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July 2014 Creepypasta Book Club: Cults, Conspiracies & Secret Societies – PLUS “The Secret World” Giveaway [Winner Chosen, Congrats to Kristela!]



Estimated reading time — 6 minutes

Welcome to possibly the longest-named post on the entire site! It fits, because this is going to be a long post – I’ve got a lot of ground to cover about the whole book club idea before we begin. Exposition, go!

Today we’re going to start the “creepypasta book club” that was discussed in previous announcement posts. If you’re not familiar, the idea is to read some books together that will help cultivate inspiration and nurture more original ideas in our writers. I don’t believe that I’m overestimating when I say that lately, a solid 75% of the incoming submissions are simply retreading the same few topics – I suppose that, for whatever reason, serial killers, haunted games, and fanfics of previously-created Creepypasta “characters” are extremely trendy right now.

The problem is, though, that after the 5000th rip-off of Jeff the Killer or the latest attempt to copy-and-replace Ben Drowned with the writer’s favorite game franchise, these stories get mind-numbingly boring. New ideas and inspiration are CLEARLY necessary now, because I for one am absolutely sick of reading about serial killers. I’m not sure if it’s just because they’ve been so in lately in pop culture (what a strange thing to say, but it seems to be true – Hannibal, Dexter, Jeff the Killer, so on and so forth), but we’ve gone way past the point of oversaturation.

You guys need to find something new to write about.

So that’s where this book club idea comes into play. Every month, I’ll select a general theme and give you guys one or two books to read. Now, to avoid confusion, this won’t be about reading already established “creepy” fiction like King or Chambers. Though we may do that another time, the book choices for the inspiration club will be, primarily, nonfiction (though some selections will definitely be “nonfiction” – we’re going to indulge in some pseudoscience and conspiracy books because, after all, we’re trying to get ideas for fiction anyhow). This will hopefully allow you guys to expand your comfort zone of creepy into realms like secret societies, cryptozoology, high-risk exploring like mountaineering, ancient cultures and pseudeoarchealogy, aliens, mysterious disappearances, and more.

The other added benefit of using nonfiction is that spoilers won’t be a concern. Since this post’s comments will act as the discussion forum for our book club, we need books that people can easily discuss at all sorts of different points of progress without ruining each other’s experience.

So, yes, to alleviate some of the confusion and concerns that initially came up when I presented this idea:

THIS POST is your book club. The comments here are where you should air out all your thoughts and ideas that spawn from reading the suggested books. There’s no requirement for how fast you progress through the book(s), whether you read both books or only one, or even if you finish the book(s) or not, so please feel free to jump in and discuss the books whenever you’d like.

If this takes off and you guys want it, perhaps in the future we can try and organize some sort of chat at the end of the month, but for now please don’t worry about that and just post here whenever you have things to talk about regarding this month’s books.

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Okay, all that said – here are the two books I’ve selected for July 2014. As stated in the title, this month we’re going to explore the world of cults, conspiracies and the theorists who love them, and secret societies.

It should be said that these books were chosen with mature readers in mind. If you are under 18, please do check with your parent/legal guardian before reading these books. I’d really prefer to avoid a pitchfork-mob of angry parents who find this topic inappropriate for their kids. I’d also like to say that the opinions expressed in the books are, of course, the opinions of their authors and the people profiled only – I’m not advocating or co-signing any of the groups covered in these books. I’m not telling you to believe in the Illuminati or anything, I just think such topics are a cool and fun thing to learn about and will probably inspire some people to write better pastas.

The first book is by Jon Ronson, a British author/humourist that I personally really enjoy. Them: Adventures with Extremists is exactly what it says on the tin – Ronson meets and spends time with a lot of famous faces in the world of conspiracy theories and extremist beliefs. David Icke, Alex Jones, Omar Bakri Mohammed, and more – as Ronson says, the only criteria was that the people/organizations he features have been called ‘extremists’ at some point in their careers. Each episode gives you a look into the beliefs, day to day lives, personalities, and habits of the the various extremists that he profiles. If you’re interested in writing a character-driven story about conspiracies, cults, or societies, this book will be helpful. It also tends to be rather irreverently funny, which is a plus.

As a bonus, Jon Ronson was recently on WTF with Marc Maron, where he gave some behind-the-scenes details on this book (they also delve into The Psychopath Test, another book I’m considering for future months if this book club turns into a long-term thing) as well as more personal opinions and anecdotes. You can stream/download the episode here for now (it will eventually become a premium-only episode, so keep that in mind – based on the pattern, I’m guessing it will go premium-only sometime in August).

If you want to go more in depth, the second suggestion is Arthur Goldwag’s Cults, Conspiracies, and Secret Societies: The Straight Scoop on Freemasons, the Illuminati, Skull & Bones, Black Helicopters, the New World Order, and Many, Many More.

Unlike THEM, this book isn’t really a narrative – rather, the author has researched many of the world’s more infamous and interesting cults, conspiracy theories, and secret societies, and he’s done nice write-ups on each. The entries are organized thematically and can easily be read out of order if you’re so inclined. Beyond the organizations in the title, he also covers the origins of the Assassins (it’s not just a random word), Area 51 and all it encompasses, the Yakuza, the Kennedy assasinations, etc etc and so on. This book is really useful and interesting if you’d like to get a sort of crash course in this month’s topic.

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Lastly, to celebrate the first book club post, I’m giving away ONE online game code for Funcom’s online game The Secret World.

Since the raffle is over (congratulations to Kristela A. for winning!), I’m putting the rest of this entry under a cut. The main page has so many stickied posts at the moment that I think it’s necessary to de-clutter wherever I can.

The Secret World is a massively multiplayer online world with a unique modern-day setting and unparalleled freedom of character progression.

Imagine if every myth, conspiracy theory and urban legend was true. Imagine a world where you can become anything you want to be, without restrictions such as classes or levels. This is the premise for The Secret World, Funcom’s massively multiplayer online game set in the modern-day real world.

This contest is open to anyone as long as it’s legal to enter such a giveaway in your country (if you have doubts, please look this up before entering) and you are 18 years of age or older, as this game is rated Mature.

Please check the system requirements for this game before you enter. If you won’t be able to run the game, please don’t enter. Checking this is your responsibility.

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Please make sure that you understand and agree to The Secret World’s Terms of Service before entering. I will be gifting the winner a code to activate and download the game only – anything beyond that is YOUR responsibility. If you get yourself banned or can’t run the game, that will not be my concern and you won’t receive any compensation.

All entries WILL be checked over. This means that if you enter and say that you tweeted but didn’t send the required tweet, that entry will be void. If you enter and say you commented and I can’t confirm it, that entry will be void. DON’T BOTHER CHEATING BECAUSE THE WINNING ENTRY WILL BE CHECKED AND CONFIRMED MANUALLY. If you fake an entry or don’t follow the instructions, all you’ve done is waste your time.

I will choose a winner and contact them within 48 hours of the raffle’s end. Since I don’t want to send the code to an invalid or typoed email address, I will need the winner to reply back and confirm their email address before I send the code. If I don’t receive a response within 48 hours of my email, that person will have forfeited their prize and I will select a new winner. So if you enter, please make sure you give a correct email address and whitelist “Creepypasta” in your spam filter.

Funcom is not involved with this giveaway in any form. I purchased this code with my own funds and am doing this of my own accord, so please do not contact Funcom with questions about this giveaway as it’s not their responsibility.

You can enter this raffle via the widget below. Some options can be done more than once to earn more entries, while others are one-time-only.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*As always, links in this incredibly long post may have affiliate codes present. If you purchase anything through our referral links, thank you so much! The small kickbacks I get from referrals add up eventually and allow me to cover the expenses of things like this giveaway, so everyone who uses my links to buy things has my appreciation!

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Copyright Statement: Unless explicitly stated, all stories published on Creepypasta.com are the property of (and under copyright to) their respective authors, and may not be narrated or performed under any circumstance.

56 thoughts on “July 2014 Creepypasta Book Club: Cults, Conspiracies & Secret Societies – PLUS “The Secret World” Giveaway [Winner Chosen, Congrats to Kristela!]”

  1. Currently in game running around Tokyo. One building is a cult disguised as a center for teens. Every now and again you will beat a ghost and see it float to the top of the building. If you look up, you can see the mass of dead bodies from the cults suicide against the glass ceiling.

  2. Shoshanna Schoenbaum

    Cults, Conspiracies, and Secret Societies: The Straight Scoop on Freemasons, the Illmuniati, Skull & Bones, Black Helicopters, teh New World Order, and Many, Many More is an extremely lengthy title… It almost made me avoid the book completely–the author couldn’t even take the time to make up a concise title. Anyway, I’d give the book 3/5 stars. Yes, it was incredibly insightful for people who are interested in everything written in the title, but it doesn’t fill in many blanks. Obviously we can look up information on the internet, but I bought Goldwag’s book to read his point of view in its entirety.

  3. I’ve been looking everywhere for a modern fantasy RPG, and I think “The Secret World” is what I’m looking for. The raffle is a cool idea, the game looks even cooler…

  4. I have ordered THEM and The Psychopath Test. I am waiting on a confirmation for the book by Arthur Goldwag. I’m actually really excited to be a part of this, I think the book club is a good idea, and I can’t wait to read some pastas that aren’t just about jeff the freaking killer. It KILLS me (ha) to read those, because 99% of them aren’t going to be as good as the original and people need to find some new inspiration. The idea of secret societies, cults, conspiracy theories, and more will most likely brighten some peoples’ minds. I hope. Also, the podcast on WTF was really good, and I enjoyed listening to it. Thanks for the giveaway and thanks again for this good idea. I hope others are as excited about it as I am!

    1. I really wish the WTF podcast would bring on more authors like Ronson, I agree it was an excellent show!

      I’m interested in seeing what you think of the books :)

      1. Thank you, I’m really excited to read them. Though I don’t believe in the Illuminati, some of the information you read up on it can be really convincing. As for cults and secret societies, I think we all know those exist, but reading more about them will be eye-opening as well.

  5. I have ordered THEM and The Psychopath Test. I am waiting on a confirmation for the book by Arthur Goldwag. I’m actually really excited to be a part of this, I think the book club is a good idea, and I can’t wait to read some pastas that aren’t just about jeff the freaking killer. It KILLS (ha) to read those, because 99% of them aren’t going to be as good as the original and people need to find some new inspiration. The idea of secret societies, cults, conspiracy theories, and more will most likely brighten some peoples’ minds. I hope. Also, the podcast on WTF was really good, and I enjoyed listening to it. Thanks for the giveaway and thanks again for this good idea. I hope others are as excited about it as I am!

  6. Thomas Wrinwall

    If you guys are open to suggestions for inspirational reading I seriously suggest that you check out The King in Yellow by Robert W. Chambers.

    This collection of short stories was published in 1895 and served as inspiration for some of the greatest horror writers, including H. P. Lovecraft. It takes a certain kind of madness to truly understand and appreciate the meanings behind Chamber’s writing.

  7. From reading/listening to a variety of different creepypasta, this includes things like dark, subtle, sometimes just weird. I’ve created a bunch of ideas from the variety and I am trying to put them together. I want to try and make something so very subtle that you would only know something was wrong because it is a creepypasta. However I don’t want to do something too overdone, so I avoid everything slenderman, jeff the killer, and ect. I enjoy to work on my creepypasta in my spare time, problem is I don’t get much time to work on it. I think however with my recent ideas it will come together soon, and nicely.

  8. I just finished them the other night. It was defiantly when of my quicker reads. As for using it as inspiration for a Creepypasta…well I have some ideas, but its a bit tricky. Wondering too close to real events becomes disrespectful and tasteless. There is also the challenge of making a story that’s message is not to hammy.

  9. Seems like an interesting idea to conduct a book club. But this month topic doesn’t really interest me lol. Maybe next month the book could be about urban legend around the world or some creepy myths? That would really inspire me. Btw giving out a prize is definitely a good idea :)

    1. I’m planning on cryptozoology/mythical creatures for next month. That might interest you more!

      I’m still stuck on what to give out for next month, though. The most relevant game I’ve found so far seems to be the Shin Megami Tensei series, so I might end up giving out one of those games. Have to look into them a bit more, though, to decide which one.

  10. this site…I never want this site to end or go away. And please again email me back about that idea thank you for your time.

  11. I think this is a really good idea, but can we do one on Joseph Kony cause he is a big problem I learned about him in school. He kidnaps kids in their sleep and turns the boys into kid soldiers and the girls into sex slaves. This can be a good creepy pasta and it can spread the word on him to stop him and what he does. Pleas email me back, I love this website and I never want it to end.

  12. The book club idea is really awesome. The books seem like interesting reads. The video game too! It looks potentially fun, something different.

    1. Yes, Ronson has a great way of writing that makes you feel like you’re just listening to him casually recounting his stories. He’s also quite good at highlighting some of the absurdity that’s going on in these situations without totally trivializing the people/events involved.

  13. This is actually something different and unique. I’m quite glad someone is taking Creepypasta to a new level and starting something were a group can enjoy story’s all together. Plus the prize itself makes everything even more exciting!

  14. Cool, those books and video game looks interesting to read and play. Also creepypasta.com helps me stay up when i need to study.

  15. To-kill-or-not-to-kill

    I look foreword to joining the infamous book club of Creepy-pasta. Or am I just saying this for the give-away prize? (Nahh, I’m being genuine surprisingly)But anyways, I’m glad you chose to feature cults, conspiracies,secret societies, rituals and such. I’m going to get a lot of hate for this but Jeff and Jane and Slenderman are utterly stupid to me, but that’s just my opinion. (Notice how I said the monsters and not the actual pastas)I usually browse through Dreams and Madness archives and Rites&Rituals so I’m really excited for this. Sadly, I’m going to be off to Bangladesh these two months so you won’t hear much from me. And going back to the original topic, a book club is very cool idea and the give-away prize is rather simple but it works. (I got hooked, as you can see)And if you need any suggestions, psychological horrors are all-time favorite of mine and good madness pastas are rare. (I’m so tired of the experiment pastas but some were scary good)

    Okay now I’m just rambling but thanks Creepypasta.

    Stay Awesome,
    Shreya

  16. The idea of a book club is great and I also agree the stories are getting kind a monotonous. anyhow This will light some sparks hopefully.
    PS – the giveaway of entries to the secret world is awesome.

  17. The Secret World if a very good game, filled with inspiration from Lovecraft and conspiracy theory’s. Every Halloween they even run events, last Halloween was looking all over for Scary Storys. You even get to keep the collection of Scary Storys in game.

  18. Love the give away :) The Secret World looks freakkin awesome!

    Love this website too XD it’s perfect for me :))

  19. That game looks soooo awesome! Even if I don’t win the giveaway I might just buy it myself when I can (If I can)

  20. I really like this idea. While I’m not sure how structured the book chat will be in this current blog reply setup, but it really allows for a sense of community on this site. If one of the books are at my local library, then I’ll be sure to join in when I can!

    1. (Not sure how this system works, but it doesn’t show my edit within my message, so I’ll paraphrase it, feel free to erase if the main message gets updated with my thoughts of the game)

      I heard a lot of good things about The Secret World, especially the stuff about how you have to solve ingame puzzles by using information from the real world. This type research should lead to a lot of good inspiration for newer pasta ideas (hopefully) in a fun way.

  21. Book club idea sounds absolutely amazing. Love this site and the stories. Truly I just love reading good horror in general as there aren’t many titles that inspire a could feeling of leaving your lights on at night. (From this sight I have left my lights on many night)
    Definitely gonna look out more with the book club going on and as for writing a creepypasta myself, i would get the urge to write an entire book from it as I have with a slender themed novel I’m working on right now and starting to think about a side project with the shadowlurker and other various creepypasta icons

  22. I came for the amazing stories that I can never get enough of and now there is a Secret World code competition?!
    Where can I find you to hug and kiss you?!
    This is now officially without question, my favorite site!
    -Die Smiling

  23. kinda new to this site and not normally one to read creepypastas but i will defiantly give these books a read. looking forward to the next books recommended.

  24. The idea behind the book club is an interesting idea that I could see working out quite well, and you picked a pair of ideas that will be interesting to begin with (plus a great game to provide us incentive that works well with the ideas behind both books picked)!

    I have to admit, from the descriptions that you gave of the books, I find the second one more interesting than the first.

  25. This is so perfect. I love book clubs, I love Jon Ronson (just read the Psychopath test and Frank), and I’ve been meaning to find a good book about the occult, because I’m weird and that stuff interests me. I’ll definitely be checking these books out.

  26. Great idea! I love creepypastas(havent written any yet) and I’ve been trying for months to come up with something that will definitely be different and creepy indeed :)

  27. I love that you are doing a giveaway, and the book club idea sounds awesome. I would love to learn about some conspiracies, and in general, what the authors think!

  28. Cool giveaway! also the whole book club idea is wonderful! I really didn’t expect something like that, and it’s gonna be cool reading some conspiracy theories and maybe I might just try to make a creepypasta.

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