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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/6875-The-Unexpected.html
Horror/Scary: March 11, 2015 Issue [#6875]

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Horror/Scary


 This week: The Unexpected
  Edited by: Creeper Of The Realm Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

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

Hi, folks! I'm Gaby and I'm your guest editor for this week's issue of the Horror/Scary Newsletter.


Your regular Horror/Scary NL Editors:

Arakun the twisted raccoon Author Icon
billikus
LJPC - the tortoise Author Icon


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: 197380364X
Amazon's Price: $ 15.99


Letter from the editor

What's the worst thing in any novel, novella, or even a short story?

Predictability!


It's the one of the many reasons why readers stop reading certain books. While romance is almost always predictable, it's also expected and wanted, unlike horror. If you can predict what the next page might hold, then flip it, read it, and were right, you're more than likely to stop reading such stories. Some of us still like the predictability part and will stick with reading those sorts of books, only because of the writer. However, eventually, everyone has their fill.

You don't want to be one of those writers where your reader knows what to expect from you. It can be a huge disappointment once you start on that path. It doesn't mean that you have to change your writing style - that in itself can be overwhelming for readers - you just want to keep them on their toes with each word you write. So what do you do in order to change what must be changed?

Imagination


But there's so much more to it than that. When you let your imagination wander to the deepest and darkest parts of your mind, there's always something new, something unexpected, which can be used in your writing. A horror novel doesn't require a happy ending. It requires something more than just an end. *Wink* Leaving the reader wondering about the next page is great, but if you leave them with something to think or worry about at the end, is even better. We're not talking about a cliffhanger here, it's that "wow" factor. They know it's the end and yet...

In your writing, what was the biggest twist or the most unexpected moment? How did it affect you and what did you think when you look back on it?

If you can surprise yourself with an unexpected turn in your story, guess what the reader's reaction will be! There's nothing better than sitting at the edge of your seat throughout the whole story, and when you reach the end, you feel like the next chapter is right around your room's corner. *Wink*

'til next time!
~ Gaby *Witchhat*


Editor's Picks

 Dumb, Stupid Luck Open in new Window. (18+)
A racing team becomes obsessed with a harbinger of death...
#2033810 by J. Robert Kane Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2033744 by Not Available.

 
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A Frightening Walk Open in new Window. (13+)
The scary walk down the old secluded farm road still haunts me to this day.
#854080 by Kings Author IconMail Icon

Dogs Moreau Open in new Window. (13+)
A dog story, but don't expect puppies with tug toys.
#2033314 by Danger Mouse Author IconMail Icon

 
STATIC
The Photograph Open in new Window. (13+)
A creepy photo houses a strange and unsettling resident.
#2032799 by Elliot Haynes Author IconMail Icon

 Instinct. Open in new Window. (18+)
Another WIP - I'll just leave this here for a bit - apologies if I'm teasing you ;)
#2031961 by DanielTotum Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2032112 by Not Available.


 
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Word from Writing.Com

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Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: 1542722411
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Ask & Answer

From my previous Horror/Scary NL:

LJPC - the tortoise Author Icon wrote: Hi Gaby! The example of the cat's eyes was perfect for describing taking the "mundane" and making it creepy for horror. Every writer has their own style, and the most famous of the bunch know how to capitalize on their strengths. We must do the same. Great NL! Thanks! *Delight*
~ Laura

Thanks for commenting, Laura! I love reading books where you know the writer turned something completely ordinary into creepy. And you're right - not a single one of us writes the same. We only go so far as genre until our paths separate.

Hugs!

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