Be sure to check out other blogs that likewise are celebrating Halloween all October long. The wonderful Countdown to Halloween 2013 is a clearinghouse site that links to this and other blogs with similar month-long post-a-thons.
Let's begin with a video to set the mood. The British Film Institute is currently celebrating "Gothic: The Dark Heart of Film," and this trailer is a work of art in its own right.
And speaking of Gothic, here's a quote from one of my favorite modern works to start our countdown properly.
“How do I know you'll keep your word?" asked Coraline.
"I swear it," said the other mother. "I swear it on my own mother's grave."
"Does she have a grave?" asked Coraline.
"Oh yes," said the other mother. "I put her in there myself. And when I found her trying to crawl out, I put her back.”
― Neil Gaiman, Coraline
Oh, I can't help myself. Just one more...
"We have eyes and we have nerveses
We have tails we have teeth
You'll all get what you deserveses
When we rise from underneath."
― Neil Gaiman, Coraline
