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Horror/Scary: October 05, 2022 Issue [#11590]




 This week: Observe Alfred Hitchcock Movies
  Edited by: Lornda 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

Quotes from Alfred Hitchcock:

"There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it."

"A glimpse into the world proves that horror is nothing other than reality."

"Give them pleasure. The same pleasure they have when they wake up from a nightmare."


*Movie* Watch Alfred Hitchcock movies to improve your horror/scary writing.



Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor


“Always make the audience suffer as much as possible.”


         Alfred Hitchcock was the one responsible for the opening quote. If you’ve ever seen his movies, the quote makes a lot of sense. His career lasted for sixty years, and even though he was a filmmaker and an expert at scaring people, he was no Stephen King when it came to writing. Hitchcock did supervise and guide the writers through the draft process. He insisted they include every attention to detail especially for the visual aspect of the movie.

         Even though his movies were released in the dark ages , by watching and observing the scenes it can help with your own writing. As an example, the movie Psycho has a famous shower scene. Hitchcock made it so scary that the actress, Janet Leigh, never wanted to shower again. If you think about that scene, it now plants in the heads of everyone how vulnerable they are in a shower. How can you use this type of frightening scene in your writing? Here are a few tips to consider by examining what Alfred Hitchcock accomplished in his movies.

*Bullet* Take chances. He knew exactly how to remove people from their comfort zones. There was no room for boredom. So what does this mean for you as a writer? Avoid pages of backstory and endless descriptions. People want to be entertained.

*Bullet* Create empathetic characters. While readers want a happy ending, make sure the characters earn them. They have to go through a horrific situation so the readers feel a strong emotional attachment. For example, back to the shower scene in Psycho, we learn the main character is on the run from the police because she robbed a bank. We didn’t expect her to meet a horrible death at the Bates Motel.

*Bullet* Become an observer of the human condition. Everyone has a dark side so never take anything at face value. Be suspicious of possessions, settings, body language, and speech patterns.

*Bullet* Visualize the scene. Think of each scene like a picture and not a book. The setting is important and it can add suspense and layers to the mood of the character. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Take a page from the Hitchcock movies when it came to the settings, most of the time, they were shot in one room, like the movie the Rope and Rear Window.

         The next time you need to search for inspiration to write horror, try going back to the dark ages and watch a Hitchcock movie or two. Observe how the scary scene builds and before you know it, you’ll be making the readers suffer as much as possible!



Editor's Picks


 
A child's terrifying night at the movies Open in new Window. [18+]
When yours truly was at the movies watching a certain Indian movie, his family pursued him
by Rossthefox Author Icon


 
From the Back of an Elephant Open in new Window. [13+]
When I was a child I loved old Tarzan movies. I wrote this reminiscent of those times.
by W.D.Wilcox Author Icon


 Not Like the Movies Open in new Window. [18+]
real life is not like the movies--horror flash
by Arakun the twisted raccoon Author Icon


 Other World Open in new Window. [E]
Prompt: Unlike regular movies, when this film is watched, it transports the viewer...
by Sarah V. Author Icon


 Suddenly The Light Went Out Open in new Window. [ASR]
Why did they want him to stay out of the basement?
by Sailor M Author Icon


 Scare Tactics II Open in new Window. [ASR]
A remarkable teacher and student discover they both have secrets.
by two of four Author Icon


Ditto Open in new Window. [18+]
Tomorrow never comes.
by Bilal Latif Author Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor


 
Brad's Inheritance Open in new Window. [18+]
Brad inherits an entire kingdom.
by Beholden Author Icon


 
The Golden Locket Open in new Window. [18+]
After her mother's death, Tanya faces a horror that hasn't surfaced since childhood.
by Dalimer Corwyn Author Icon


 
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Ask & Answer

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*Questiong* What’s your opinion on Alfred Hitchcock’s movies? Did they succeed in scaring you, and do you have a favorite?

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