  Horror/Scary
This week: Edited by: Adriana Noir  
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| Hi there! I’m Adriana Noir . Winter is finally losing its hold, but that doesn’t mean your inspiration needs to melt away with the snow. This week, I’m offering you some ways to stay covered in goosebumps and inspired all summer long. |
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With spring in full bloom, and summer following close on its heels, it may be hard to imagine all things dark and terrible. Yet, what better way too cool off than immersing yourself in the chill a good horror story can bring? Not all monsters go bump in the night. No. Some are so real even the blinding sun cannot banish them!
Haunted Houses: And we aren’t talking about that abandoned house on the hill. I’ve never been a fan of this popular Halloween activity. It’s not so much the utter darkness, or the scare tactics, or even stumbling blindly over props that unsettles me. It’s the unknown. Everyone working there is in costume, almost all of boasting a mask. Screaming and fake blood are common place.
Somewhere, in the back of my mind, I can’t help but think of these as a playground for evil. It would be far too easy for a real monster to infiltrate the ranks. Not one of movies, or imagination, but something much more sinister. Imagine this: a deranged madman preying on unsuspecting victims under the cloak of darkness, dressed, as many others are, in disguise. Who would ever suspect a thing was amiss. By then, it could be far too late.
Carnivals: Popular in the spring and summer, these time-honored traditions hold a wealth of inspiration for all who seek it. One needs to look no further than these nameless vagabonds who travel from town to town. Just thinking about them brings to mind the character of Leland Gaunt from “Needful Things” or the horrific villain from “Storm of the Century.” Drifters can wreak havoc on unsuspecting towns or families. Again, by the time people realize what is really going on, it’s often too late. Human or not, strangers are a great way to evoke unease. They’re always suspect, and rarely who they claim to be. Kind of like the trolls you find in a lot of internet chat rooms, but worse! 
Freak Shows: Need I say more? Though maybe not politically correct, or even common place anymore, you have to admit, there is something unsettling about these. Bullying and constant rejection is often the springboard for instable acts. Think, for a moment, about the influx these people must suffer on a day to day basis. There’s not just one of them, but a whole band, and often their appearances are anything but human.
A freak show can be a plethora of inspiration, be it one “creature” or the entire group. Who knows, maybe one lucky ringleader has called to his flock something far less than human . . .
Fun Houses: Distorted reality . . . mazes . . . tricks and traps . . . and yes, sometimes even those dreaded clowns. Who knows what terrors truly lurk behind that door . . . and all for one very low admittance price. If you are lucky, you may be able to find your way out. Sanity is not guaranteed upon exit. 
So, these are just a few things that may inspire you to pick up your pens and stay off the approaching heat. After all, horror, real horror, is not merely confined to the dark. It can thrive outside the drab confines of winter. It can survive the scorching heat of the sun. Horror, my friends, is alive and well all year long . . . and it may be coming to your town soon.
~Best wishes and happy haunting!~ 
Adriana Noir |
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scribbler said: That's a link to a song by Indie-rocker Sufjan Stevens called "John Wayne Gacy Jr". It's all about Gacy and is such a haunting song. Sad and terrifying at the same time.
Hey, cool! Thanks so much for sharing and for writing in!
Joy  said: Great newsletter, Adriana.  I'll never look at clowns the same way, again. I may even be coming down with clown-a-phobia.
Thank you, Joy! That’s quite an honor. Glad I could help!
StephBee - House Targaryen  said: Clowns are so creepy. The horror genre can have a lot of fun with them.
Yes, they are. I’ve never been able to bring myself to like or trust them. Thanks so much for writing in!
LJPC - the tortoise said: Adriana, You're right about clowns. I've never found them amusing. But I don't find the Three Stooges amusing either, but I like other slapstick. Personal tastes vary. Brilliant idea though, to take somthing that is perceived as innocent and turn it into something dark. I'm working on one like that right now... – Laura
Thanks, Laura!  You’re so right about personal tastes, and like anything, horror and scary is all in the eye of the beholder. Be sure to send me an e-mail or link when you’re done. I’d love to read it!
mikeypugs0134 said: This is my shortest story,,, but it packs a horrific punch!!!
Thanks, Reclusive! I’ll be sure to read it and feature it in this week’s edition. Always appreciated!
Milhaud - Long Tail  said: A well-written newsletter. However, I think the clown gambit a little overused. Aside from the examples you gave (one real, the other fictional), I could come up with a half dozen others.
The true challenge should be to create a truly original "monster". Maybe dress them in a new suit that would truly surprise the reader.
Thanks for your works here at WDC.
Thank you, Claude! I’m sure many would agree. Clowns are but one of many common faces in horror. You are right . . . writers should always strive for original concepts, but even old familiar monsters can be presented with fresh, new spins. Many thanks for writing in and sharing your voice!
Michael Priest said: THIS is what I hope to find in a newsletter! Great inspiration, tips, and support!
Why, thank you, Michael! I’m glad you liked it!
As always, please be sure to send in those questions, comments, and submissions!
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Horror/Scary: April 28, 2010 Issue [#3697]
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