\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
BY ONLINE AUTHORS
Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/9666-Writing-against-horror-tropes.html
Horror/Scary: July 24, 2019 Issue [#9666]




 This week: Writing against horror tropes
  Edited by: Arakun the twisted raccoon 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

Quote for the week: It is a mistake to fancy that horror is associated inextricably with darkness, silence, and solitude.
~H. P. Lovecraft


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B083RZJVJ8
Product Type:
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
Not currently available.


Letter from the editor

A trope is any commonly used plot element, character type, or setting. Commonly used horror tropes include the dark and stormy night, the creepy little town, and the strange neighbor.

Horror tropes are useful because they are familiar to readers and help evoke a fear response. Some characters, settings, and events work well in horror stories because they are inherently frightening. However, some tropes have been overused to the point where they have become cliches.

Hundreds of horror tropes exist, so listing them all is beyond the scope of this newsletter. Many websites list and explain the most common ones. Some are more common in literature, some in TV and movies, and some in both.

While it is hard to write a story without using some tropes, try to use them in a unique way or turn them upside down if possible. For example, your characters might find something evil waiting for them in a beautiful, brightly lit house and find sanctuary in a creepy dark house.

Read through some of the lists of horror tropes and then try to see how many you can find in your favorite horror stories. Look for ways that your favorite authors have used common tropes in new ways. How many tropes can you find in your own stories? Are there any tropes you have used that you might change to make your story more original?

Tropes can sometimes help set up plot twists. If readers expect a certain character or setting to behave in a certain way based on past experience, it will surprise them if things are different.

Something to try: Write a horror story that uses the opposites of common tropes.


Editor's Picks

Image Protector
STATIC
The Scream Open in new Window. (18+)
No good deed goes unpunished
#1611352 by W.D.Wilcox Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2192611 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2194420 by Not Available.


You Want To Read Something Really Scary? Open in new Window. (E)
A very true ghost story that's spine chilling and unbelievable at the very best.
#2177407 by Bubblegum Jones Author IconMail Icon


Image Protector
STATIC
Next Time Open in new Window. (18+)
Lessons learned sometimes come too late
#1130074 by Eric Wharton Author IconMail Icon

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: B083RZ37SZ
Product Type:
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
Not currently available.


Ask & Answer

Question for next time: What subject would you like to see in a future horror newsletter?

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B07YXBT9JT
Amazon's Price: $ 4.99

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/9666-Writing-against-horror-tropes.html