\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
BY ONLINE AUTHORS
Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/7922-Horror-by-gaslight.html
Horror/Scary: October 19, 2016 Issue [#7922]

Newsletter Header
Horror/Scary


 This week: Horror by gaslight
  Edited by: Arakun the twisted raccoon 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

Quote for the week: "There is no such thing as paranoia. Your worst fears can come true at any moment."
~Hunter S. Thompson


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B07RKLNKH7
Amazon's Price: $ 0.99


Letter from the editor

Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse in which the abuser tricks the victim into doubting their own sanity. It is named for an old movie and play called "Gaslight" in which a husband attempted to convince his wife that she was going insane by making her doubt her own perceptions of reality.

The title came about because of one of the ruses the husband used to convince his wife she had lost her sanity. The couple lived in a Victorian mansion that used gas jets (gaslights) for light. By turning the gas jets in the attic on, he caused the lights in the main part of the house to flicker and dim. When his wife commented on the flickering flames, he said he didn't see it, and it must have been her imagination. He also moved pictures and placed items in his wife's purse, and later said she had moved the items herself.

The husband's motive for driving his wife insane was to commit her so he could gain control of her fortune, but a villain might use gaslighting for other purposes as well. They might want to take the victim's job, get revenge for some past act, or simply keep the victim dependent on them. Domestic abusers often use some form of gaslighting for the third reason.

A horror villain who practices gaslighting would be difficult to catch because he targets his victim's mind. This type of villain is very skilled at appearing normal, and often comes across as caring and concerned about the victim's welfare. He will usually isolate the victim from family or friends, because his plan will not succeed with other people around. The wife in the movie eventually realized what her husband had been doing when another character saw the flames flicker.

Here are some examples of how a villain might use gaslighting in a horror story:

Bring spiders, snakes, or insects into the house and claim he does not see them.

Hack into his victim's email account and send nasty messages to her family and friends.

Use the victim's credit cards or bank accounts for extravagant purchases that would be out of character from them. Or use the victim's account to purchase a murder weapon.

Behave in a mean or vicious manner toward the victim when they are alone, but sing the victim's praises to other people. That way, when the victim says the villain is a mean, vicious person, she will seem to be the one who is unfair. I once saw a Facebook comment from a person who bragged about doing this to coworkers (Ugh!)

Spike the victim's food or drinks with drugs that will affect memory, perceptions, or behavior.

Something to try: Write a horror story in which the villain uses gaslighting to control his victims. It also might be interesting if the victim turns the tables and gaslights the villain!







Editor's Picks

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2099519 by Not Available.


 
Image Protector
STATIC
Longevity  Open in new Window. (13+)
Youth is wasted on the young... (Quill award winner)
#1953051 by Bilal Latif Author IconMail Icon


The Legend Of The Phantom Of The Hallows Open in new Window. (E)
An innocent man goes to the gallows. Flash Fiction.
#1483417 by ShiShad Author IconMail Icon


Image Protector
STATIC
The River House Ghost Open in new Window. (13+)
What do Studio 54, a balmy autumn night, and a certain house on the river have in common?
#1982044 by Carol St.Ann Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2096660 by Not Available.

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

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!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: B07K6Z2ZBF
Amazon's Price: $ 4.99


Ask & Answer

Question for next time: What topic would you like to see in a future horror newsletter?

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: 0995498113
Amazon's Price: $ 19.95

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/7922-Horror-by-gaslight.html