Motivational Monday

I HAVE ALWAYS TRIED TO PRESENT

TERROR AS SOMETHING YOU

DO NOT SEE BUT SENSE.

NOT SO EASY TO DO.

(Richard Matheson)

As someone who is pretty much afraid of everything, I find it ironic that I love horror, especially watching scary movies, and reading and writing creepy stuff. Those stories where the evil is sensed and not seen are the ones that scare me the most. Where you don't see the monster until the very end, if at all. Where the monster doesn't always look like a monster. Where the gore isn't so much on the screen or on the page as it is splattering our psyche, our sense of safety.  

Sometimes it's the subtleties in our craft that make the most impact. On screen, look for the slow creep of the closet door opening behind the oblivious actors. In a book, watch the antagonist smile and offer help to the unsuspecting hero. There's a quiet, creepy thrill I associate with good horror, and that is what I aim to give my readers. 

Let's play with using subtleties this week in our crafts and in our lives -  

Instead of your character stating his feelings outright, make him drop hints. 

Instead of streaking bold, bright colors across your canvas, try softer shades. 

Instead of taking photos of buildings and bridges, try zooming in on one window, one support beam. 

Instead of telling someone you care about them, buy their favorite candy and leave it where they'll least expect it. Or do their chores for them...or do your own without being asked. Or, if your loved one is a horror fan, do what my husband did. He bought the first three Paranormal Activity movies on DVD, watched them all with me over the course of a weekend, and didn't complain once about how many times I jumped or how hard I grabbed his arm.

Have a great week, everyone!