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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/7767-Theyll-never-hear-it-coming.html
Horror/Scary: July 27, 2016 Issue [#7767]

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Horror/Scary


 This week: They'll never hear it coming
  Edited by: Arakun the twisted raccoon 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

Quote for the week:
"Hello darkness, my old friend
I've come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence"

~Paul Simon "The Sound of Silence"


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

Can you imagine dealing with an evil entity that doesn't make a sound? How would you know it was coming?

Sound is often the first clue that the evil entity is near. While some horror monsters, such as Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees, do not talk, they still make sounds. A footstep, a snapping twig, or heavy breathing might be heard long before the creature comes into view.

Even though one memorable episode of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" was shot without sound, it is hard to imagine a horror story without creepy sounds. Imagine "Psycho" without the freaky sound effect that punctuated the knife thrusts in the shower scene? The creators of the movie "Halloween" had difficulty creating a scary mood, until they added the creepy music. And what exactly was that sound effect in "Friday the 13th?" "K-ka-ka-ka! M-ma-ma-ma-ma!" These sounds are used to create a sense of foreboding, and to warn the viewer that something is about to happen.

Instead of using sound as a clue that something evil is coming, try using silence. Imagine your characters are out in a peaceful natural setting. The birds are singing, bees are buzzing, and a light breeze rustles through the trees. Suddenly all sound stops. Even the wind goes silent. This can't be good...

A ghost might be an example of a soundless horror entity. The ghost might be either good or bad, and part of the challenge for your characters might be to figure out the message the ghost is trying to convey. Here are a few other silent horror devices:

*Pencil*Writing that appears out of nowhere

*Pencil*A scent--perfume, flowers, or maybe the smell of decaying flesh.

*Pencil*A soundless scream

*Pencil* A character is alone and feels the touch of a hand on his shoulder

*Pencil*Bloody clothes

Maybe the bad thing does make sounds, but the victim cannot hear them. The victim may have been placed in a soundproof chamber, or may be hearing impaired. The villain may have taken away his hearing in some way. In a world without sound, a person who has been deaf since birth would have an advantage over those who are used to being able to hear.

Lack of sound would be even worse if accompanied by lack of sight. Sensory deprivation could make even the strongest character go mad in a short time. Writing this type of story could be difficult, because it is hard to write without using your senses. A story written fro the first person point of view of a character in this situation could be quite powerful if done carefully.

Something to try: Write a horror story that involves a monster that makes no sound.


Editor's Picks

No Time To Scream Open in new Window. (13+)
There's more than just bikers and joggers in the park tonight...
#1963477 by Angus Author IconMail Icon


The Singer Open in new Window. (13+)
A sniper team is sent to kill a singer whose song soothes those infected with the Bug.
#1959819 by Kotaro Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2083733 by Not Available.


Castle Fear Open in new Window. (13+)
A dark story poem in Poe's style of The Raven. My hat tip to a classic.
#1804369 by Perish Throckmorton Author IconMail Icon


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No Escape Open in new Window. (18+)
Any minute now, I would wake up.
#2077684 by FrosTIGGY the Snowman Author IconMail Icon

 
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