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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/3228-.html
Horror/Scary: August 19, 2009 Issue [#3228]

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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



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!

Mistaken Identity Open in new Window. (13+)
A good Samaritan mistakes one kind of evil for another. Winner Absolute Horror FF Contest
#1398669 by Nomar Knight Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1562856 by Not Available.

 Lonesome no more (long version) Open in new Window. (18+)
A young girl makes a friend in the park. Is it the end of loneliness, or the beginning?
#1556135 by Ben Langhinrichs Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#882892 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1291339 by Not Available.

 Darling Open in new Window. (13+)
the ultimate stalker
#1208529 by ⭐Princette♥PengthuluWrites Author IconMail Icon

Horror Luvrs "R" We Open in new Window. (13+)
A group for those who feel a connection with all things horror. Join us if you dare!
#955555 by peggy Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#957464 by Not Available.

A MidSummer Night's Scream Open in new Window. (13+)
Round closed ~ Winners Announced!
#1445235 by Adriana Noir Author IconMail Icon

 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.
#1063687 by Not Available.

Image Protector
FORUM
Sinister Stories Contest Open in new Window. (13+)
A horror contest for everyone! Can you write a terrifying tale? February Special Round!
#1556724 by Jeff Author IconMail Icon

Image Protector
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 SophyBells Author IconMail Icon


 
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Word from Writing.Com

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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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