Can someone explain what is a Mary Sue?
Mary Sues (and Gary Stews for guy characters) are basically characters who can do no wrong. They are perfect in every way. In order to have a character that isn't a Mary Sue or a Gary Stew, they need to have some flaws. People in real life are not perfect and make plenty of mistakes, and characters should make mistakes and such along the way in order to be considered realistic and likable.
Tips on becoming a great writer?
I love to write, I am currently a college student trying to decide between being a journalist or a lawyer. I eventually want to be a full time fiction writer. Any advice?
The difference between Gothic novel and horror novel?
You're right--there's a fine line between gothic and horror--but I do think there's a distinction. Take a look at the history of the two to see how they're different. The Gothic novel got its start back in the 1700s. "The Castle of Otranto" is a good example. Gothic novels full of dastardly villains and pure maidens who have to marry them but who are saved by the servant-boy-turned-prince at the last minute. Lots of mysterious midnight meetings under the light of the full moon. An eerie, mysterious feel. Otherworldy events can occur, but are not generally the focus of the story, and often as not you find out at the end that the "ghost" was actually just someone pretending. Horror novels are slightly different. Try the original Dracula (by Bram Stoker) or the original Frankenstein (by Mary Shelley)--these weren't published until the mid-1800s. The intention is to horrify and scare. Otherworldly events (like the existence of vampires, or the creation of a creature from dead body parts) are par for the course.
What were the seven devils of Mary Magdalene?
The Bible says in Luke 8:2, “and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out…” The Bible is clear that Mary Magdalene was possessed by seven demons. The activities of those demons in her body is not revealed. It may have been obvious to the people who knew her. Luke didn’t feel it was important to state the details of how those demons afflicted her or how she met the Lord. I would assume that the Lord saw this woman, moved with compassion and set her free from the demons. Her gratitude to Jesus was life long.Jesus makes an interesting observation in Matt. 12:43–45, “When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.” When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first.”The point is that demons are real and more than one can live in a person. I do not believe all illness are demon originated, especially psychological illnesses or even physical illnesses. Physical or chemical imbalances as well as emotional issues need to be assessed first before one considers demonic possessions. It’s the last resort, not the first resort.Summary: Demons are real, not a figure of our imagination.