Thinly veiled catharsis

My life’s been very nightmare-centric lately - nepenthe’s asked me for examples of well-written nightmares in fiction (fan and original and if you can think of any, let me know, I’m stumped), there’s a sequence in a fic I’m betaing that needs to be completely rewritten (the author doesn’t know this yet), I’m putting together a creepycreepy music mix (working title. I really shouldn’t be listening to it right now), bookshop just put up a post about Japanese horror films.

Any/all/none of which led to my nightmare last night, the full package: ( Cut because nightmare. Also, warning for graphic imagery. )

It got me thinking (and finally we arrive at the point), though, about the different genres (for lack of a better word) of nightmares/bad dreams. Mine are very psychological - all about the terrible thing in the corner of your eye, the dark shape at the door, the overwhelming sense that something’s Wrong. There’s little gore. I’m never hurt and very rarely in danger. Mom’s are apparently more bloody (she’s a veterinarian, this makes some sense). Popular media tells me other people dream of falling, or showing up to school naked, or creepy crawlies.

I know it’s not a topic some people want to talk about, but if anyone wants to tell me about their nightmares and/or how they affect their waking life, I’d be, uh. Not grateful...interested? Happy to listen? Something.

Wow, I’m tired. Fucking nightmare.