Comment from faragon

Excellent

This is a great history lesson in horror. I also love true horror because your imagination is always more frightening than anything you see or read. I think that was why Alfred Hitchcock was so great...he never showed anything...left it to your imagination..also why Poe was so great! Jane

***sorry...the screen jumped...should have been 5 stars!!!

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 Comment Written 01-Aug-2014

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reply by the author on 01-Aug-2014

I admire both Poe and Hitchcock a great deal, Jane, so I would tend to agree with you.

I appreciate the thoughtful review.

Comment from chasennov

Excellent

An essay on one of my favorite things. "Horror. A New Genre? Hardly..." This is a very interesting write that you have created here once again. You seem to be a master at this kind of Horror fiction. I can only stand in awe in what you're doing, Dean. Well done.

 Comment Written 25-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 25-Jul-2014

Thanks, chasennov, I sincerely appreciate the complimentary review, my friend. I write other types of poetry, but for the most part, especially where prose is concerned, I prefer to write terror tales. It's where my passions lie. Poetry is different for me, as I enjoy attempting new styles and take on different challenges. I only think it helps you grow as a writer for whatever you try and do.

Thanks so much again!

reply by chasennov on 25-Jul-2014

You are most welcome, Dean.

Comment from Selina Stambi

Excellent

Hi Dean,

Compelling non-fiction is not easy to achieve .... a very absorbing read, friend.

I predict (another) winner!

BTW - the pic. scared the daylights out of me - yikes!

Sonali

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 25-Jul-2014

Ha ha, sorry, Sonali, I hope it didn't scare you too badly, but just enough to create that adrenaline rush I described. That's why I presented it that way, to prove a point in the narrative.

I'm very happy that you enjoyed it just the same! :}

Comment from Pearl Edwards

Excellent

Great essay on the origins and continuing horror stories. Yes, the ordinary family photo of Mum and her daughters is a great addition to your story. Cinderella won't be quite the same again now that you've told us Giambattista's version. Good luck in the contest.

valda

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 24-Jul-2014

Yeah, I thought the same thing while reading the original story myself, Pearl. Kinda' ruins the whole Disney experience, LOL.

Thanks for the fantastic review, my friend, I sincerely appreciate it.

Comment from Ridley Williams

Excellent

Hey Dean,
I appreciate what your saying in this essay. Fear is such a strong motivator of reactions. There's nothing like a good scar to get the heart going, and your right about that dating stuff... always loved when my date buried her head in my neck, trembling, lol. Well worth the price of admission!
Years ago it was the movie "Poltergeist" that did it for me. I NEVER fell asleep with the TV on after that, and I moved all of my clothes out of the closet, lol.
I can't believe there are folks out there that don't appreciate a good jolt every now and then... lets you know your still kickin'!
Loved the three examples you used to make your point, nice job.
Best wishes, Bill

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 24-Jul-2014

Thanks so much for the feedback, Bill. It's just what I needed. I've been told that scientists claim that some of us are born with what they call, The Fear Gene. People born with this particular genetic code actually need and crave fear to feel...well, normal. I think I am one of those people, although nothing really scares me any longer. After awhile, one becomes desensitized to such things. Still, I'm always in constant search for that next great scare. Heck, I even try to create a few of them myself.

Thanks again for the outstanding review. I truly appreciate it! ~Dean

reply by Ridley Williams on 24-Jul-2014

I appreciate what your saying, although these days, with what's going on in the world, I get all the apprehension I need by walking out my front door, lol.
Hey, you keep writin' 'em, and I'll keep readin' 'em, later, Bill

reply by the author on 24-Jul-2014

I'll try, Bill, and thanks again! :}

Comment from ravenblack

Excellent

And let's not forget Grimm' s fairy tales- the original versions rife with cannibalism and any number of truly horrific transgressions. And campfire stories , cautionary tales no doubt stretching back to the beginning of mankind. On a primal level, horror was a teacher- how better to teach tabboos than to scare the shit out of would-be transgressors. Horror a new genre? Yeah, right.

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 24-Jul-2014

My thoughts exactly, rb. Horror has been around since that shape-shifting serpent slithered into the Garden of Eden.

Thanks for the thoughtful review.

Comment from Dustybones

Exceptional

The arousal from being frightened becomes mixed up with the arousal of sexual attraction. The proof's in the science. This is very interesting to me, in life, as I don't have that feeling of "who needs food when I have love". I have great windsurfing conditions that turn it on for me.

 Comment Written 24-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 24-Jul-2014

Ha ha, well, as long as you have something that turns it on for you, Dusty, then that's enough, my friend. It's really great to hear from you again, and I sure do appreciate your review and six star rating! Don't be such a stranger, now, ya hear?

Comment from dejohnsrld (Debbie)

Excellent

A great non=fiction piece and a good selection of topic. Writing about writing I find interesting and enjoyed this. Good luck in the contest, my friend~Debbie

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 23-Jul-2014

Thanks very much, Debbie, I appreciate the comments. I'll probably need all of the luck that I can get. My work never seems to sit too well with the FanStory Voting Committee. But, well see...

Comment from DanielEkine

Exceptional

The author is absolutely right with this piece. It is hardly a new genre.
"It's been said that horror is a relatively new genre. In fact, some academics (they have those for horror... huh -- who knew?) trace the beginnings of horror as a genre to the 1970's."
This really shows that true horror goes back in time to the very beginning. Cain killing Abel is horror itself.

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 23-Jul-2014

You're absolutely right, Daniel, and the Bible is a good example of horror predating the seventies. The shifting serpent of Satan in the Garden of Eden. The Beasts of the Book of Revelations, and many, many more.

I'm happy you enjoyed my essay on horror, and I truly appreciate your exceptional rating of six stars.

Comment from LIJ Red

Excellent

I have an antique copy of the original, racist, gory Brothers Grimm-if I could find it...this was enjoyable...
written well.

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2014

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reply by the author on 23-Jul-2014

Thanks, LIJ Red, I'm very glad that you liked it. Yeah, those old Brother's Grimm stories were no children's fairytale fare, that's for certain!