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Horror/Scary: February 08, 2017 Issue [#8119]

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Horror/Scary


 This week: Without a conscience
  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: "Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience."
~George Washington


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Letter from the editor

Your conscience is your moral compass, the little voice in your head that warns you when you are about to do something wrong. Now, imagine a person who does not hear such a voice.

In the past, a person without a conscience was given labels such as "psychopath" or "sociopath," but medical professionals currently use the term "antisocial personality." The term "antisocial" can be misleading, because it sounds as if it refers to someone who doesn't like crowds or socializing. It is actually something different, and much darker.

Antisocial personalities are aware of the rules of society, but may feel that those rules do not apply to them. Such a person feels no empathy for others, and the only limit on their behavior is the fear of getting caught.

Cruelty to animals is often the first sign of antisocial personality disorder that may show up in childhood. When I was in grade school, a boy in my school killed a dog. When a little girl who was watching started to cry, he told her she was next. His family moved out of town shortly after that, and I often wonder how he ended up...

Some of the most infamous characters in history have been antisocial personalities, including serial killers such as Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer.

While some antisocial personalities may be loners, others are quite charismatic and friendly (at least on the surface). Because of their charm and desire for power, these individuals may seek out leadership positions.

Antisocial personalities are perfect horror villains. Well known fictional antisocial personalities include Hannibal Lecter and Sherlock Holmes' nemesis, Moriarty.

While antisocial personalities are often criminals, they are not all killers. They may commit other crimes such as sexual assault or theft.

Some antisocial personalities are so charismatic that they convince or coerce others to commit their crimes for them. Charles Manson may fit this category, although experts disagree on his diagnosis, since he often lied to people who attempted to analyze him. When the person who committed the crime is caught and goes to prison, the antisocial personality who drove them to the act may walk free.

Something to try: Write a horror story that includes a character with antisocial personality disorder.


Editor's Picks

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The Granson Place Open in new Window. (ASR)
Two teenagers go looking for ghosts...
#1325859 by W.D.Wilcox Author IconMail Icon


'A Writer's Curse ' Open in new Window. (13+)
Reading can be a deadly pleasure...
#2080100 by Angus Author IconMail Icon


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When The Dust Settles Open in new Window. (GC)
Very unsettling story of a disturbed man looking for comfort.
#1437291 by Robert 'BobCat' Author IconMail Icon


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Love is Blind Open in new Window. (13+)
If the birds had pecked out Queenie's eyes, why had they left Nattie's alone?
#2107465 by Cubby Author IconMail Icon


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