So it was that I re-read The Danforth Account once it made its way to my website. The story is about a man who prepares himself with the knowledge that he will soon be coming face to face with a serial killer who preys on those of his namesake. In reading this short tale, I thought to myself: serial killers are no longer scary. I mean, think about it, the two words strung together, "serial killer," do not provoke much fear in the horror genre. After all, it's plain as day what such a character is going to do...kill, right? Not to mention, as a society, we see serial killing on a regular basis (at least in the metropolitan areas); therefore, readers may easily identify the literary serial killer as a part of "normal" day-in/day-out life.
The serial killer character has lost its edge in the horror genre. I feel that we can attribute this to the increase of serial killing in reality, along with the psychoanalyzing of such made available to the public through television news magazines and two-hour documentaries that immortalize those who have taken the lives of others. We know that serial killers crave attention, they almost always leave a calling card, and their motto of murdering is usually the same.
That being said, how can the serial killer be brought back to life in horror fiction? After all, werewolves, vampires, and other such monsters have survived horror fiction for decades, even centuries. The wise fiction editors of various horror publications advise to make antagonists unique and different. Yet, there's only so much you can do with a serial killer. I don't feel the serial killer in my story, The Danforth Account, is different from any other serial killer. In fact, the theme itself may be considered "common." So why did I write it? Well, let's say that I always wanted to write about a serial killer in short fiction and this was my rendition, perhaps my personal taking on the scenario.
Analyzing my writing, I realize that I have a serial killer personality in a couple of other short stories and in my first novel. However, these differentiate the serial killer character by moving him into a secondary character position within the work. What I mean by this is that (besides The Danforth Account), my other serial killer characters are simply sub-plots and act as a minimal driving force to the main plot.
So it is, that this is where serial killers end up in the horror genre--as secondary characters. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Secondary characters can help drive the main plot. Will I use a serial killer as a character in an upcoming novel? Sure, because the novel will not be about or revolve around such a character. Will I ever write a full-length novel centered around a serial killer? Absolutely not! To me, the serial killers are no longer terrifying in the horror genre. They are a by-product of evil. I prefer to write about the evil itself. Perhaps I may be mistaken...but I see the horror genre going back to its roots and providing a modern theme--a place where inexplicable monsters no longer lurk in the shadows, but lunge from the acts of everyday events. This makes me wonder how long before such creatures are no longer antagonists in the horror genre either.
If you want to read a tale about a serial killer, feel free to read this month's free short story, The Danforth Account. Feel free to comment or email me about what you thought of the story.
Also, I would love to hear your take on serial killers in the horror genre. Comment on this blog and let me know.
As a writer, it is sometimes difficult to place the destiny of a written work into the hands of a publication. On one hand, there is the excitement that comes with the waiting period of the publication's decision to publish the work. When submitting a story (or novel for that matter) it is customary for the writer to adhere to the publication's guidelines. Those guidelines include the response time it will take for the publication to render its decision of the story. Whether its the author's first time submitting to a publication or their fiftieth story they have submitted to a publication, I have to believe that there is always that brimming anticipation of checking one's email or mailbox for that letter fateful of acceptance. On the other hand, there is also a fear that that accompanies such high hopes. Some call it "fear of failure/rejection" and others deem it "lack of confidence." I recognize it as a subconscious entity that I relate to as my "writer's beast." What it boils down to is that most artists--whether they be writers, sculptors, or vocalists--are their own worst critic; therefore, it is common to experience such self-doubt when submitting their art for examination.
On that note, I finished editing my story, Puppeteer, this afternoon, prepared that all important query letter (that should accompany any story) and have submitted it for possible publication. The waiting game ensues.
In Puppeteer (as with many of my latest writings), I wanted to create a blend of realism and the dark fantastic to the final product. Therefore, to achieve a modern reality that could segue into a world of horror, I began brainstorming the concept of true evil. Of course, the first thing I thought of was how Man himself is his own worst enemy. Not to mention, Man is quite possibly the most evil being inhabiting the Earth. This is due to Man's ability to express emotion. Think of it...Man has the ability to affect others with his emotions of sadness, happiness, jealousy, fear, control...ahem...CONTROL. We have a winner!
Control was the key premise to the creation of Puppeteer (does the title make sense now?). Soon, using the power of a writer's best friend--brainstorming--I began thinking of a realistic scenario of control. The idea of control in a relationship immediately came to mind. I can't even count, on two hands, the number of people I have met in my life who have suffered the spiteful wrath of a domineering boyfriend (or girlfriend) while in a relationship. Just think...how far would one go to control his or her better half? To what extent would he or she profess his love to MAKE the other KNOW that he or she loved him? For better, for worse. How much worse? Where is the imaginary line that draws the boundary of going too far in the name of love? What's more, can the control of a person's love be so great that extends into the afterlife?
With all these thoughts at hand, it became easy to understand who the adversary of my story was and who the victim. It was plain to associate the act of control with that of a monster reminiscent of legend. Hence, Puppeteer was born.
I could go on and on, but I don't want to spoil the story. I need my readers to be able to enjoy the end product! However, it's funny to think of how much thought goes into a plot when the story itself is short. After all, Puppeteer is approximately 1500 words in length. Still, it make a statement and punches the reader into a reality turned maddening.
Of course, I will keep you all updated on possible publication of Puppeteer. Simply tune in to my future blogs. Until then, remember that control begins and ends with you.
The official results of the P&E (Preditors & Editors) 2007 Reader's Poll results are in. As many of you might remember, my holiday short story "I'll Be Home For Christmas" was nominated in the category of Horror Short Story for 2007.
I'm happy to announce that, among SEVENTY-THREE other short stories nominated in the same category, "I'll Be Home For Christmas" ranked number THIRTEEN! I know, just barely short of the top ten spot. Perhaps I'll reach it next year!
Thank you to all who supported the story (published in The Open Vein's special Christmas 2007 issue). Without my friends, my readers and my fans, it wouldn't have been possible. Again, I appreciate all of you who support my work and, more importantly, my voice in fiction.
Bummer!
I have one slight problem with this: if a major player such as Amazon was closed to submissions for their line of Amazon Shorts, why didn't they just state that they were closed to submissions from the beginning instead of sending their submission guidelines when recently queried? Nonetheless, I am still a fan of Amazon Shorts and the authors whose works are available. I simply feel that I got the short end of the stick.
Hence, I have the short story back in my hands (so to speak). There are two other publications with guidelines that are suitable for my story "Jailed." Today, I submitted the manuscript to Apex Digest. While Apex Digest predominantly deals with science fiction, they are also open to dark fantasy and horror. Turn around time for a response from the publication generally ranges from three to four weeks.
If all else fails, I will plan to use "Jailed" as a piece in the short story collection I'm currently working on.
I'll keep you all updated with the status of the story.
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andrew_wolter- Andrew Wolter
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