Weathering the Maddening Winds in the Alps

Location: Balzers, Liechtenstein and various villages at the foot of the Alps

For fans of: Ecological horror and psychological thrillers

To read: “The Wind” by Ray Bradbury (1943)

On various days from the middle of March to the end of April, the Foehn wind roars down the lee side of the Alps at up to 130 km (80 miles) per hour, bringing all manners of malady upon the northern border of Italy, some southern parts of France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Slovenia, and the entirety of Liechtenstein – from headaches and breathlessness to suicides and hauntings. This month, I will highlight the darker forces that some believe to be at work through the Foehn, or, the Snow Eater, as the locals call it, and encourage you to read Ray Bradbury’s classic short horror story “The Wind” as you tour the Alpine villages of Liechtenstein for yourself. Bradbury’s work tells the story of a stormchaser in 1940s America who believes the winds he has encountered over the years have, finally, come together on his doorstep seeking revenge. I would have recommended something longer (such as JG Ballard’s sci-fi novel The Wind From Nowhere, for example); however, given that dizziness, fatigue, and complete psychosis are common symptoms of the Snow Eater, anything novel-length may admittedly be hard to get through out here. 

The Snow Eater and its kin winds, in fact, appear often in classic literature from all over Europe. Voltaire wrote about the Foehn’s effects in France. Edmund Spenser and Shakespeare both refer to England’s similarly-behaved Helm Wind; the former describing it as “bitter, black, and blustering” and the latter accusing it of causing “gout, the falling evil, the itch, and the ague.” Gabriel Garcia Marquez describes the Tramontana winds of Italy as “harsh, tenacious land wind that carries in it the seeds of madness” which “blows without pause, without relief, with an intensity and cruelty that seemed supernatural.”  

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Writing Prompt Wednesdays: The Diary

Welcome to “Writing Prompt Wednesdays,” a haven where your imagination can roam free in the realms of speculative fiction. As we embark on this weekly journey, it’s thrilling to think about the untold stories waiting to be penned in the domains of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Whether you’re a seasoned author or a budding wordsmith, these prompts are your gateway to unexplored worlds and untapped potentials.

Every Wednesday, we’ll serve up a fresh, thought-provoking prompt designed to ignite your creative spark and challenge your storytelling prowess. Think of these prompts as a key, unlocking the doors to uncharted territories where your creativity is the only limit. From eerie, shadow-laden corridors of Gothic horror to the farthest reaches of interstellar space, and the mystical depths of high fantasy, our prompts are a kaleidoscope of possibilities.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to approach these prompts. They are mere stepping stones, guiding you towards the vast landscapes of your imagination. Use them to break free from writer’s block, to experiment with new ideas, or simply as a fun exercise to keep your writing skills sharp.

This week’s writing prompt:

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