Delving Into The Black Abyss
“The process of delving into the black abyss is to me the keenest form of fascination”–H.P. Lovecraft
My mind truly is filled with a tempest of thoughts most of my waking hours. I am like a frenzied butterfly going from one flower of ideas to the other, and it makes getting any long-term writing projects finished close to impossible. In recent weeks, my mind has been circling the idea of attempting a horror story. I am finding Lovecraft’s comment concerning the black abyss to be true. Another of his comments I agree with is, “Searchers after horror haunt strange, far settings.”
One of the reasons I am still circling the idea is that horror fiction is an interesting genre, and trying to decide which sub-genre to write is task in itself. I am not a fan of splatter gore which relies heavily on blood and gore and is so popular in films. (My personal belief is this type of horror wants to shock you more than scare you.) That still leaves supernatural horror and psychological horror.
The lure of supernatural horror—to me—is the dark fantasy aspect that can be used in the story. In addition to the demonic forces available to torment the protagonist, there are so many more things to choose from. Creatures from myth and legend can be awakened; ancient evils banished to hidden realms can find escape; or nightmares can come true. What is not to love?
Psychological horror, on the other hand, hits you a lot closer to home because it might just be possible. Is there a masked someone in the dark waiting to torment you; is the world around you becoming more sinister, or are you imagining things; or are you the source of unexplained murders, taking place when you think you are asleep? Possibilities like these make choosing between the two almost maddening.
I guess when it comes down to it, I am either ambitious or an idiot because I want to choose both. I want to lead you through the dark woods to the lair of the witch. I want to haunt your dreams. I want to jump out from behind the door and shout “boo.” I want to send shivers up your spine. Sophocles once said, “To him who is in fear everything rustles.” I want you to hear rustling.
Just thought I would jot this down.