Horror is the quintessential story form. Fear that supplants desire brings the essential conflict, without which there is no story (“I was unopposed in all I attempted. The end.” is not a story). Frustration that encroaches on intended success is what moves the story forward (otherwise it’s simply “we made it on time as planned, and all else went just as smoothly”). Sadness that shapes and distorts the characters themselves is what makes it human (if the characters show no proof of vulnerability to being fundamentally bent out of shape by what occurs, then they’re not human at all – they’re dolls – and if we give them no basis for demonstrating it, they might as well be). In effect, storytelling relies utterly on the horrible to succeed.

— Asher's Maxim 324

Asher Black

Asher Black is a former literary and review editor who writes, thinks, reads, listens, and is interested in the interior darkness of the soul.

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