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Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/2369-.html
Horror/Scary: April 30, 2008 Issue [#2369]

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Horror/Scary


 This week:
  Edited by: darkin
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  

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

Bad Horror


Recently, while checking out the new movie releases, I came across a horror flick I hadn't heard of before. Being a horror movie fan, I had to check out the back cover to see if it was worth buying. With a title like "Black Sheep", how could I go wrong??? Now I'm sure when the writer pitched this script he felt he had a blockbuster on his hands. But honestly, I just can't be scared of genetically altered sheep wrecking havoc on a small New Zealand town.*Laugh*

Bad horror, whether intentional or not, is not a new concept. In most cases, it's supposed to be bad. You might be wondering what bad horror movies have to do with writing horror stories. I'm glad you asked.*Wink*

When I find myself stuck, unable to finish a horror story, I turn to bad horror writing. I've found it's a great way to break through writer's block. All you need is an idea - a really, really bad idea. Need a push in the right direction? Here are some subjects to help get you started.

Animals Gone Wild
There are many frightening animals out there. Rats, snakes and bears are just a few. If you are trying to write bad horror, don't pick one of them. Go with something harmless, even mundane, like, oh I don't know, a sheep.*Laugh* Then start making it scary.

Insect Revenge
Someone once told me there were millions of bugs for each human on the planet. We're so outnumbered it's a little frightening. Now, ignoring the dangerous creepy crawlies, what would happen if say, the butterflies, decided they could take over the world?

Creature Feature
"I Married a Zombie". That title alone screams bad horror. Take one of your favorite creatures and make them as cheesy as you want. How about a vampire who is afraid of blood or a werewolf with fleas. Be as outrageous as you want, as long as you're writing.

You can pick any kind of horror vehicle you want and turn it into an intentionally bad tale. And in turn, help yourself break through a case of writer's block and onto some more seriously scary writing.

Thank you for taking the time to read. Since I had such a hard time finding stories that would highlight my subject, other than my own port, please check out the Ask & Answer section for a special contest just for Horror Newsletter readers*Smile*

Happy Writing!


darkin


Editor's Picks

While none of these items are bad, they are pretty dang scary!. Here are some items I found while traveling the highways and byways of Writing.Com!

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#1408563 by Not Available.

11 - 19  (18+)
Who committed the atrocities at 92 Second Street?
#1394954 by Pennywise

 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#865425 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1402013 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1411555 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1073210 by Not Available.

 
STATIC
Fire to Ashes  (13+)
A dark to light story
#1226582 by Joy

 Writer's Fallout Shelter  (13+)
A sanctuary for weary writers, inky wretches, and aspiring professional novelists.
#980111 by Liam Jackson

 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1418012 by Not Available.

Horror Luvrs "R" We the forum  (18+)
A forum for all things horror. Enter and do be aware of the beast under the porch!
#955549 by peggy

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This item number is not valid.
#1219652 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item 
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#1417074 by Not Available.

 Absolute Horror Flash Fiction Contest  (18+)
A weekly flash fiction contest for fans and writers of the macabre.
#1326382 by Pennywise

 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1063687 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1033445 by Not Available.

FORUM
The Writer's Cramp  (13+)
Write the best story or poem in 24 hours or less and win 10K GPs!
#333655 by Sophy


 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
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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: B083RZJVJ8
Amazon's Price: $ 19.99
Not currently available.


Ask & Answer

As I said above, here is the contest information.*Bigsmile*

Intentionally Bad Horror Contest


I want to read some really bad horror writings. Yep, you heard me, really, really bad horror! So, I'm asking for my readers to submit their bad writings. The rules are simple.

1. Keep your story 2000 words or less.
2. Write about anything you want, but remember, it is supposed to be bad horror.
3. Keep the rating between E and 18+, no GC or XGC please*Blush*
4. Submit the item number to the following survey:
 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1419558 by Not Available.

5. One entry per person, please!
6. Please submit your entry by May 21st!

I will pick the best, or worst as the case may be, items for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. And now for the prizes!

Prizes

1st place will get 20,000 GPs and an Awardicon (10K)
2nd place will get 10,000 GPs and an Awardicon (10K)
3rd place will get 5,000 GPs and an Awardicon (10K)

That's it, so get writing me those really bad horror stories.*Bigsmile*

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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Submitted By: Starr* Rathburn
Submitted Comment:

Hi there, my dark friend! I enjoyed your newest Horror newsltr very much. I was so pleased to see that you featured Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files--one of my new favorite series.

I also liked what you said about:
A writer doesn't have to use all of the "known" vampire traits. In fact, a writer doesn't have to use any of them, if they so desire. All a writer needs is to understand what a vampire is, and she can create a creature to fit her story.

...first of all, 'cuz you used the pronoun "she"! But also because this was something I worried a bit about when I created my vamp: did I have to follow the traditions closely? It's good to read the advice that it's not necessary.

I enjoyed reading your newsltr, darkin!
Your friend from the Darkside,

Starr*R

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Submitted By: Fish*sWife - I'm Baaaaack!
Submitted Comment:

Great newsletter Darkin! I alwasy wondered about modern day vampires. There is a computer game with different Clans of vampires. Each has their own characteristics. The game is awesome, but I can't remember what it is called. Anyway, I think it is something like Blood Lust or Mascarade something like that.

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Submitted By: billwilcox
Submitted Comment:

Squirrely,
Just reading this newsletter left me pale and drained. Great job as always.

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