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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/8548-Horror-Incites-Fear--Terror.html
Horror/Scary: October 11, 2017 Issue [#8548]

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Horror/Scary


 This week: Horror Incites Fear / Terror
  Edited by: Kate - Writing & Reading 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

          Welcome to this week's WDC Horror/Scary Newsletter ~ where the mundane takes a back seat to the realm of the unknown, a realm of limitless possibilities. When I listen, sometimes I even hear.

Here we are, trapped in the amber of the moment.
There is no why.

Kurt Vonnegut Jr.

All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.
Edgar Alan Poe


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

         Greetings, fellow afficionados of the dark, speculative world of horror. I propose to you that a good horror story, in prose or verse, is a poetry, a conversation between the writer and reader. The depth of perception and detail in horror is like that in a poem. Horror evokes a sense of terror, a mood, that draws the reader into the otherworld the writer creates, whether that 'otherworld' be somebody's backyard or a world envisioned in outer space, or even another realm.

         Think about it, don't you find yourself whispering aloud or mouthing the words in a really vivid horror story (prose or verse)? Reading aloud to taste the words and sense the image being created. This is the 'dialogue' between writer and reader, and I think it's most dynamic in horror fiction. What causes me to cringe may be ordinary to you, but if I present it so that you can see it with my eyes; smell, touch, taste and hear it as I do, by use of words, then you can sense my horror and enter my 'otherworld,' creating our conversation.

         A tale of horror, in prose or verse, is one that provokes fear or terror in readers - a sense of dread or anxiety from a given image - tangible or envisioned - a foreshadowing of impending doom. Let's explore how we engage the senses including the mind, with vivid images horrific that incite fear and terror.

         I think horror in all its versatile forms (subgenres) is two stories, whether presented in verse or prose - the story of both the main character, and that of his/her environment or surroundings. The setting is inscribed by the writer with a personality of its own, which interacts with that of the character(s) engaged with the surroundings.

         The horror tale takes the reader on a journey where the ordinary becomes unfamiliar as it gets entangled with supernatural or surreal elements; a common, known entity, item, or place becomes unfamiliar, alien to the character (and reader).

          Horror tales explore the dark, malevolent side of humanity, whether or not the characters are human. The tone or mood of the tale quickly becomes bleak and menacing, for a visceral response by the reader.

         *Spider* The main character is one to whom (or what) the reader can relate or in some way understand, feel kinship or empathy for, as they (character and reader) tread deeper into the tale.

         *Grave* Lives often depend on the protagonist's success in surmounting or destroying the cause of the horror, as he/she encounters frightening and unexpected events or influences.

         *Hammer* There is violence, either served directly upon the protagonist, or characters he/she encounters.

         *Web1* Most horror stories are told in third person, not to distance readers, but to allow them to engage the horror, even when from several points of view, based on their experience, as though they also are seeing and sensing, feeling and knowing, what the characters experience. This way, as story teller, you can expand description of the setting (the other character we noted earlier) to evoke dread, foreboding, making the ultimate horror believable, memorable, terrifying.

         So, you see, with all its versatility, horror writing does have common elements, ways in which you, the creative writer, evoke horror in your readers.

         Engage your readers, as well as your characters, in horror that is just around the corner, weave your web of words, ever there just outside the corner of your eye

****
Write On *Spider*
Kate


Editor's Picks

Now, for some tales of horror to terrify, and places to weave your own web of horror *Spider*


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2136759 by Not Available.


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King Of Beasts Open in new Window. (13+)
An afternoon in the park turns into terror
#2136691 by W.D.Wilcox Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2136717 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2130340 by Not Available.


 Where Did All The Monsters Go? Open in new Window. (13+)
A rather short tale. One to question the mind about your childhood fears.
#2135924 by Asher Rose Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2124484 by Not Available.


 Hidden  Open in new Window. (E)
Contest entry
#2135989 by K Lang Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2136199 by Not Available.


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FORUM
Sinister Stories Contest Open in new Window. (13+)
A horror contest for everyone! Can you write a terrifying tale? February Special Round!
#1556724 by Jeff Author IconMail Icon


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FORUM
The Bard's Hall Contest Open in new Window. (13+)
DECEMBER is HOLIDAY RUSH: Shape Poetry Prompt!
#981150 by SantaBee Author IconMail Icon


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FORUM
The Grim Reaper Contest - Closed  Open in new Window. (13+)
This is a Horror Flash Fiction Contest. See you in October 2025!
#2046245 by FÐ Spread the Christmas Joys Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2132045 by Not Available.


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FORUM
'SCREAMS!!!' HALLOWEEN CONTEST! Open in new Window. (18+)
A month-long contest celebrating the Spookiest day/night of the year!
#2060065 by Lilith 🎄 Christmas Cheer Author IconMail Icon


 
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Ask & Answer

         Thank you for the safe respite in your virtual homes. Until we next meet, may the horror you weave remain outside your door and windows. But wait, what's running across the roof*Ghost*

Write On *Spider*
Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading Author Icon


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