\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
BY ONLINE AUTHORS
Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/8119-Without-a-conscience.html
Horror/Scary: February 08, 2017 Issue [#8119]

Newsletter Header
Horror/Scary


 This week: Without a conscience
  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: "Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience."
~George Washington


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B07P4NVL51
Amazon's Price: Price N/A


Letter from the editor

Your conscience is your moral compass, the little voice in your head that warns you when you are about to do something wrong. Now, imagine a person who does not hear such a voice.

In the past, a person without a conscience was given labels such as "psychopath" or "sociopath," but medical professionals currently use the term "antisocial personality." The term "antisocial" can be misleading, because it sounds as if it refers to someone who doesn't like crowds or socializing. It is actually something different, and much darker.

Antisocial personalities are aware of the rules of society, but may feel that those rules do not apply to them. Such a person feels no empathy for others, and the only limit on their behavior is the fear of getting caught.

Cruelty to animals is often the first sign of antisocial personality disorder that may show up in childhood. When I was in grade school, a boy in my school killed a dog. When a little girl who was watching started to cry, he told her she was next. His family moved out of town shortly after that, and I often wonder how he ended up...

Some of the most infamous characters in history have been antisocial personalities, including serial killers such as Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer.

While some antisocial personalities may be loners, others are quite charismatic and friendly (at least on the surface). Because of their charm and desire for power, these individuals may seek out leadership positions.

Antisocial personalities are perfect horror villains. Well known fictional antisocial personalities include Hannibal Lecter and Sherlock Holmes' nemesis, Moriarty.

While antisocial personalities are often criminals, they are not all killers. They may commit other crimes such as sexual assault or theft.

Some antisocial personalities are so charismatic that they convince or coerce others to commit their crimes for them. Charles Manson may fit this category, although experts disagree on his diagnosis, since he often lied to people who attempted to analyze him. When the person who committed the crime is caught and goes to prison, the antisocial personality who drove them to the act may walk free.

Something to try: Write a horror story that includes a character with antisocial personality disorder.


Editor's Picks

STATIC
The Granson Place Open in new Window. (ASR)
Two teenagers go looking for ghosts...
#1325859 by W.D.Wilcox Author IconMail Icon


'A Writer's Curse ' Open in new Window. (13+)
Reading can be a deadly pleasure...
#2080100 by Angus Author IconMail Icon


STATIC
When The Dust Settles Open in new Window. (GC)
Very unsettling story of a disturbed man looking for comfort.
#1437291 by Robert 'BobCat' Author IconMail Icon


STATIC
Love is Blind Open in new Window. (13+)
If the birds had pecked out Queenie's eyes, why had they left Nattie's alone?
#2107465 by Cubby Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2110443 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: B00KN0JEYA
Amazon's Price: $ 4.99


Ask & Answer

Question for next time:

*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: 0996254145
Amazon's Price: $ 12.95

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/8119-Without-a-conscience.html