The Horror...
easier said than done26 total reviews
Comment from Judy Lawless
I almost didn't read this because of the title. I don't like horror stories, I think, but maybe it's the ones that induce terror that have steered me away from them. This explanation is well done and will be sure to aid anyone who wants to write good horror stories. I might have to start reading some if I want to do more reviewing. lol
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2021
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I almost didn't read this because of the title. I don't like horror stories, I think, but maybe it's the ones that induce terror that have steered me away from them. This explanation is well done and will be sure to aid anyone who wants to write good horror stories. I might have to start reading some if I want to do more reviewing. lol
Comment Written 05-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2021
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Yeah, people have a habit of either pushing it too much or not enough. not enough and it goes nowhere. Too much and it turns people away. It's pretty much the same for every genre.
many thanks
G
Comment from tfawcus
I think it is such a waste that Tom doesn't see fit to archive pieces like this that teach the art of writing to site members. Such a rich resource going to waste. I thoroughly enjoyed reading these tips about horror writing, a genre I have always avoided. You have pinpointed the weaknesses in so much that passes as horror writing here, but more importantly, you have provided valuable tools to enable people to improve. Your observation that it's an essence and a style hits the nail on the head. Furthermore, it is the suspense between the writer introducing the nail and driving it into the head that fires the imagination.
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2021
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I think it is such a waste that Tom doesn't see fit to archive pieces like this that teach the art of writing to site members. Such a rich resource going to waste. I thoroughly enjoyed reading these tips about horror writing, a genre I have always avoided. You have pinpointed the weaknesses in so much that passes as horror writing here, but more importantly, you have provided valuable tools to enable people to improve. Your observation that it's an essence and a style hits the nail on the head. Furthermore, it is the suspense between the writer introducing the nail and driving it into the head that fires the imagination.
Comment Written 04-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2021
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Many thanks, Tony. I read a lot about writing and do a lot of practice writing as well. It's something I don't think enough folk do anymore.
All genres have a specific thing that sets them apart. I spend a lot of time trying things out and writing in different genres. It's also incredibly fun.
All the best
G
Comment from Jay Squires
An excellent tutorial, G. Dean was a fine example of one who knew his craft well. In fact, I can't think of another who was more true to his niche. It was like year-round Halloween. Dean once confessed to me that he grew up in a neurotic, lonely, dysfunctional, horror-seeped environment. Yet, I've heard of authors who were not above developing a self-promoting aura of fiction about their lives. Hemingway was known for doing that, and his legend is pretty well secured.
"A character suffering some form if tragedy is more easily relatable to the reader..." [Probably someone pointed out the if/of problem. Just in case, though ...]
You did an exceptional job pointing out what to do and what not to do. I hope we can start seeing some more Fanstorians following your advice.
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2021
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An excellent tutorial, G. Dean was a fine example of one who knew his craft well. In fact, I can't think of another who was more true to his niche. It was like year-round Halloween. Dean once confessed to me that he grew up in a neurotic, lonely, dysfunctional, horror-seeped environment. Yet, I've heard of authors who were not above developing a self-promoting aura of fiction about their lives. Hemingway was known for doing that, and his legend is pretty well secured.
"A character suffering some form if tragedy is more easily relatable to the reader..." [Probably someone pointed out the if/of problem. Just in case, though ...]
You did an exceptional job pointing out what to do and what not to do. I hope we can start seeing some more Fanstorians following your advice.
Comment Written 04-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2021
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I hope so. What we're seeing at the moment is a lack of style / atmosphere when it comes to these pieces. Content/subject matter can't cut it alone.
Many thanks Jay
G
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Gotcha! And agree!
Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)
This is an excellent written seminar to help would-be horror writers. It is extremely clearly and logically presented, and I think many of us will benefit from the information provided. Thanks a lot! Kate xx
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2021
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This is an excellent written seminar to help would-be horror writers. It is extremely clearly and logically presented, and I think many of us will benefit from the information provided. Thanks a lot! Kate xx
Comment Written 04-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2021
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Many thanks for checking this one out, Katherine.
G
Comment from royowen
I knew there was a reason I've never really been interested in either reading horror nor in writing it. I knew about the Dean Kuch thing, but I could not understand what nor why he wroteit, until he spoke of his nightmares. He was ultra sensitive when it came to his actual Christian beliefs and horror, there was quite obviously a clashing symbolism. But C'est la vie, but that's not what your highlighting here. It does take something more than Draculean or Frankenstein monster stories, (the story that Mary Shelley wrote was a far cry from actual horror, the "monster" was a sensitive guy. Beautifully done G, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2021
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I knew there was a reason I've never really been interested in either reading horror nor in writing it. I knew about the Dean Kuch thing, but I could not understand what nor why he wroteit, until he spoke of his nightmares. He was ultra sensitive when it came to his actual Christian beliefs and horror, there was quite obviously a clashing symbolism. But C'est la vie, but that's not what your highlighting here. It does take something more than Draculean or Frankenstein monster stories, (the story that Mary Shelley wrote was a far cry from actual horror, the "monster" was a sensitive guy. Beautifully done G, blessings Roy
Comment Written 04-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2021
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I view Mary Shelley's work as more of the speculative fiction nature of things.
I find horror works better in real things. I think we do enough of that without the fantastical side of things!
it is a skill to write good horror, as much so as any other genre or poetry.
Many thanks,Roy.
G
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Well done
Comment from robyn corum
Gareth,
Yay! It's really good to see you posting something. *smile* You only seem to pop in now and then. You must be really busy with other stuff - or in other places. We miss you, dude.
This was a nicely composed and desperately needed piece. hahahaha
It's like when we're doing the classes on haiku or senryu, etc. All of a sudden, everyone thinks ANYthing that has 17 syllables or less qualifies. It can get a little scary. (Horror.)
I enjoyed what you had to offer here and hope people will read this and look INTERNALLY and not go - YEAH, those OTHER people should listen to this guy! hahahahaha
I just saw a couple of tiny places here I thought might need a second look. Check them out and see what you think - then I have a surprise for you at the bottom... (Be afraid, be very afraid...)
1.) A character suffering some form (o)f tragedy is more easily relatable
2.) Play around with tone and mood, sketch your characters (flaws and all intrinsic tragedy aspects), (work with) word choice and so on. Write out a scary scenario and play around with the aforementioned components.
--> since you already used 'play around', I'd change up.
I thought this was excellent (no sixes, though.)
Now for the surprise. *smile* This past week, I was working in the library on our big desktop computer and I found an old note I had made back in June of 2018. Let's see if these ring familiar to you. I had loved them so much I wrote them down!
New words with definitions:
1.) 'expleted' - cursed
2.) 'expirified' - sighed/disbelief to the point of death
3.) (MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE!!!) 'guffartled' - laughed to the point of pooping yourself
I got so tickled when I ran across these. I remember when we had that contest and thinking, MAN! I wish I could be that creative! Thanks again for the smiles! Good to see you!
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2021
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Gareth,
Yay! It's really good to see you posting something. *smile* You only seem to pop in now and then. You must be really busy with other stuff - or in other places. We miss you, dude.
This was a nicely composed and desperately needed piece. hahahaha
It's like when we're doing the classes on haiku or senryu, etc. All of a sudden, everyone thinks ANYthing that has 17 syllables or less qualifies. It can get a little scary. (Horror.)
I enjoyed what you had to offer here and hope people will read this and look INTERNALLY and not go - YEAH, those OTHER people should listen to this guy! hahahahaha
I just saw a couple of tiny places here I thought might need a second look. Check them out and see what you think - then I have a surprise for you at the bottom... (Be afraid, be very afraid...)
1.) A character suffering some form (o)f tragedy is more easily relatable
2.) Play around with tone and mood, sketch your characters (flaws and all intrinsic tragedy aspects), (work with) word choice and so on. Write out a scary scenario and play around with the aforementioned components.
--> since you already used 'play around', I'd change up.
I thought this was excellent (no sixes, though.)
Now for the surprise. *smile* This past week, I was working in the library on our big desktop computer and I found an old note I had made back in June of 2018. Let's see if these ring familiar to you. I had loved them so much I wrote them down!
New words with definitions:
1.) 'expleted' - cursed
2.) 'expirified' - sighed/disbelief to the point of death
3.) (MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE!!!) 'guffartled' - laughed to the point of pooping yourself
I got so tickled when I ran across these. I remember when we had that contest and thinking, MAN! I wish I could be that creative! Thanks again for the smiles! Good to see you!
Comment Written 04-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2021
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That competition was a blast! lol
I've been busy. Also, the site seems to have drastically shrunk lately and I'm not particularly keen on how it's going. I don't want to read constant non-fiction nonsense about nothing.
Where did all the fiction writers go?
Anyway, cheers
G
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Actually, there are some stellar new writers - it's just hard to find them through the crazy traffic here. Good luck!
Comment from NABattaglia
Horror is indeed a unique endeavor, which I have understand to learn and study. I've been directed to Dean Kuch's writing, and I'll read more to learn how to work on my craft. Thanks for sharing this one.
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2021
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Horror is indeed a unique endeavor, which I have understand to learn and study. I've been directed to Dean Kuch's writing, and I'll read more to learn how to work on my craft. Thanks for sharing this one.
Comment Written 04-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2021
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He's a great starting point on site. if you want to read outside of the site, I would suggest a British author, James Herbert (The Rats, The Fog). His work was classed as 'chillers'. He can be a bit graphic at times in his novels but he creates atmosphere, mood and suspense very well. (In my opinion he's much better than Stephen King)
Much appreciated.
GMG
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Thank you for the recommendation. I haven't heard of him, and I have purchased The Rats trilogy to start out!
Comment from Mary Shifman
I like this very informative and enjoyable piece on horror writing. I will keep a copy in my writing notebook so that I might refer to it when attempting to write on the topic. Thanks for the important reminders.
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2021
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I like this very informative and enjoyable piece on horror writing. I will keep a copy in my writing notebook so that I might refer to it when attempting to write on the topic. Thanks for the important reminders.
Comment Written 04-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2021
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Many thanks. GMG
Comment from Seshadri_Sreenivasan
This is wonderful post and very educative for newcomers like me. Thank you Giraffmang for sharing. It is so well structured and easy to read
and understand. I feel motivated to write a short story and shall definitely do through the works Dean Kuch. I am going to save this for future reference.
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2021
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This is wonderful post and very educative for newcomers like me. Thank you Giraffmang for sharing. It is so well structured and easy to read
and understand. I feel motivated to write a short story and shall definitely do through the works Dean Kuch. I am going to save this for future reference.
Comment Written 04-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2021
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Yep, Dean's a great writer of the genre and a great starting point. Much appreciated. GMG
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Dean Kuch was this site's premier horror writer before his passing away a couple of years ago. (So true, Dean had it down to an art form. I had to make sure I didn't read his posts anywhere close to going to bed. He used to tease me about it. I miss him so much.)
Thank you for sharing.
As matter-of-fact, there are certain rules, I guess you can call them. about writing romance. I have done years of research on it. Often people here don't understand that. I am pretty sure that almost every real genre there are certain expectations that are traditionally followed.
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2021
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Dean Kuch was this site's premier horror writer before his passing away a couple of years ago. (So true, Dean had it down to an art form. I had to make sure I didn't read his posts anywhere close to going to bed. He used to tease me about it. I miss him so much.)
Thank you for sharing.
As matter-of-fact, there are certain rules, I guess you can call them. about writing romance. I have done years of research on it. Often people here don't understand that. I am pretty sure that almost every real genre there are certain expectations that are traditionally followed.
Comment Written 04-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2021
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Yep, it's true for all genres. In Romance, you still need suspense, intrigue, and the build-up but it is in how that's achieved that varies greatly. I don't think a lot of folk appreciate the nuances enough...
Much appreciated
G