This week: Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you. Edited by: Arakun the twisted raccoon  
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Quote for the week:
"Her cold wind calls, and so I follow.
No time to rest my weary bones.
I hear her voice, and my heart grows hollow.
Best not walk these woods alone.
Best keep to the roads and out of the shadows.
Best get on home.
Best to leave them ghosts alone."
~From "The Land Unknown" by Landon Blood. |
In horror stories, some characters are exactly what they seem to be. If you meet a snarling werewolf, for example, it is probably going to eat you, and you should run. Characters like this scare us because they are exactly what they appear to be.
Occasionally, you will meet characters who are not what they seem to be. When the snarling werewolf shifts back to human shape, you might find that he is really the kind old man who works in the post office. This character hates what he becomes underneath the full moon, and goes out into the woods so he will be away from humans at that time.
Some of the most frightening characters of all are those who seem to be harmless and innocent, but are...not.
The fae, for example, are often said to be beautiful or appear innocent. While some fae creatures are benevolent, many are mischievous or evil. While they are not able to lie, they can be very creative in the way they tell the truth. Fae creatures that are disguised as humans are said to be recognizable in the same ways you can learn to recognize an AI image. Too many fingers, too many teeth, and eyes that are just wrong. Maybe AI images are actually images of the fae! 
Some humans appear to be ordinary, harmless people, but they are not ordinary and definitely not harmless. Many serial killers were described by their neighbors as "a quiet guy who never caused any trouble." Ted Bundy was charming, good looking, and appeared friendly. He often feigned injury, such as a broken arm, and pretended to need help in order to lure victims to his car. Jeffrey Dahmer often lured victims who were down on their luck with promises of food, alcohol, or a place to stay.
One of the best known examples of an innocent appearing fictional villain is Rhoda Penmark in the novel, play, and movie "The Bad Seed." Rhoda is a cute, blonde eight year old girl who is actually a murderous sociopath. Most adults who know her cannot see her murderous side because "she is just a little girl." Evil kids are some of the most frightening horror monsters because we are usually underestimate kids and are taught to protect them.
Something to try: Write a horror story with a character who is not what they seem to be. |
| | Our Hero (18+)
12800 words. Monsters, death, Australia. Written for 'Long, Long, Long'. Not quite linear.
#2272285 by S 🤦  |
| | The Passenger (13+)
A man takes the night train home for the first time. Will he make it to his stop?
#2327844 by Jeremy  |
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Question for next time:
What subjects would you like to see discussed in future horror newsletters? |
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Horror/Scary: June 18, 2025 Issue [#13189]
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