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Optional Monthly 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 read many scary stories in my life, but most of them make me feel either sad or mad. There have been a few that stuck with me long after reading simply because of how scary they were.
When I was much younger, I didn’t think Poe’s Tell-Tale Heart was that scary, yet it stuck with me. The madness of the killer and the depiction of paranoia made me feel sorry for the guy. Still, I would have called the cops on him if someone else hadn’t (Wink Wink). It was later in my early twenties when the story took on a level of terror that I still can’t fully explain. It was then that I learned that ravens can actually mimic human voices and words, even to a greater degree than parrots if they are properly trained. Before I simply imagined the madman hearing the bird say “nevermore”, after learning that, I could envision the scene playing out, where the raven is talking to him from above the door. That’s what got me. To this day, it’s one of the scariest stories I re-read each year.
Update- After writing this post, I realized that I was mashing two stories together- The Raven and The Tell-Tale Heart. I still think the talking raven is spooky but the beating heart from Tell-Tale is what really sticks with me. I always imagine the raven is a call back to the other story letting the reader know, “I know what you’ve been doing.”
On a slightly different note, there is one fairly recent scary book I’ve only read once. It’s so scary that I may never read it again, but if a sequel comes out, I will definitely pick it up. You can click the image to read my Goodreads review and I’ve also included a purchase link in case you are interested.
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And now, on to the personal updates…
I have plenty to say, but I’m not yet ready, so nothing to update at the moment.
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What are your favorite or worst ghost stories?
It may take some time, but I promise, I will eventually stop by your blog.
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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Nancy Gideon,
Jennifer Lane,
Jacqui Murray,
and Natalie Aguirre!
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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #25).
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Thank you for making it this far down the virtual page. Kudos to you! I’d love to know what you thought of this post in the comments below. Stay safe and be blessed.
26 replies on “#IWSG Oct. 2024- Ghost Stories?”
That’s what makes Poe’s work so terrifying — and brilliant 🙂
Ronel visiting for IWSG day Adventures in Audio: Recording and Publishing Audiobooks
I think you’re right. On the surface, his stories sound clever but the more you think about them, layers of meaning unfold.
I didn’t find “The Tell-Tale Heart” scary either when I read it. Psychologically interesting, perhaps, but not scary. But I’ve only read it once, and that was a very long time ago. Maybe it’s time I read it again.
Yeah, it’s more of a clever story. For some reason though, when thinking about a madman encountering a real raven repeating the word “nevermore” like the title of a teen thriller telling him, “I know what you did…” it gives me the chills.
The older ghost stories I think were meant as much to entertain as scare the s*** out of readers. If you see the difference!
Yes, many of the classics were written at a time when there weren’t scary movies or TV shows to entertain. These stories were it.
And ravens are like crows – very, very smart.
Yes, they are. I am fascinated by them, but only from afar.
You’re the third writer I’ve seen today who has mentioned The Telltale Heart! I saw a stage performance that was thrilling. The sound of a thumping heart set me on edge!
Something about hearing and not seeing is so creepy. The best monster movies are the ones where you have to wait for the big reveal, where you barely see the creature until the end.
I’ve read the tell-tale heart and I did think it was a bit scary and that’s about it. It’s memorable because I’ve never read something like it.
I don’t have any favorite or worst ghost stories that I remember reading.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Have a lovely day.
Yeah, on the surface, the story didn’t do much for me either, but it hit me later. Scary stories aren’t for everyone. Some people just don’t like them, but some people also don’t think they are scary, and that’s okay.
They are both creepy stories.
Yes, to me, they are. Thanks for stopping by.
Poe really was brilliant. I still remember the stories I read in Jr. High and High School–and that was a LONG time ago! I just can’t do horror. I’m pretty careful these days about the things I give myself to think on. Enough weird stuff shows up in my dreams (nightmares) as it is.
I agree. I have to be in a specific mood and in a special/safe space physically and mentally to read scary or horror stories. It’s the main genre that I have an interest in but rarely read.
Poe Mash Up! Love the tease on update–got ’em not gonna tell ya.
There’s something about reading multiple works from the same author that compels me to make connections even when they’re not there. These two stories are just part of the spooky magic I experience when reading Poe.
Poe’s work is terrifying, but I love Ghostbusters best for ghost stories. 🙂 BTW – I finally reviewed your book – I’m sorry it took me so long.
Thanks for the review. Finishing that book took on a whole new meaning for me after Margie passed away. I’m glad it’s out there to be discovered by someone who needs it.
A tale that sticks with you! Yes. That’s the mark of a good story.
https://substack.com/home/post/p-149546624
I agree. Whatever the genre is, if it sticks with you, kudos to the writer.
Horror stories don’t entertain me as much as good ol’ fashioned ghost stories. But Edgar Allan Poe stories always held my interest.
My all-time fav “ghost stories” are the chicken skin tales of marching spirits and ghostly appearances in Hawaii.
https:/gail-baugniet.blogspot.com
I’m not familiar with “the chicken skin tales of marching spirits and ghostly appearances in Hawaii” but I’m extremely intrigued. Guess I have something to look into now.
I first read The Tell-Tale Heart in middle school and found it really scary (but I scared easily back then). That beating heart, the narrator’s descent into madness… great stuff.
Nice to know those classic writers like Poe are still inspiring new generations of writers. I read them so long ago, truthfully I can’t remember their emotional impact. Yet, you reread them every year. OK, so now you’ve motivated me! I’m looking up THE RAVEN next.