The Horror...
easier said than done26 total reviews
Comment from Ulla
Hi, Gareth. I think your first sentence should have been: There has been an increase ...
Yes, Dean Kuch was an amazing horror writer. I still miss him and his writing.
Thanks a lot for sharing this most informing essay on how to write a good horror story. I hope it will be useful to many. All best, Ulla:)))
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2021
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Hi, Gareth. I think your first sentence should have been: There has been an increase ...
Yes, Dean Kuch was an amazing horror writer. I still miss him and his writing.
Thanks a lot for sharing this most informing essay on how to write a good horror story. I hope it will be useful to many. All best, Ulla:)))
Comment Written 04-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 05-Sep-2021
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Yep, word dropped out! lol
Many thanks, Ulla. Hope you are well.
G
Comment from estory
I thought this was a super essay, well constructed, concise, clearly written, with plenty of things for the horror writer to think about in imagining his/her own stories. I thought the part about motivation, was especially useful. People often ignore details like this when coming up with their own stories, but it is a major element in writing successful pieces. Another thing is the element of suspense. Good horror writing is the product largely of suspense. And the shock element. For me, the granddaddy of horror writers will always be Edgar Allen Poe, whose mastery of this genre makes is pieces still relevant and often head and shoulders above the contemporary still to this day. Stuff like the Black Cat, The Tell Tale Heart, The Fall of the House of Usher, the Pit and the Pendulum are the gold standard of horror. Do your remember a UK horror writer named JG Williams? She was on this site in the 2000's and I have one of her books, Feast of Horror. estory
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2021
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I thought this was a super essay, well constructed, concise, clearly written, with plenty of things for the horror writer to think about in imagining his/her own stories. I thought the part about motivation, was especially useful. People often ignore details like this when coming up with their own stories, but it is a major element in writing successful pieces. Another thing is the element of suspense. Good horror writing is the product largely of suspense. And the shock element. For me, the granddaddy of horror writers will always be Edgar Allen Poe, whose mastery of this genre makes is pieces still relevant and often head and shoulders above the contemporary still to this day. Stuff like the Black Cat, The Tell Tale Heart, The Fall of the House of Usher, the Pit and the Pendulum are the gold standard of horror. Do your remember a UK horror writer named JG Williams? She was on this site in the 2000's and I have one of her books, Feast of Horror. estory
Comment Written 04-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2021
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I agree about Poe. In general I think modern horror writers tend too much toward the terror aspect or cheap tricks/depictions.
One of my favourite writers is the British author James Herbert (The Rats / The Fog). His work is classed as 'chillers' which I think is a much more apt term. he creates suspense very well.
All the best G
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
That was well written and very informative, Gareth. I might try a short horror story one day, just to see if I can. As you say, there is a lot that goes into one, and terror is not horror, even though it can be horrific. And horror is different things to different people. What scrares the heebie-jeebies out of one person, doesn't neccessarily do it for another. I enjoyed this lesson, my friend. Well done! :)) Sandra xx
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2021
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That was well written and very informative, Gareth. I might try a short horror story one day, just to see if I can. As you say, there is a lot that goes into one, and terror is not horror, even though it can be horrific. And horror is different things to different people. What scrares the heebie-jeebies out of one person, doesn't neccessarily do it for another. I enjoyed this lesson, my friend. Well done! :)) Sandra xx
Comment Written 04-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2021
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Many thanks, Sandra.
I've seen a lot on site recently but they aren't horror stories, they just use the settings or subject matter. My example of Mr Happy is a bit ridiculous but I've read stuff like that on here! lol
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I hage too! :))
Comment from Mary Kay Bonfante
Thank you for this very helpful how-to guide on writing horror fiction. I'm generally not a fan of horror literature itself, but as a writer, I felt it was important to read your very informative and well-written article. I enjoyed your occasional hint of humor.
Errors and suggestions:
Writers of horror have oft been derided and looked upon in literary circles.
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Writers of horror have oft been derided and looked down upon in literary circles.
Sounds easy doesn't it?
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Sounds easy, doesn't it?
and the reader will want to rot for them ...
-->
and the reader will want to root for them ...
How often does the character in a hoor tale ...
-->
How often does the character in a horror tale ...
***
You did a fantastic job with this. I found it very comprehensive, with great examples, and I like your picture.
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reply by the author on 04-Sep-2021
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Thank you for this very helpful how-to guide on writing horror fiction. I'm generally not a fan of horror literature itself, but as a writer, I felt it was important to read your very informative and well-written article. I enjoyed your occasional hint of humor.
Errors and suggestions:
Writers of horror have oft been derided and looked upon in literary circles.
-->
Writers of horror have oft been derided and looked down upon in literary circles.
Sounds easy doesn't it?
-->
Sounds easy, doesn't it?
and the reader will want to rot for them ...
-->
and the reader will want to root for them ...
How often does the character in a hoor tale ...
-->
How often does the character in a horror tale ...
***
You did a fantastic job with this. I found it very comprehensive, with great examples, and I like your picture.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 04-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2021
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Many thanks for this. Very useful. Cheers GMG
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You're very welcome, GMG. I'm glad you found my review useful.
God bless you,
Mary Kay
Comment from Alcreator Litt Dear
I like this essay non-fiction on writing, help and guidance for writing horror not terror stories better; Dean Kuch's writing is well remembered; well said, well done; thanks for sharing this. ALCREATOR
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2021
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I like this essay non-fiction on writing, help and guidance for writing horror not terror stories better; Dean Kuch's writing is well remembered; well said, well done; thanks for sharing this. ALCREATOR
Comment Written 04-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2021
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Many thanks for the great rating. GMG
Comment from Sherry Asbury
I am so sad to learn Dean passed away while I was off-site! I looked always for his writes and there were none...I will go to his portfolio. Thank you. This is a great lesson in horror writing. Something I love to do. It is informative and enlightening!!
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The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2021
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I am so sad to learn Dean passed away while I was off-site! I looked always for his writes and there were none...I will go to his portfolio. Thank you. This is a great lesson in horror writing. Something I love to do. It is informative and enlightening!!
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 04-Sep-2021
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2021
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Yep, I miss Dean, michaelcahill too...
Many thanks for checking this one out.
GMG
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Thank you, dear one!!