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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/6206-The-Unseen-Horror.html
Horror/Scary: March 12, 2014 Issue [#6206]

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Horror/Scary


 This week: The Unseen Horror
  Edited by: blue jellybaby 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

Horror is that fear of something instilled in humans and animals in which we know we have to fight or flight. But what is worse, knowing who the killer is or running from the unseen shadow stalking behind the curtains?


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Letter from the editor


In horror, the author sets the scene, has the victim running from the killer through an abandoned building, never quite knowing where he (or she) is. The victim is scared, terrified beyond belief. Her heart is pounding, blood rushing through her ears and her chest is aching with the need for oxygen. Her legs are tiring and sweat is dripping down her back in little beads. Then, the killer rounds the corner and she screams as he comes near then...

There are two types of horror here, one in which the victim knows the killer and one in which she doesn't know who the killer is. Which is worse?

I always find that when I'm reading something, or watching something even, not knowing what is doing the chasing is a terrifying thought on top of the terror I'm already experiencing. It has this sort of surreal quality of not knowing. At least if you know what you're facing you have more of a chance to do something about it. At least you could call out your killer and face them head on. If that killer is masked or hidden or, even worse, not seen at all, how will it be fought?

I think in horror movies, they would be called the Slasher Flicks. These are the ones where it's a group of kids, they're hanging out and usually partying while one or more people prays on them, stalks them.

I think most horror stories have the 'reveal' moment. Take the typical horror movie, for example, Scream. A masked killer stalks Syndey throughout the movie, through school and her social life. She is harassed, stalked and almost murdered numerous times by this white ghoul. I first saw this when I was about fourteen and I was terrified then and it still gives me the heebie jeebies now. But then at the end, the killer(s) is revealed. The plot is unraveled as the killer tells all and everything is summed up.

But what if the killer is never revealed? What if the victim never finds out who is under the mask? Perhaps the terrifying events stop, the killer no longer stalks but the protagonist never finds out why. Do you think your character will settle into a life of calm clarity or will they be plagued forever wondering what happened to that person who chased them through the woods wielding a butchers knife...?



Editor's Picks


 The Lot Open in new Window. (13+)
An ambigious foe waits in the dark.
#854171 by MD Maurice Author IconMail Icon


 The Perfect Killer Open in new Window. (13+)
A deranged serial killer is on the loose in a peaceful town.
#809890 by Darklord Author IconMail Icon


 Behind the Bushes Open in new Window. (13+)
a strange man is stalking Jane...This is a work in progress, please keep that in mind....
#930297 by Marie Ashurst Author IconMail Icon


 The Dark Open in new Window. (E)
What hides in the dark? Will it come for Lucy soon, like it promised?
#1076022 by L. S. May Author IconMail Icon


And these ones told from the point of view of the stalker...

 Watching Open in new Window. (XGC)
Not quite a stalker, she got what she wanted in the end.
#358091 by leecomingup Author IconMail Icon


 The stalker Open in new Window. (ASR)
View through the eyes of a unique stalker.
#523057 by Diane Author IconMail Icon


 Where Angels Belong Open in new Window. (18+)
A short short to give you the creeps. Step inside a twisted mind.
#973907 by TBird_critterkeeper Author IconMail Icon


 
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Ask & Answer


Write a short story in which the killer remains unseen. It could happen during the story or you could go back to the character later on in life to see how they are psychologically affected. Submit it and I'll feature it during my next newsletter! Here's a couple of comments from my last newsletter:


*Bulletr* There's definitely a lot of suspense and tension in a chase scene. I think having one is a hallmark of a really great thriller/horror book or movie. Thanks for the NL!
~ LJPC - the tortoise Author IconMail Icon

Thanks for your comments, Laura. I agree with you there!


*Bulletr* Plenty of scares. - BIG BAD WOLF Feeling Thankful Author IconMail Icon
Submitted: "Dead Rising: Your StoryOpen in new Window.

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