Oh, the Horrors! - Zombies, Batman, and Social Security

There seems to be an increasing amount of horrors in the news over the past few years. And I'm not talking about Lindsay Lohan or Kim Kardashian. I mean regular people committing heinous crimes on other people that make them seem like monsters from a horror movie. Cannibalism and murder is nothing new. It has been common for thousands of years; since the beginning of mankind, really. But lately, either the crimes have come under closer scrutinization, or they have been evolving into more gruesome attacks. And it seems to be happening more frequently. From mass shootings to zombie-like attacks, there has been an increase in horrific crimes, and it isn't likely to cease anytime soon.

Gothic or Splatterpunk?

There is a certain vastness to the horror genre that seems to have been condensed over the years: a variety of characteristics that were once used, but have since begun to fade away, if not already expunged. In other words, the horror genre has been reduced from fine literature to graphic and violent reading that many people refuse to even glance at. And it's actually kind of sad, though I'm sure many horror fans take pride in their isolation from other genre readers. I have nothing against that style of writing - and do enjoy reading it from time to time - but I would still like to see the genre's origins embraced rather than shunned. Like any other genre, horror has evolved over the years, and in turn, the old ways have become extinct. The vocabulary has been refined, the scenes more detailed and vulgar; there is less left to the readers imagination, and more to nauseate us. I understand this is normal for anything that changes over time. But does it have to? Does evolution always have to include extinction? Can't it just be expansion?

Ghosts, Monsters, and Zombies

I am taking a bloodcurdling online course this summer through the University of New Hampshire titled Ghosts, Monsters, and Zombies. I'm pretty thrilled about it, and am anxiously anticipating class discussions. As you know, I am a huge fan of horror, especially the older stuff and Gothic horror. You know, the stories that aren't really scary or full of gore, but have those well-known monsters or just evil or horrific themes. I also love the Victorian language, vocabulary, and settings of such stories that were written in the 19th and early 20th centuries. That time period is a huge influence on me and the way that I write, and I look forward to expanding my skills and knowledge with this class.

Tales of Abyssal Horror and Fantasy

I have conjured this blog to subject you to the overflow of horrific and fantastic imagery that pours from my mind, like the deep crimson blood from a gaping wound. They may spook you, they may terrify you, they may even give you nightmares. All hope abandon, ye who readeth here.