In the Mind of a Monster

Some people don't read supernatural fiction, claiming "stories about real people are more meaningful". I see that point, and I disagree with it. Granted, the Hollywood-symbolic "slasher/mindless murderbot" does not compel me beyond setting off PTSD symptoms, but there is more to the magic of monsterdom than that.

Like it or not, we all have monsters inside of us and supernatural fiction gives us the freedom to explore and play with those monsters from a safe distance. Monsters appear in myth and stories from way back, and to this day, they persist - as just about any show on TV demonstrates. The Judeo-Christian Bible calls monsters "the seven deadly sins", and that's a good start...but much like a diamond with timeless facets, "seven" points of darkness is just a start. Here are some monster types you are familiar with -


Shape shifters
Vampires
Goblins
Bogarts
Tricksters


Those are a few general monsters. We also have particular scary folk like Medusa, Godzilla, and those pesky Werewolves of London. When you take these personifications of evil and place them in human circumstances, something magical happens (if you let it). You start of see your culture's unwanted and unwashed...the haunted souls that inhabited your closet as a kid, and the cubicle next door as an adult. If you're lucky, you might see a smidgen of yourself reflected in the chilling glare of the icy-eyed werewolf, or startle your soul when you realize the Trickster's true identity is as transient as your own.

Characters do not need to be human in order to be believable. In fact, the "inhuman" characters are often the most compelling and enjoyable.

Book two of the Midnight Hunter trilogy introduces Howie, a supernatural surprise hero. When I say "surprise" - I mean it was a surprise to me. I fell in love with his ornery side immediately, but I had no idea he'd steal hearts and launch himself to the lofty position of "the trilogy's VIP". Howie resonates with readers because he tugs at something familiar in each of us, something we often shove into the shadows of our subconscious because it's not socially acceptable. But Howie doesn't play by society's rules and he's too damned pleased with himself to hide who he is. He wrote most of his own lines and stormed off on his own, regardless of my intentions, ultimately changing the book's direction in startling and mysterious ways. Could I have written Howie as a human character instead of a sinister Underworld creature? Yes...but he wouldn't be so captivating.

My advice - don't pass up supernatural stories because you think they won't be realistic enough. First of all, this is fiction...and when a good book melds minds with an active imagination, anything's possible. Set aside that part of your brain you use all day to build rockets, serve supper, and drive the kids to soccer practice. Let go of your prejudice against things that go bump in the night and let yourself fall in love with the dark side. It's not a life-long commitment, it's just a 90,000 word road trip through uncharted territory. Anything can happen...Have fun!

So...what's in the mind of a monster? You.