What makes a weird story so appealing?

One reason is the element of surprise. In weird fantasy stories, you can expect the unexpected. For example, in Neil Gaiman's works, there are often strange creatures and events that defy normal logic. This keeps readers on their toes.

The sense of the unknown. In weird mystery novels, there are often elements that are completely out of the ordinary. This keeps readers on their toes as they try to figure out things that are not based on common knowledge or experience. For example, in a novel with a supernatural mystery, like a haunted house mystery where the rules of the normal world don't apply.

They break the norms. Unlike traditional horror which might rely on typical monsters like vampires or zombies, weird horror can combine various elements in unexpected ways. For example, a story might have a mix of psychological horror, Lovecraftian cosmic horror and some elements of science fiction. It's this blend that creates a unique reading experience. Weird horror novels also often have a dream - like or surreal quality. This can make the reader feel as if they are in a trance while reading, and it adds to the overall atmosphere of unease and horror. It's like being in a nightmare where the rules are constantly changing.

The mystery. In scary weird short stories, there are often elements that are not fully explained. It's like a puzzle that our minds can't help but try to solve. For example, in 'The Yellow Wallpaper', the woman's hallucinations of a woman trapped in the wallpaper are so strange that it makes us wonder what is really going on. It draws us in.

They allow us to experience fear in a safe way. We can read about the scariest situations, like in 'The Pit and the Pendulum' where the protagonist is facing a slow and torturous death, but we know we are not actually in danger. It's a form of thrill - seeking from the comfort of our own space.

The best weird short stories are appealing because they break the norms. They take the readers to places they've never expected. For example, in Kafka's works, the absurd situations like a man turning into an insect make us question our own existence and the world we live in. It's like a jolt to our normal thinking patterns.

Well, their uniqueness makes them special. They might have a different perspective on Christmas. Instead of just focusing on gifts, they could be more into the idea of family togetherness or the religious meaning behind it. Their different view stands out from the typical commercialized view of Christmas that many kids have.

Relatability also plays a big part. When we can see a bit of ourselves or someone we know in a story, it becomes more appealing. Like the story of the dog chasing its tail. Many of us have seen dogs do such silly things and it makes us laugh because we can relate to that innocent and silly behavior.

Well, a good story often has interesting characters. They can be relatable or unique, which draws the readers in. Also, a great plot is key. It might have twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Humor. When a story has unexpected twists or silly situations, it's funny. For example, if a serious businessman suddenly starts dancing in the middle of a meeting for no reason, that's unexpected and funny.