning (horror maybe)
 Red Flowers
- dozen roses sent to a loved one for Valentine's Day (romance)
- rose sent out of obsession or from someone tracking victims (more of a horror)
- flower description used as a disembowelment (probably horror)
 Red Objects
- red fuzzy handcuffs (probably erotica or romance)
- some type of toy wagon (children's maybe)
- knife set (depends how it is used)
There are many examples as these are just a few that you can consider when working on a story. How you use them will affect the overall genre, though it's fun to mix and match at times.
Visual is the obvious angle when it comes to color because the concept is something seen. But there is more to the actual sight of red, depending on the item that has that hue. The other senses shouldn't be forgotten. Scent comes to mind in particular because you have the very visceral existence of blood, the sight and smell, even taste pending the situation in your horror story. Warmth can get the touch involved too and sound has a chance if dripping or splatters are involved. There is so much you can do that it's kind of fun.
So, mini challenge. This week follow the prompts on "Invalid Item" and for one of the prompts, write a story that involves the color red in more than one spot, including a couple of the senses. What will you color red? I'll be watching the contest, so I'll know. Mhuahahaha
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Here are a few items that relate to the genre of horror as well as some stories that include use of the color red.
Contests:
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This item number is not valid.
#1801607 by Not Available. |
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#1933849 by Not Available. |
Stories/Poems
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This item number is not valid.
#1957776 by Not Available. |
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This item number is not valid.
#1955372 by Not Available. |
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Above I posted a challenge. If you enter, what did you make red? If not, what is your favorite red item to use in a story?
Last time, way back in November, I wrote about story length and in particular the differences in the novel versus short story for the horror genre. Got a number of nice comments and here are a few of them.
By Pepper 
I loved your opening line because I so relate. I absolutely hate watching horror movies and am not a huge fan of reading it either. So then why do I secretly enjoy writing it? Perhaps I just like to be the one to do the scaring? That does backfire though when I manage to creep myself out—disturbing what I can create.
- Ah yes, it's kind of interesting because there is a suggestion saying you should always read the genre you write, but not all of us follow that. There are a couple of things I try to write that I rarely read but I still like what I'm writing. Fun with what you can come up with, or disturbing, either works.
By Angus 
Great Nesletter, Dawn!
As a published horror writer, I have to admit that I have yet to write my first novel. It seems that my attention span to writing longer stories just isn't what it should be. I have, however, found out that my own niche is for flash fiction. And it starting to actually 'pay' off!
(And thanks for mentioning 'The Daily Slice'!
- No problem. Not everyone is suited for the "novel" and some of us are really not suited for flash or short fiction (*raises both hands in emphasis*) but that's okay. Finding your niche and what works best for you is great.
By Quick-Quill 
No. As you just indicated its all in the timing. Most authors can't make that happen. There are a few and I find them entertaining. We are so desensetized to horror that it takes a very good author to crack that. I feel the movies have ruined the reading of the horror genre but a good story is still a good story.
- Thanks for the comment. You make a good point too, in some ways it can be hard to get things just right in any length because you have to take the audience in consideration too.
Thank you everyone who commented back in November and I hope to see a couple comments on the use of Red for today's newsletter.
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Horror/Scary: February 12, 2014 Issue [#6155]
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