Horror. A New Genre? Hardly...
An essay on one of my favorite things.61 total reviews
Comment from Schalk Jacobs
Dean, I think you have entered one of the easiest non-fiction pieces to read in this contest. That said, it is factual, interesting and above all entertaining. I do have another theory for your author's notes which I will share with you one day. Needless to say it explains things like Dahmer, Bundy and the rest of them. All the best of luck in the contest, as I think you have a winner here.
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Dean, I think you have entered one of the easiest non-fiction pieces to read in this contest. That said, it is factual, interesting and above all entertaining. I do have another theory for your author's notes which I will share with you one day. Needless to say it explains things like Dahmer, Bundy and the rest of them. All the best of luck in the contest, as I think you have a winner here.
Comment Written 22-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Thanks, Schalk, I really appreciate that. Now, is there any chance I can get you to join the FanStory Voting Committee, LOL? I don't have a lot of luck where they are concerned.
Thanks again for the fantastic feedback, my friend. I appreciate it!
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I have a better idea, let us start the I Cannot Win A Contest On Fanstory Club. I keep trying and not even close so far. :)
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I have a better idea, let us start the I Cannot Win A Contest On Fanstory Club. I keep trying and not even close so far. :)
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Okay...let's do it (LOL!) :]
Comment from Dorothy Farrell
Hi Dean - There is no way I could be shocked - the minute I saw your name I knew what to expect. Very well written and informative. I would be amazed if people thought the horror genre started in the 70's as you say. Nesferatu, a silent film which was a take on Bram Stoker's Dracula must have been one of the first horror films. I like 'shadows on the wall and creepy music' type horror' although in my teens I saw Edgar Allen Poe's story made into a movie called 'The Fall of the House of Usher' and was scared of the dark for weeks. Your story is good and you always give 'value for money' with your work. Good author notes - thanks for the science/biology lesson. Good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Hi Dean - There is no way I could be shocked - the minute I saw your name I knew what to expect. Very well written and informative. I would be amazed if people thought the horror genre started in the 70's as you say. Nesferatu, a silent film which was a take on Bram Stoker's Dracula must have been one of the first horror films. I like 'shadows on the wall and creepy music' type horror' although in my teens I saw Edgar Allen Poe's story made into a movie called 'The Fall of the House of Usher' and was scared of the dark for weeks. Your story is good and you always give 'value for money' with your work. Good author notes - thanks for the science/biology lesson. Good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 22-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Thanks, Dorothy, and I would tend to agree with you. These so-called experts who claim that the roots of horror as a genre began in the 70's must not know that much about The Brother's Grimm, or Hansel & Gretel, stories like that. It probably has been around as long as mankind has. Even the Bible, with the shifting serpent in the Garden of Eden, and many of the Beasts of Revelations, are deeply steeped in horror themes.
Thanks so much again for the review. I really appreciate it.
Comment from GWHARGIS
I am with you. My kids ask me why I like scary things and not scary movies. I always tell them, if it's all laid out ina bloody little pile for you, that's where your imagination stops. Let the creepy music play, let the scene fade to black and now my imagination is off and running. Great piece of writing.
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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I am with you. My kids ask me why I like scary things and not scary movies. I always tell them, if it's all laid out ina bloody little pile for you, that's where your imagination stops. Let the creepy music play, let the scene fade to black and now my imagination is off and running. Great piece of writing.
Comment Written 22-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Thanks, GWHARGIS. I think a lot of folks are far more fond of the feeling a good scare gives them than they care to admit. It's nice to see someone admit it for a change. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me on this essay, and for the generous rating as well.
Comment from Louise Michelle
Hi Dean,
You are the king of the graphics. That flipping family picture was fabulous. In addition, this was so informative! How could anyone think the horror genre' started in the 70's! Some of the first films made were horror films. I knew some of our beloved old children's stories were violent, which is why they've been redone. But had no idea of the original versions you wrote about. A big, fat sixer for you!
Hugs,
Lou
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Hi Dean,
You are the king of the graphics. That flipping family picture was fabulous. In addition, this was so informative! How could anyone think the horror genre' started in the 70's! Some of the first films made were horror films. I knew some of our beloved old children's stories were violent, which is why they've been redone. But had no idea of the original versions you wrote about. A big, fat sixer for you!
Hugs,
Lou
Comment Written 22-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Thanks so much, Lou, and there were several more examples I could have mentioned but didn't so I could keep the essay kind of brief. I'm really glad that you learned something from reading it, and I really appreciate the exceptional rating and review! Thanks so much again.
Comment from Domino 2
I've been called a 'dope' a few times, Dean, and was somewhat offended, though reading your notes it appears an abbreviation for a brilliant chemical - 'dopamine', so I'm now rather flattered. ;-)
LOL at your 'Adam's Family' artwork, and it did make me jump.
Love your examples of the different original ideas of the tales.
Mind you, what's wrong with 'roasting your son and eating him up for dinner? After all, we live in a tough economic climate nowadays, and at least the little brat proved useful in feeding the rest of the family. MWAHA!
Excellent.
Cheers, Ray
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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I've been called a 'dope' a few times, Dean, and was somewhat offended, though reading your notes it appears an abbreviation for a brilliant chemical - 'dopamine', so I'm now rather flattered. ;-)
LOL at your 'Adam's Family' artwork, and it did make me jump.
Love your examples of the different original ideas of the tales.
Mind you, what's wrong with 'roasting your son and eating him up for dinner? After all, we live in a tough economic climate nowadays, and at least the little brat proved useful in feeding the rest of the family. MWAHA!
Excellent.
Cheers, Ray
Comment Written 22-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Ha ha, well, I guess it's considered to be okay in some cultures, Rayman. In yours over there and ours over here, however, I think we might have a hard time rationalizing our actions to the authorities if we had kid Ala King, LOL... It does give a whole new meaning to the phrase, kid cuisine, however.
Thanks for the entertaining review, my wacky friend! You always get a laugh outta me, heh-heh!
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'I think we might have a hard time rationalizing our actions to the authorities' - LMAO, Dean. You're as 'wacky' as me. :-)
Cheers, my friend, Ray.
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If you only knew, Rayman. If you only knew, Heh-heh!
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Hahaha - hilarious picture, Dean, proves these parents are very frugal - even thoughtfully boiling the kid's head to make yummy 'bony-brain' soup. ;-)
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8>]
Comment from LoannaLois
What an interesting and WONDERFULLY SCARY essay! I couldn't believe the origins went back as far as they did for horror. I remember the first time I was scared silly. I don't remember the year, but it was "The Mummy" . We were at a drive-in and were sitting on a blanket on the hood of my brother's car. His girlfriend and I were holding hands, and my brother had gone for snacks. When he returned, the sweetie had wrapped his head in toilet paper and sneaked up behind us. She screamed and literally pulled me onto the ground from the car! Thanks for a great essay and memory....and for scaring the ----- out of me.
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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What an interesting and WONDERFULLY SCARY essay! I couldn't believe the origins went back as far as they did for horror. I remember the first time I was scared silly. I don't remember the year, but it was "The Mummy" . We were at a drive-in and were sitting on a blanket on the hood of my brother's car. His girlfriend and I were holding hands, and my brother had gone for snacks. When he returned, the sweetie had wrapped his head in toilet paper and sneaked up behind us. She screamed and literally pulled me onto the ground from the car! Thanks for a great essay and memory....and for scaring the ----- out of me.
Comment Written 22-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Hah, sounds like your brother was a man after my own heart, Lois (LOL). Thanks for the very entertaining story and most excellent review & rating, my friend. I truly appreciate that! Ha ha, Wrapped his head in toilet paper, she says. What a hoot!
Comment from Barb Hensongispsaca
oh I expected noting less than a six for this. you know just what to say to make things easy to understand and also scary at the same time. written just right.
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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oh I expected noting less than a six for this. you know just what to say to make things easy to understand and also scary at the same time. written just right.
Comment Written 22-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Thanks so much, Barb, I really appreciate the nice compliment. Your show of support with all those shiny stars is much appreciated too, my friend. Thanks so much again!
Comment from NurseBarb
You were right! You did warn me. Did I listen? No I had to find out what all the warnings were about. Yes, I actually jumped back. Yes, I'm awake now! As always, Dean, enjoyed the entire presentation including all the unknown facts of the childhood tales. Did I mention my heart is still pounding rapidly?
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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You were right! You did warn me. Did I listen? No I had to find out what all the warnings were about. Yes, I actually jumped back. Yes, I'm awake now! As always, Dean, enjoyed the entire presentation including all the unknown facts of the childhood tales. Did I mention my heart is still pounding rapidly?
Comment Written 22-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Ha ha, yeah, I think you did mention that once, Nurse Barb. Thanks for the entertaining and complimentary review, my friend. I appreciate you & your support very much.
Comment from Acquired Taste
Ya know there big guy, we are gonna have to talk...
I didn't have a cup of coffee in my hand, but I was enjoying a lovely glass of Tomato Juice which is now dripping ominously like blood across my white closet door.
Early in the morning like this I use my laptop, which is snuggled up close and personal. I was just taking a sip of juice when the demon-possessed photo came alive. I threw the glass to the side, it bounced off the closet door and isn't broken because it landed on the carpet, snuggled in a puddle of the remaining juice. This is gonna require some sort of payback, my friend!
Am not a fan of zombies, excessive carnage etc. but the quick slap of your photo did get my adrenaline going - so much for going back to sleep. Give me Serling, Bradbury, Poe.....
Dean, I leave you with... Quoth the Raven... Nevermore
Think on that for a bit oh Master of the Macabre!
Jean
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Ya know there big guy, we are gonna have to talk...
I didn't have a cup of coffee in my hand, but I was enjoying a lovely glass of Tomato Juice which is now dripping ominously like blood across my white closet door.
Early in the morning like this I use my laptop, which is snuggled up close and personal. I was just taking a sip of juice when the demon-possessed photo came alive. I threw the glass to the side, it bounced off the closet door and isn't broken because it landed on the carpet, snuggled in a puddle of the remaining juice. This is gonna require some sort of payback, my friend!
Am not a fan of zombies, excessive carnage etc. but the quick slap of your photo did get my adrenaline going - so much for going back to sleep. Give me Serling, Bradbury, Poe.....
Dean, I leave you with... Quoth the Raven... Nevermore
Think on that for a bit oh Master of the Macabre!
Jean
Comment Written 22-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Heh heh, oops! So sorry about that juice thing, Jean. I did have a scream soundtrack included as well, but I took that out during my last edit. I didn't want to be responsible for anyone having a heart attack for heavens sake! Thank goodness, right? (LOL)
I agree, Poe, Robert Bloch, George RR Martin, in addition to Serling, Bradbury and H.P. Lovecraft; more subtle is the way to go, I think.
Thanks for the hilariously entertaining review, Jean. I truly appreciate that!
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BTW - I notice I never said if I liked your story...Yes, I did!
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WHEW! I'm happy about that at least, Jean. I was going to ask before, but I thought I'd best quit while I was ahead, LOL! :D
Comment from sweetwoodjax
this is interesting dean, an education of horror and the way its been around for years longer than people think of. shouldn't it be The story of Tantalus instead of They story? good luck in the contest
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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this is interesting dean, an education of horror and the way its been around for years longer than people think of. shouldn't it be The story of Tantalus instead of They story? good luck in the contest
Comment Written 22-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2014
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Thank you for your comments and review, sweetwoodjax, I really appreciate it!