Zombies and Demons and Ghouls Misused? Oh My!

By

Hannah Carr

Incorporating supernatural characters and elements into a story brings a darker theme. There are endless possibilities of what can be done using legends involving demons, werewolves, vampires, zombies, and ghouls.

Changing details such as abilities and characteristics in lore adds a creative twist to stories, but don’t stray too far away from the original. The farther away details get from what is known throughout the world, the riskier it becomes. However, that doesn’t mean a writer can’t get creative and add their own special touch.

Before writing a story, the first approach is to do research. Each supernatural being has its own lore. There are the basics that the majority of people know, but a good story heavily depends on the details. Without using vital information, a story can fail.

One of the most frequently used monsters is vampires. These creatures don’t require a lot of research if you’re not going too deep into the myth. The basics that normally get used for vampires are: fangs, drinking blood, deathly pale skin, and glowing red eyes.

Readers love seeing unique takes on the ancient myth, but only when they make sense. The “Twilight” book series changes specific aspects to intrigue readers. Instead of vampires turning to dust in the sun, these vampires sparkle. The change produced mixed feelings from fans. Some believed that the change fit the story while others found it cheesy.

Tweaking a few known ideas about a mythological creature isn’t always bad. Zombies are pictured as slow-moving creatures, but in the story “World War Z,” they become the opposite. The walking dead changes into the running dead. While it is a major detail, giving the zombies speed intensifies the story. These undead monsters still accurately present the ancient lore even with such a major twist, and it doesn’t distract readers from the story.

Changing the lore sometimes gives a refreshing splash, but keep in mind that a story is only as good as the details. Supernatural creatures create a special addition to stories, but only after fact checking to accurately portray the myth. A book that doesn’t incorporate specific elements might turn your readers away.

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Hannah Carr attends Calumet College of St. Joseph in Whiting, Indiana as a junior. She is the head editor for the school newspaper and a member of the Media Club. She previously worked for Sturgis Journal in Sturgis, Michigan. During the school year, Hannah competes on the cross country and track teams as a captain. Hannah intends on becoming a journalist for sports and pop culture.