Day 70 of my #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is “Wear Cozy Slippers”, but much like Day 47’s “Wear Flannel”, a post just about slippers seems pretty boring. Unless you are into feet, of course, in which case I am sorry to disappoint you here. Instead, I put on my favorite foxy slippers (picture to the right to satisfy you feet people) and thought about what I like to do while wearing my cozy slippers on a lazy morning or early evening. Then it came to me – this is the perfect attire to sit back and read classic horror stories!
While doing research for some of the other blog posts in this challenge I came across the website A Passion for Horror. It has a section with a myriad of public domain horror stories, many of which I have encountered in anthology books throughout the years. Here are a few chilling tales to read during this spooky season.
Amrbose Biece was an American author and Civil War Soldier (Union Army). He is well-known in horror circles and regarded highly alongside writers like Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft. One of his most famous stories, “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge”, has been adapted into various movies and television episodes. This story was published in The San Francisco Examiner on July 7th, 1889.
“The Spook House”: When two men take refuge in a house said to hold evil spirits, they discover a horrifying room with no exit.
Algernon Blackwood was a prolific ghost story writer who lived from 1869 – 1951. Multiple authors have cited his work as inspiring, including Anne Rice. HP. Lovecraft referred to him as a “Modern Master” in his essay “Supernatural Horror in Literature”. J.R.R. Tolkein credits his phrase “crack of doom” as derived from an unnamed story by Blackwood. His two most famous stories are “The Wendigo” and “The Willows”, but I find this one macabrely charming and whimsical. I also quite enjoy the story’s epilogue, which feels timely in our current capitalist distopia.
“The Dance of Death”: A young man with a weak heart is warned against “wildly” dancing at an upcoming party. While moving cautiously at the party, he becomes enchanted by a lovely woman in a green dress that no one else seems to know. As the evening progresses, he must muster the courage to speak with her and confront his own mortality.
Henrietta Dorothy Everett (1851 – 1923) was British author that often wrote novels with fantasy or supernatural themes. She originally used the pen name Theo Douglas for her early works. “The Lonely Road” was first published in 1920 in Everett’s short story anthology book, The Death-Mask and Other Ghosts. Instead of outright horror, the piece establishes an uneasy mood with quiet tension. It is a comforting tale for those who have lost a loyal furry friend and feel as though that companion is guarding them still.
“The Lonely Road”: When Tom Pulteney sets out on a deserted road at night to make his way to the train station, his love’s loyal companion – who died two year’s earlier – keeps him safe from two villains in the dark.
One could spend hours pouring over the numerous public domain horror stories found within A Passion for Horror’s collection. These are just a few I enjoyed. Which stories are your favorite? Give me suggestions for my next read on Facebook & Instagram.
Day 70 of my #Emilys100DaysOfHalloween challenge is “Wear Cozy Slippers”, but much like Day 47’s “Wear Flannel”, a post just about slippers seems pretty boring. Unless you are into feet,
Every day is Halloween in my home, but the spooky season really unleashes my creativity. I love to do Halloween crafts to add beauty and whimsy to my home. A
Add some spooky fun to your next party with Halloween Scareoke. There are a many karaoke versions of Halloween classics on Youtube perfect for signing along with. Take turns covering
Welcome to my home of all things horror & Halloween! The Horror of Being Emily showcases resources, creative projects, small businesses, and more related to my weird and wonderful Halloween & horror obsession.
