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Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/7911-When-Animals-Act-Human.html
Horror/Scary: October 12, 2016 Issue [#7911]

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Horror/Scary


 This week: When Animals Act Human
  Edited by: Kate - Writing & Reading Author IconMail Icon
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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

All that I see or seem is but a dream within a dream
...quoth the Raven, nevermore

Edgar Alan Poe

All animals are equal, but some
animals are more equal than others.

George Orwell, Animal Farm

Welcome to this week's edition of the WDC Horror/Scary Newsletter!


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

Greetings,

         As writers of horror in prose or verse, we don't have to perpetrate acts of terror to instill terror in our readers. And, think about it, humans are the only sentient creatures, as far as we know, who perpetrate acts of terror and revenge and mayhem not in response to a wrong, but just because. Animals don't do that, unless we give them that bit of our humanity.

         We as writers do that through personification. We give animals human attributes, things we see humans do. Sweet Kitty may talk, or wear a cap, or live in a bedroom, or set a trap in the bedroom (you don't need opposable thumbs for everything). We as writers can grant animals human characteristics, whether real or perceived, to instill horror upon hapless humans.

          Anthropomorphism is any attribution of human characteristics (or characteristics assumed to belong only to humans) to non-human animals, non-living things, phenomena, material states, objects or abstract concepts, such as spirits or deities. The term was coined in the mid 1700s, but as a literary device, it has a long association with the art of storytelling, where it has ancient roots. Paraphrasing dictionary.reference.com Consider the characters in Alice in Wonderland and Toy Story as examples. And, what of the awesome George Orwell's Animal Farm.

         What if animals in nature do have some 'human' emotions; and the means to do something about it. As writers, we can give them the power, the ability to not only defend themselves, but also turn the tables on some morally impaired mortals. If you choose to take up the gauntlet, horrifying your readers with some delicious canine, equine, or perhaps avian victories, remember to keep it real. The 5-pound shih Tzu trying vainly to defend its home is not going to remove the perp's shoe with toe grinding accuracy. But the neighbor's bullmastiff might, in response to his fellow canine's ardent yelping carried through through the broken-open window.

         Consider the realism in Stephen King's Cujo, Hitchcock's Birds. The creatures do not act outside their nature, which merely becomes focused or channeled in response to the action of mortals. The great white Jaws and Moby Dick also act according to their nature. Neither shark nor whale suddenly take wing and fly or walk on land, but they do appear to react to the aggressive action taken against them by humans, with a focused response that's perhaps 'humanized' with a bit of horrific vengeance. Think, Animal Farm.

         So, the details come from nature, a fish remains a fish, a dog remains a dog, a rabbit remains a rabbit, and a rat remains a rat, acting in accord with their physical abilities. The horror comes from 'humanizing' the force of the creature's reaction to an act of aggression, whether overt or covert.

         As writers, we have license to inscribe 'human' emotion and thought patterns on the action of the apparently sentient animals, evoking horror not with massive gore, but alluding to what the sentient animals can and likely will do to preserve their own realm. They don't always win outright, the horror is in the nature of the battle - inscribing human emotion on their faces, human reaction (if not always reason) in their actions.

         Consider perhaps sending along your maliciously masticating mastiff's tale to one of the ollowing publications, which welcomes both established and emerging writers:

                   http://pseudopod.org/guidelines/

         So, as you nuzzle your kitten or feed your fish or ride your favorite mare, remember that they each have a wild side that, if unleashed, you don't want to have channeled in your direction. Do be kind to them, however, and they will return your affection unconditionally (this last is from me, sustaining member of the ASPCA).

Write On
Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading Author Icon



Editor's Picks

Share some of the other lives of those cute pets ~ let the writers know how well they've changed your opinion of their innocence with a comment or review, perchance, and perhaps 'embrace a pet' of your own

 The Beast Who Was Least Open in new Window. (E)
A rhyming poem, much like a Grimm Fairy Tale - enjoy!
#1763952 by Tim Chiu Author IconMail Icon


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STATIC
Pet Me, Master Open in new Window. (18+)
A dog demonstrates his love for his master by bringing him gifts.
#1960819 by Emily Author IconMail Icon


 Twist Open in new Window. (ASR)
Kittens will be kittens.
#898409 by Waltz Invictus Author IconMail Icon


 dogs Open in new Window. (13+)
A dog story. Don't expect puppies and pull toys.
#1777056 by Danger Mouse Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1779870 by Not Available.


The Cat Open in new Window. (13+)
A boy runs away from a dog only to find a cat.
#1482249 by SantaBee Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1917003 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#546588 by Not Available.


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FORUM
SCREAMS!!! Open in new Window. (GC)
A Terrifying Contest Of Horror And Three Time Quill Award Winner!
#2020439 by Lilith 🎄 Christmas Cheer Author IconMail Icon


 
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Ask & Answer

         Thank you for this brief respite in the relative safety of your virtual home. Until we next meet, may your kittens be coy and your puppies a pleasure, until you unleash them to wreak mayhem on unsuspecting readers

Write On *Pawprints*
Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading Author Icon

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