Comments on: Op-Ed – Horror as Hero: Setting the Wrong Things Right

By: Damien

Damien — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 05:38:20 +0000

That was an extremily personal piece in a very open forum, which can’t have been easy, so thank you for sharing.

I’ve had my own share of bad things happen in my life, from broken homes to family deaths in less-than-pleasant circumstances to witnessing some tragic events, although I’m not sure it was on the same scale of what you’ve detailed. I’ve taken refuge in fantasy stories more than anything else, because it’s shown me that there’s always an alternative. I can’t remember whose quote it was, but someone described horror as good for children because “They’ve already been exposed to monsters. This is where they get to see that monsters can be killed” and that’s always struck a bit of a note to me.

My writing tends to take refuge in a bit of humour (and hopefully one day when/if more of my stuff is published I’ll be able to claim I’m a humorist or something) largely because I really can’t fathom why some things happen or why people do the things they do. There’s got to be some suitably illogical or ridiculous spin to it, so I try and make one up so what I’ve seen makes sense. Being able to control the horror in your writing sound like similar sort of motivation.

I’m still learning to love horror writing (on bright sunny days) to widen my repetoire. I’m hoping my current offering from Ticonderoga due out very shortly will ease me in…

By: Diane U

Diane U — Tue, 29 May 2012 21:35:06 +0000

I’ve gone from a cold to a sinus infection to pneumonia myself. It’s very easy to get so weak that calling a doctor again is an insurmountable amount of effort. I remember seeing a doctor at least once and calling for several other prescriptions when the first one didn’t work. Finally I was too tired to even care. My husband finally took an interest and called my doctor who told him to take me to a hospital for Pete’s sake. I hope it makes you feel better that your mom may not have meant to die & leave you. She might have gotten too sick to look out for herself and slipped away. It’s easier than you’d think.

By: Greg Chapman

Greg Chapman — Sun, 27 May 2012 06:52:03 +0000

Thank you for bearing your soul so poignantly Felicity… and although I embrace horror fiction for markedly different reasons, I completely understand yours.

Greg

By: Andrew J McKiernan

Andrew J McKiernan — Sun, 27 May 2012 03:29:08 +0000

Yeah, maybe. I remember watching Hammer Horror and the Universal monster films when I was about six or seven. First read ‘Carrie’ when I was nine and became a ‘constant reader’ from that point on. There is a definite fascination coming from somewhere, and everything I write turns dark eventually. I like horror for the same reason some people like rollercoasters or bungie jumping – it’s the thrill I enjoy, the chance to confront fears. Why that is? Who knows; I couldn’t give a reason. But then, I’m not a very introspective person, and I’m not very brave. Maybe a psycho-therapist could drag it out of me?

By: Felicity Dowker

Felicity Dowker — Sun, 27 May 2012 02:45:42 +0000

Maybe you read/write horror *because* you’ve had a good life? I think horror is inherently normal – it’s part of life, it’s entrenched, it’s in the good and the bad – and therefore, exploring it is normal. Whatever normal is.

Or maybe you simply enjoy it at pure face value, which is also totally fine.

All roads lead to horror! =)

Thanks for the very kind words. x

By: Andrew J McKiernan

Andrew J McKiernan — Sun, 27 May 2012 02:39:44 +0000

A brilliant piece, Felicity! Thank you for sharing such a personal post.

I’ve never really thought about WHY I read/write horror, but you have me thinking now. I’ve had a good life, fairly free from any sort of emotional trauma, and so I have none of the reasons you have. So why? Why do I enjoy reading and writing it so much? Your post makes me think I should examine that a little more.

Either way, your bravery in writing such a personal examination of yourself, and of the horror of literature and life, is incredibly moving. Thank you.

Lots of love,
Andrew