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Horror/Scary: February 06, 2008 Issue [#2210]

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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

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Letter from the editor

Somebody's Watching Me.


Fear can come from many places. The lurking monster, the oozing slime, or even the dark figure standing just inside the shadows, always watching and waiting for the victim to make a move.

When writing a psychological horror story there is one storyline that hits close to home to many readers. The unknown stalker. Using this character can add plenty of suspense to your horror story.

Being watched and followed, your every move known by someone you don't know, is very frightening. Why is this person following me? What do they want? It's enough to make your character sweat with fear and anxiety.

Stalkers are a very real threat in this world. While their motives may not be understood by their victims, their actions are. Stalkers use fear and intimidation to keep their victim always on the defensive.

Most stalkers can be broken down into one of three categories. There are the vengeful stalker, intimate partner stalker, and delusional stalker. I'm sure there are others, but for the sake of this article these are the three I will touch on. For the examples I am using the pronoun "he", but be aware that women can be stalkers too.


Vengeful Stalkers

This person stalks because he feels the victim has done him wrong. He is angry and needs to get even with the victim. This type tends to be psychotic and will do anything to make the victims life miserable. He is not above making false reports to the police, property damage, or even harming or killing pets. His motives are to frighten and distress the victim.


Intimate Partner Stalker

This stalker tends to be a former romantic partner. The victim has broken off the relationship and he refuses to accept the rejection. Often the stalker is violent during the relationship and/or controlling. This type of stalker is most likely to be violent during his stalking, not only to the victim, but anyone who is associated with them. His motives are to get the victim to come back to him by intimidation.


Delusional Stalker

This type of stalker believes he has a relationship with the victim, even though they've never met or spent time together. He is convinced that others are keeping the two of them apart and if only he can get her alone she can tell him how she feels. Most delusional stalkers send letters, presents, and try to make contact with their victim. While most are annoying and harmless, some do cross the line by breaking into their victim's homes, making threats, and in some cases doing harm or killing their victim. The victim is usually famous and the stalker's motive is to have a relationship with the victim at all costs.

As you can see, stalkers are quite frightening people. They are unhampered by conventional thinking or behavior and are driven by motives that most people can't understand. As a horror character he makes a wonderful villain. He can be as evil and horrible as you want, leaving your reader with a feeling of dread and fear!

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!

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#1384251 by Not Available.

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#1369631 by Not Available.

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#1309055 by Not Available.

Slaughter House Open in new Window. (18+)
A woman tries to buy a home, dismissing its haunted history as urban legend
#1306885 by J.D. Blaire Author IconMail Icon

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 Open Eyes ~ 48 Hour Short Story Open in new Window. (ASR)
Open eyes ~ an open mind ~ embrace what is unique real ~ 48 Hour Short Story Challenge
#1381223 by Kate - Writing & Reading 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!

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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: larryp
Submitted Comment:

Where you get your ideas isn't nearly as important as what you do with them after you get them. Do you act on them, or do you fritter them away like I did when I was younger.
Great words Darkin. If anyone is doing a book of quotes from members of Writing.com, this should go into the book.
kansaspoet
Larry

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Submitted By: Acme Author Icon
Submitted Comment:

Hey Darkin*Smile* Thank you so much for highlighting my story in this newsletter - I'm sat here like a Cheshire Cat, grinning like I got Alice and all the Beautiful soup *Thumbsup*
Happy New Year*Heart*

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Submitted By: 👼intuey Author Icon
Submitted Comment:

Awww... Your last comment about not getting any FB from your last NL was so sad, I had to write you! *Frown*

Lately I have been fretting away the ideas that come to me for a story- but now, since you made me confront this, I'll have to start writing again!*Bigsmile* I'll have to dedicate my next piece to you for the inspiration.

Thanks for featuring my poem. I hope you and your family are blessed with a wonderful new year!~
Tracey

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Submitted By: Lauriemariepea Author Icon
Submitted Comment:

woohoo!! inspiring newsletter, darkin--i started reading stephen king early on, too, and have always loved his unique ability to draw me in and scare the bejeesus out of me.
his stories motivated me to write my own, too. *Bigsmile*
thank you for highlighting my story, too! *Delight*

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Submitted By: lulubelle
Submitted Comment:

Horror stories can be so fun to read and write. This was an awesome newsletter! Thanks for doing such a great job.

Ashton Rose

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