#IWSG – Ghostly Tale
It’s time for yet another Insecure Writer’s Support Group post of 2024, and I’m hoping you’re prepared to be scared. The witching time draws nearer.
Unlike my Ukraine saga, Freedom Flights, which is overdue by over two months from the last day my characters appeared on duty. As I aim to write a Halloween WEP flash, it may require some juggling to give it a Ukraine angle, although some of my characters are Witches.
Slava Ukrayini
The other writing news is I’m struggling to devise an acceptable query letter for my police procedural. I’m unsure what books to compare it to, although it must stand up in its unique way.
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Every month, IWSG announces a question that members can answer in their IWSG posts. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or a story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!
October 2 question – Ghost stories fit right in during this month. What’s your favorite classic ghostly tale? Tell us about it and why it sends chills up your spine.
I’ve spent a few days pondering about my favourite classic ghost stories, eliminating some for length like Dracula and Frankenstein and others for being in the wrong season like A Christmas Carol.
Some authors had written numerous scary classics like Poe, Henry James, M R James, Lovecraft, Le Fanu, and even H G Wells… and four female authors are often overlooked, Elizabeth Gaskell, Rhoda Broughton, Margaret Oliphant, and Edith Nesbit. There are even foreign writers and numerous more modern writers to confuse my choice.
The more I remembered, the more I returned to my first choice.
However, I must mention Ambrose Bierce’s ‘An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge’ which is not a ghost story, but its twist ending makes me wonder how to classify it. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_Occurrence_at_Owl_Creek_Bridge
My original choice was The Monkey’s Paw by W W Jacobs which scared me when I first heard it many decades ago. It’s not as frightening or creepy as many others, but the simple formula of being granted three wishes that will end tragically makes it memorable. It’s also a formula cleverly used for an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. There have been numerous radio and television adaptations, including this 1988 Channel 4 short:
The story revolves around the White family, after Sergeant-Major Morris, a seasoned traveler, introduces the ominous monkey’s paw to them. Said to be cursed by an old fakir, the paw grants its holder three wishes, but with a dire warning: the fulfilment of these wishes brings unforeseen and tragic consequences.
If you wish to know more, but don’t have 30 minutes to watch the short film here are two rabbit holes:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Monkey%27s_Paw
The Monkey’s Paw Summary, Themes and Characters
The latter includes interesting thoughts on themes worth exploring.
Apologies if you aren’t scared.
Maybe my October WEP post might work.
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The awesome co-hosts for the October 2 posting of the IWSG are Nancy Gideon, Jennifer Lane, Jacqui Murray, and Natalie Aguirre!
Finally, don’t forget to visit more active writers via the IWSG site:
Insecure Writer’s Support Group
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG, and our hashtag is #IWSG.
Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group Day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
