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Horror/Scary: April 27, 2011 Issue [#4357]

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Horror/Scary


 This week: Deadly Darlings
  Edited by: Adriana Noir Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

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

It's time yet again for another edition of the Horror/Scary Newsletter. I hope this issue finds you all inspired and well. The holidays brought a serious dose of horror for me, but that's a story best left for another time! *Laugh* Instead, I offer you my insights on innocence, a rather chilling and unsettling aspect when combined with our favorite genre!


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Letter from the editor

I've read, watched, and written horror for most of my functional life. While most kids were learning how to cut out shapes and color within the lines, I was watching movies like Night of the Living Dead with my family. It's probably part of the reason why I don't scare easily. It's hard to make me squirm, let alone feel a distinct ripple of unease. But few things have lingered on my mind or unsettled me as much as an evil child.

For instance, in Night of the Living Dead a little girl gets attacked, and later turns into a zombie. Which, okay, it was creepy, but what really unsettled me was watching her kill her mother. Even now, that scene rattles me to my core. I can't fathom being on either side. I mean, I love my mom, and as a mother, I couldn't fathom having to defend myself against any child, let alone one of my own. And who among us was not a little creeped out by the scene in Pet Semetary when Gage returned and told his grieving mother he wanted "to play" with her as he clutched a knife behind his back?

The fact that kid wasn't even pint-sized only seemed to amplify the horror. I don't think you have to be a parent to feel unsettled by stories like these.

Children embody all that is good and innocent in this world. We think of them as untainted and pure, their hearts full of love and hope. And most of them are. Ripping that security out from under a reader turns their world on end. They are left to ponder their own reactions in a situation like that, and the results are anything but pleasant. Would they fight back? Could they bring themselves to do it? Or, would they succumb to a morbid fate.

I'm not talking things like the Omen, where we all knew little Damian was anything but normal. But even that story has had its share of success. Case 39 was an outstanding example in my mind. I started out feeling sorry for this sweet, innocent little girl. I was sure she was the victim... I was duped, just as most of us would be.

Yes, we all have a tender spot in our heart for the smaller, weaker, and defenseless ones of our species. But in horror, you must remember to ask yourself if that makes you the defenseless one. *Smirk*

~Best wishes and happy writing!~
Adriana Noir Author Icon



Editor's Picks

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


 Waiting for a Son Open in new Window. (18+)
A werewolf waits for his soldier son to come home, and reflects on how they first met.
#1762427 by BIG BAD WOLF is Merry Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1670276 by Not Available.


 Bitter Prophecy Open in new Window. (E)
An evil child must be destroyed OR is she the savior everyone has hoped for?
#878331 by S. Tilghman Hawthorne Author IconMail Icon


 A Story For The Dead  Open in new Window. (ASR)
They hate it when you are afraid of them.
#1330218 by Matthew Boggs Author IconMail Icon


 Like Father Like Daughter Open in new Window. (ASR)
madness in the eyes of a man consumed with sorrow
#577086 by Dana Q Author IconMail Icon




 
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Ask & Answer

Danger Mouse Author Icon: Hey Adriana, An interesting Newsletter, thanks for the quick movie review and background.
Thanks also for highlighting my contest.
Vickie
My pleasure! *Smile*

billwilcox: I believe evil is a very real force, an energy quite apart from us, a presence in the world.
Call me crazy, but as do I, my friend. As do I. *Worry*

NickiD89 Author Icon: Just the word 'exorcism' gives me goose flesh! Great newsletter full of interesting facts and fodder for fiction. Thanks!
Me too! *Bigsmile* Thanks so much, Nicki!

LJPC - the tortoise Author Icon: Hi Adriana!
I'm so glad you enjoyed the movie, "The Rite", and that it spurred you to research a fascinating topic like exorcism. Most great books come from a few ideas and lots of research. I'm very surprised that the Catholic church actually admits to still carrying out exorcisms (or at least having certified exorcists on the 'payroll')...I had no idea. *Shock* Thanks for all the interesting info! *Bigsmile*
-- Laura
I was rather shocked as well. Thanks for the comments!


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