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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/2024-.html
Horror/Scary: October 24, 2007 Issue [#2024]

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Horror/Scary


 This week:
  Edited by: darkin
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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

Reading a horror story, one that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the last page, is what every horror fan dreams of. Being scared, to the point that sleep is almost impossible, makes the read all the more worthwhile. Does that make us crazy? You bet!!!

My name is Darkin, and I’m your host this week for the Horror Newsletter.


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: 1945043032
Amazon's Price: $ 13.94


Letter from the editor

What Scares the Demon Squirrel.


Horror comes in many forms. From monsters and demons to everyday horrors. There are as many different kinds of terror as there are people to scare.

One of the scariest plots to me, other than zombies, is the everyday horror. Give me a story where the average guy or gal finds themselves trapped inside a terror show and you've got me glued to my seat. The more ordinary it is, the more you have my attention.

Writing an ordinary horror story isn't difficult, but it does take a certain finesse to get it right. You have to remember that reality is pretty straight forward. And the more reality you bring to the tale, the more likely it is to be frightening.

For example. You have an average Joe who lives in a regular neighborhood with his wife and two kids. 50 miles from him a wildfire breaks out. Now, I know what you're thinking, 50 miles is pretty far away and you're right. But add to that a pretty strong, hot wind and now that 50 miles isn't so far away. Then throw in the fact that the wind is blowing toward your hero, not away. Yep, that 50 miles is even closer now.

Now add to all that the fact that between that fire and his quiet neighborhood is a whole lot of dry brush. It's been a pretty rain-free summer/fall where your hero lives. Well, you get the point. It makes for some pretty scary times for him and his family.

Now, imagine your hero finds out the fire was started by a new species of fire-breathing creature that was awakened by a group of construction workers digging a tunnel through the hillside, and this creature eats human flesh to survive. And since this creature has been asleep for a long time, it is hungry and headed to the hero's quiet neighborhood for a quick bite to eat.

That's how you do it, take an ordinary event and turning it into something extraordinary. It is a wonderful way to write horror because it plays on every person's worst fears -- something they cannot plan for or control.

So get your pencils and paper out, and write up a nice surreal horror story. You'll be glad you did.

Thank you for taking the time to read. Happy Writing!

darkin


Editor's Picks

Here are some items I found while traveling the highways and byways of Writing.Com!

 Left Hand Open in new Window. (18+)
The self-destruction of a writer.
#1336271 by T.J. Dobbin Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1016427 by Not Available.

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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

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Hauntings Open in new Window. (ASR)
Dark poem to honor Writing.com’s celebration of the horror genre
#1327852 by Joy Author IconMail Icon

It's Halloween Night! Open in new Window. (E)
We love this time of year... how about you?
#272987 by The StoryMistress Author IconMail Icon

 Recurring Nightmare Open in new Window. (ASR)
A nightmare I've had for 25 years or so.
#852648 by Leger~ Author IconMail Icon

Image Protector
STATIC
Soul Survivor Open in new Window. (13+)
Some monsters draw strength from a crucifix.
#900005 by Kraken through the Snow Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1169057 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1333160 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#887258 by Not Available.

 Absolute Horror Rate 'n' Review Requests Open in new Window. (18+)
Post links to your items for rate & review requests.
#1282016 by Pennywise Author IconMail Icon

Misfortune Cookies Open in new Window. (18+)
The perfect end to a lousy dinner.
#1127358 by Robert Waltz Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1063687 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1115993 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1321313 by Not Available.

`Endless Night Dark Poetry Contest Open in new Window. (13+)
Haitus. Darkness is always Endless.
#1171533 by CandyStaiNeCane Author IconMail Icon

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FORUM
The Writer's Cramp Open in new Window. (13+)
Write the best poem or story in 24 hours or less and win 10K GPS!
#333655 by Sophurky Author IconMail Icon


 
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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!
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Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: 1945043032
Amazon's Price: $ 13.94


Ask & Answer

Thank you for allowing me to enter your world. If you have any comments, or questions, feel free to drop me a line. I'd love to hear from you!

darkin

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Submitted By: 🦄🏳️‍🌈Sapph Author Icon
Submitted Comment:

Wonderful newsletter! I just learned about the Cryptozoologist today! My friend had a shirt with that on it.*Laugh* I have nothing else to say except that a cryptozoologist would be a neat character to use.

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Submitted By: billwilcox
Submitted Comment:

Great newsletter Darkin! I think I will use a cryptosquirrelogist in my next horror story...*Rolleyes**Heart*

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