Horror. A New Genre? Hardly...
An essay on one of my favorite things.61 total reviews
Comment from pafaust
Yep..I leaned in and got that familiar fun feeling from the picture. Good job! It's clear that you've done your research with the clarification of the older stories and your post-thoughts about the physiological effects was thought provoking. I love a good horror story, myself. I'll never forget the time my son, Jason, was a baby and it was just the two of us. I was reading "IT" (Stephen King - duh)before going to sleep and must (might) have drifted off while reading. I got up to check on Jason and that damn clown was leaning over his crib. I jolted awake then and everything was fine, but it took me quite a while to go back to sleep.
reply by the author on 23-Jul-2014
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Yep..I leaned in and got that familiar fun feeling from the picture. Good job! It's clear that you've done your research with the clarification of the older stories and your post-thoughts about the physiological effects was thought provoking. I love a good horror story, myself. I'll never forget the time my son, Jason, was a baby and it was just the two of us. I was reading "IT" (Stephen King - duh)before going to sleep and must (might) have drifted off while reading. I got up to check on Jason and that damn clown was leaning over his crib. I jolted awake then and everything was fine, but it took me quite a while to go back to sleep.
Comment Written 23-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 23-Jul-2014
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Ha ha, yeah, many of King's stories have that effect on people, pafaust. You're not alone there.
I appreciate you sharing that bit of personal information with me. That's exactly the type of feedback I was hoping to get by posting this essay. I like to learn what scares others, as nothing rarely scares me...except sharks. They terrify me, make me feel queasy and nauseous when I see one, such as at an aquarium for example. Of course, living in Ohio, I rarely see any sharks, unless they're on television. I watch Animal Planet's Shark Week every time it comes on to help me overcome this irrational fear. I've seen the movie Jaws dozens of times as well. I am a firm believer in facing our fears, if possible.
Sorry I rambled on so, I just really appreciate your review and exceptional rating, is all.
And, as always...
Pleasant Screams Heh-heh...
Comment from Sean A. Chai
Wonderful job on this nonfiction essay. The historical and scientific significance meshed perfectly with the peice. And I loved the picture. I saw something similar in an e-mail with a ghost. It didn't slowly develop. It just suddenly popped in with a scream for good measure. Definitely startling.
The mythologic stories were a delightful addition. The undine, also said to be the spirit representation of water (western; eastern it's a black tortoise); Tantalus, cursed with eternal hunger and thirst in Tartarus for cannablism and kin slaying; and Cinderella. I've heard a version of Cinderella in which the step-sisters cut off their toes in order to better fit the shoes. Gruesome indeed and not for the faint of heart.
I agree horror is definitely not new. So let the smooth muscle encircling the hair follicles contract, causing our hairs to stand on end. Hug a loved one and shudder. "Horror...it does a body good!" Pass it on!
Good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 23-Jul-2014
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Wonderful job on this nonfiction essay. The historical and scientific significance meshed perfectly with the peice. And I loved the picture. I saw something similar in an e-mail with a ghost. It didn't slowly develop. It just suddenly popped in with a scream for good measure. Definitely startling.
The mythologic stories were a delightful addition. The undine, also said to be the spirit representation of water (western; eastern it's a black tortoise); Tantalus, cursed with eternal hunger and thirst in Tartarus for cannablism and kin slaying; and Cinderella. I've heard a version of Cinderella in which the step-sisters cut off their toes in order to better fit the shoes. Gruesome indeed and not for the faint of heart.
I agree horror is definitely not new. So let the smooth muscle encircling the hair follicles contract, causing our hairs to stand on end. Hug a loved one and shudder. "Horror...it does a body good!" Pass it on!
Good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 23-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 23-Jul-2014
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Ha ha! Thanks for the very entertaining and lighthearted review, Sean. I sincerely appreciate you sharing your thoughts with me on the essay.
I agree 100% with you as well. Horror...spread the love, LOL!
Thanks so much again, Sean. I appreciate you having a look at this!
Comment from Green Lake Girl
A very informative essay from FanStory's own, Dean Kuch. I agree that true horror is not the stupid, gory, slasher stories.
To further the conversation, is a thriller a type of horror? For example, the movie, "Jagged Edge", was very suspenseful and scary. (I use this example, because that movie has stuck in my memory for years.)
Then, "The Exorcist" was horror beyond the pale. I couldn't even watch the entire movie. Probably because I found it totally believable.
I find it interesting that our brains pump out the same chemical for scared feelings as infatuation feelings. To me, these are two very different scenarios. When I am truly scared, my first thought is flight!
A very thought provoking write here, Dean. Thanks for sharing. (I wonder what happened to that woman's beehive when she found out her daughter was a monster?)
reply by the author on 23-Jul-2014
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A very informative essay from FanStory's own, Dean Kuch. I agree that true horror is not the stupid, gory, slasher stories.
To further the conversation, is a thriller a type of horror? For example, the movie, "Jagged Edge", was very suspenseful and scary. (I use this example, because that movie has stuck in my memory for years.)
Then, "The Exorcist" was horror beyond the pale. I couldn't even watch the entire movie. Probably because I found it totally believable.
I find it interesting that our brains pump out the same chemical for scared feelings as infatuation feelings. To me, these are two very different scenarios. When I am truly scared, my first thought is flight!
A very thought provoking write here, Dean. Thanks for sharing. (I wonder what happened to that woman's beehive when she found out her daughter was a monster?)
Comment Written 23-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 23-Jul-2014
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Thanks very much for your excellent feedback, Green Lake Girl, I truly appreciate it. I'm glad you found the essay informative, interesting and easy to follow.
As for the beehive lady, who knows? Perhaps she took up beekeeping, LOL... Thanks again!
Comment from Andrewajgblue
I liked all the interesting facts about the origins of horror, especially the " the little mermaid" I will never view it the same again, I love reading horror but unlike you, I haven't got the imagination to write horror, I leave that to people like you, who do such a fantastic job of it, and then we get to benefit from the results,:)
Andrew
reply by the author on 23-Jul-2014
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I liked all the interesting facts about the origins of horror, especially the " the little mermaid" I will never view it the same again, I love reading horror but unlike you, I haven't got the imagination to write horror, I leave that to people like you, who do such a fantastic job of it, and then we get to benefit from the results,:)
Andrew
Comment Written 23-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 23-Jul-2014
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Ha ha, well, thanks very much for the compliment, Andrew, I really appreciate that. I don't know how fantastic my stories truly are, but I can tell you one thing for sure. Even if I'm writing just a 50 word story, I put all my heart and effort into it. I hope that always comes across through my writing.
Thanks so much again for the fine review, my friend!
Comment from country ranch writer
anything for a hug I say hehe, movies of this kind will soon have you clutching each other that's for sure. I seen the adult version of this wow. was I eve in shock it was at a drive in no less.Pinocchio was also adult movie hum that was a trip carrying his hum around in a wheel barrel
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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anything for a hug I say hehe, movies of this kind will soon have you clutching each other that's for sure. I seen the adult version of this wow. was I eve in shock it was at a drive in no less.Pinocchio was also adult movie hum that was a trip carrying his hum around in a wheel barrel
Comment Written 22-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Ha ha! I don't even want to form a mental picture of that, country ranch writer. That is really horrifying, LOL!
Thanks for an entertainingly delightful review and those shiny six stars. I truly appreciate it! :}
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welcome
Comment from Writingfundimension
Great essay, Dean. My fascination with the supernatural goes back to my very young years when I experienced a prolonged poltergeist experience. I also agree that horror is much more than slasher movies portray. Watching a lot of cop shows, real life is filled with horror. I'm sure those burned at the stake for religious beliefs would agree.
Good luck with this terrific entry!
:) Bev
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Great essay, Dean. My fascination with the supernatural goes back to my very young years when I experienced a prolonged poltergeist experience. I also agree that horror is much more than slasher movies portray. Watching a lot of cop shows, real life is filled with horror. I'm sure those burned at the stake for religious beliefs would agree.
Good luck with this terrific entry!
:) Bev
Comment Written 22-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Thanks, Bev, and while I have never been burned at the stake myself (yet!), I also completely agree. True life is far more terrifying than monsters that go bump in the night. Jeffery Dahmer was real. Charlie Manson; real, and Andrei Romanovich Chikatilo, born on October 16, 1936, in Yablochnoye (a village in the heart of rural Ukraine in the USSR) -- he too was far too real. If you don't know who Andrei is, Google him, or watch the chilling movie, Citizen 'X'.
Thanks so much again. I really appreciate the wonderful review, especially from another author who writes in the genre herself.
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I have not heard of the Russian, Dean. I plan to google it - thanks for the tip!
:) Bev
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He is the man I based my character Ben from, in my story, The Eyes Have It. He actually did the things I wrote of to young boys and girls in real life. Such a sad, sick individual.
Comment from Maureen's Pen
Dear Dean - I loved how you approached this contest. Great work with thought provoking expressive ideas. Almost like going to school and learning the subject cover to cover...you as teacher, pushing and guiding the student which is me having a heart attack! Excellent as always.
Maureen
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Dear Dean - I loved how you approached this contest. Great work with thought provoking expressive ideas. Almost like going to school and learning the subject cover to cover...you as teacher, pushing and guiding the student which is me having a heart attack! Excellent as always.
Maureen
Comment Written 22-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Hey, thanks a bunch, Maureen! that really means a lot to me, especially coming form you. I've always admired your writing and have quietly and stealthily (LOL) learned a great deal from you by reading your work. I admire your tenacity and your courage as well. That's why you got my vote in the Poem of the Month Contest. I feel you clearly deserve to win, and I sincerely hope that you do.
Thanks so much again, I am really glad you enjoyed my light heated approach to the genre.
Take care of yourself, girl! :}
XXX
ooo
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Ah man oh man that brought a wee tear to my eye.
Thank you my friend, your words touched me deeply.
A wonderful gift to receive your thoughts, especially with these tough rapids at the moment.
Hugs
M
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And I'm more than happy to give them to you, Maureen. I always will wish the very best for you.
Comment from Muffins
I keep forgetting how much you enjoy sneaking the unexpected on your readers. The photo horror pop literally jumped me out of my seat. And yes, I was feeling: "Did you find yourself jumping back, the adrenaline coursing through your veins, just a little?"
I'm am not a horror fan. Well, I do read Stephen King and Dean Koontz and now you. I read you guys because of the excellent writing and great stories.
I enjoyed reading and learning more about horror in our culture. The scientific information in your author notes blew me away. That's were are government money is going? They should save all the spending cash and simple read your work? Of course, you need to get paid...
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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I keep forgetting how much you enjoy sneaking the unexpected on your readers. The photo horror pop literally jumped me out of my seat. And yes, I was feeling: "Did you find yourself jumping back, the adrenaline coursing through your veins, just a little?"
I'm am not a horror fan. Well, I do read Stephen King and Dean Koontz and now you. I read you guys because of the excellent writing and great stories.
I enjoyed reading and learning more about horror in our culture. The scientific information in your author notes blew me away. That's were are government money is going? They should save all the spending cash and simple read your work? Of course, you need to get paid...
Comment Written 22-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Thanks so much, Muffins, and I apologize if I caused you any undue stress. But, you gotta' admit, if you did truly jump back as you say because of the scare, you felt that heart-pounding, adrenaline rush. And it is that feeling that so many actually crave. I know I do, and I do get that from Stephen King stories more than any others, I'll admit it.
I'm glad my writing has caused you to give the genre a whirl every now and then, at least. That really means a lot to me.
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts with me on this, and for the excellent review as well.
Comment from sibhus
Wow, the picture was scary enough to begin with, I mean that frightful 70's look and then then freak out, you owe me a new pair of pants. All kidding a side this was a very intersting and informative article. I have heard that the orginal Grimm's fairt tales are truely grim as well. Just goes to show that people really enjoy being scared. Good stuff there, Dean.
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Wow, the picture was scary enough to begin with, I mean that frightful 70's look and then then freak out, you owe me a new pair of pants. All kidding a side this was a very intersting and informative article. I have heard that the orginal Grimm's fairt tales are truely grim as well. Just goes to show that people really enjoy being scared. Good stuff there, Dean.
Comment Written 22-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Thanks very much, sibhus, and I am very glad that you happen to be one of those people who enjoys a good scare every now and again. I sincerely appreciate the excellent feedback on this write, my friend!
Comment from Ric Myworld
Thanks for another great post and picture that will surely catch even the least timorous readers by surprise. I enjoy everything you write, along with your added presentation tweaks. Great job. :-)
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Thanks for another great post and picture that will surely catch even the least timorous readers by surprise. I enjoy everything you write, along with your added presentation tweaks. Great job. :-)
Comment Written 22-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Thanks, Ric, and I've always appreciated your faithful support for the entertainment I attempt to provide to those who care enough to read what I write, and the ways in which I provide that entertainment. That's always meant a great deal to me. And this review is no exception.
Thanks so much again.