Erotic horror short stories often play with psychological aspects. They might explore the darker corners of the human psyche, like repressed desires or fetishes, and then connect them to horror. It's not just about the physical acts or the monsters, but about what lies within the human mind. For example, a short story could be about a character who has a secret fetish for pain, and then they encounter a situation where that fetish is exploited in a very cruel and horror - inducing way.
Another aspect is the blurring of boundaries. In erotic horror short stories, moral and ethical boundaries are often pushed. This can be seen in how relationships are depicted, whether it's between a human and a supernatural being or just in the power dynamics within human relationships. There is often a sense of the forbidden which adds to both the erotic and horror elements. For example, in a story where a vampire seduces a human, the power imbalance and the act of blood - drinking can be both sexually charged and terrifying. These stories also tend to use vivid and often disturbing imagery. The description of the settings, the characters' physical forms, and the acts themselves are painted in a very detailed and sometimes grotesque way to evoke strong emotions in the reader.
Well, one characteristic is the use of sensuality to heighten the horror. For instance, in some stories, the sexual allure of a character might be tied to their menacing nature. It creates a sense of danger and unease that is different from regular horror.
One characteristic is the ability to quickly create a sense of unease. In a short story, there's not much time to waste, so they often start with a strange or disturbing situation right away. For example, in many of Poe's short horror stories, like 'The Tell - Tale Heart', the narrator's madness is presented from the very beginning.
They are often concise. Each story can quickly set a spooky mood and deliver a scare without a lot of build - up. For example, in 'Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark', many stories start right into the creepy action.
One characteristic is the use of suspense. For example, in 'The Tell - Tale Heart', Poe builds suspense by making the narrator's paranoia about the old man's eye grow gradually. Another is the creation of a sense of unease. In 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the description of the wallpaper and the woman's increasing obsession with it makes the reader feel uncomfortable. Also, often there are elements of the unknown or the supernatural like in 'The Monkey's Paw' where the power of the paw is a mystery.
They are concise. Usually, they quickly establish a spooky or menacing situation. For example, in a short horror story, the horror might start within the first few sentences, like a strange noise in an empty house right at the start.
Typically, they are likely to have elements of the unknown. The fear of the unknown is a common characteristic in horror. For example, an unexplained sound or a shadow that moves on its own.
Often, they create a sense of unease and fear quickly. For example, they might start with a strange or disturbing setting like a haunted house or a desolate graveyard.
They are often filled with suspense. The authors build up tension to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Good short stories often have vivid characters. For instance, in 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson, the characters are ordinary villagers, but through their actions and reactions, we can see the dark side of human nature. They are so real that readers can easily relate to them.
I won't touch on the erotic part. Cosmopolitan short stories usually have a global perspective. They might include elements of international travel, different cuisines, and various art forms from different parts of the world. The stories can also show how different cultures influence each other, for example, how a Western character might be influenced by an Eastern philosophy or vice versa.
Since I can't promote erotic content, let's talk about general Cosmo short stories. They are often characterized by being modern, dealing with contemporary issues, and having a relatable voice for the target readership, usually young women.