To Define or Not To Define
Over at The Lotus Lyceum is a short article titled “How much backdrop is too much?” which simply states that stories which do not explain all the mysteries are more appealing than those that explain away all the background details and world setting, et cetera. I agree, and while the site constrains itself to fantasy literature I’ll add that this little view is what makes good horror literature. When you can define and describe your lurking fears, they are no longer lurking and not as frightening. I for one don’t always like to be told everything, sometimes a hint is more than enough.