On Writing Horror

1. Horror writing demands mastery of craft and deep understanding of fear

"Horror is not a genre. It is an emotion."

Craft and emotion. Horror writing requires more than just gore or supernatural elements. It demands a deep understanding of human psychology and the ability to evoke visceral emotions in readers. Writers must master the craft of storytelling, including character development, pacing, and atmosphere, while also tapping into universal fears and anxieties.

Understanding fear. Effective horror writers study what scares people on a fundamental level. This includes exploring primal fears like death, the unknown, and loss of control, as well as more complex psychological terrors. By understanding these fears, writers can create stories that resonate deeply with readers.

Evolving the genre. Horror writing continues to evolve, reflecting societal changes and new sources of fear. Modern horror often incorporates elements of psychological suspense, social commentary, and even humor to create fresh, compelling narratives that go beyond traditional monster stories or slasher tales.

2. Effective characterization is crucial for creating believable horror

"If you have created your characters as real people, the reader will care about them. And if the reader cares about them, he will be afraid for them."

Relatable protagonists. Creating characters that readers can identify with is essential in horror fiction. This emotional connection makes the danger feel more immediate and personal, heightening the sense of fear and suspense.

Complex villains. Effective horror antagonists go beyond simple monsters. They should have clear motivations, even if twisted, and a degree of complexity that makes them more than just evil incarnate. This depth can make them more terrifying and unpredictable.

Character development. As characters face horrific situations, they should evolve and change. This growth (or deterioration) adds depth to the story and can make the horror elements more impactful as readers witness the effects on characters they've come to know and understand.

3. Setting and atmosphere are essential elements in horror fiction

"The horror of horror fiction derives from the amalgamation of all its parts."

Crafting atmosphere. The setting in horror fiction is more than just a backdrop; it's an integral part of the story. Writers must use vivid, sensory details to create an oppressive, unsettling atmosphere that permeates the narrative.

Subverting the familiar. Some of the most effective horror stories take place in seemingly ordinary settings, making the intrusion of the horrific elements more jarring and unsettling. This technique plays on the fear of the unknown lurking within the familiar.

World-building. For supernatural or speculative horror, creating a consistent and believable world is crucial. This includes establishing clear rules for any paranormal elements and maintaining internal logic throughout the story.

4. Plot development in horror requires careful pacing and escalation

"The conclusion must be open-ended enough so that there is room for and the possibility of a sequel."

Building tension. Horror plots should gradually escalate, building tension and dread throughout the story. This can be achieved through a series of increasingly disturbing events or revelations.

Pacing techniques:

• Alternating between moments of calm and intense fear
• Using foreshadowing to create a sense of impending doom
• Slowly revealing information to keep readers guessing

Climax and resolution. The climax of a horror story should deliver on the promises made throughout the narrative, providing a satisfying (if not always happy) conclusion. However, leaving some elements unresolved can maintain a lingering sense of unease.

5. The art of creating suspense and dread is key to horror writing

"To be certain that you take nothing on trust to describe things as they really are or would be."

Psychological suspense. Creating a sense of dread often relies more on what's not shown or explained than on explicit descriptions. Writers can use suggestion and implication to let readers' imaginations fill in the gaps, often resulting in more powerful fear responses.

Anticipation and payoff. Building anticipation is crucial in horror writing. This can be achieved through:

• Foreshadowing
• Creating a sense of inevitability
• Using dramatic irony (when readers know something the characters don't)

Subverting expectations. While fulfilling genre expectations is important, surprising readers by subverting these expectations can create powerful moments of fear and unease.

6. Horror writers must navigate between subtlety and explicit content

"Gore alone is not necessarily scary; neither is a creepy basement filled with cobwebs."

Balancing act. Horror writers must find the right balance between subtle, psychological horror and more explicit, visceral content. This balance will vary depending on the story and target audience.

Implications of violence. Often, implying violence or horror can be more effective than graphic descriptions. This allows readers to fill in the blanks with their own fears and imaginations.

Sensory details. When describing horrific elements, focusing on specific, evocative sensory details can create a more immersive and unsettling experience for readers. This approach can be more effective than relying on shock value alone.

7. Marketing and selling horror fiction requires strategic approaches

"If you want to be a professional, successful author in the horror genre, capable of landing publication and earning your audience's adoration ... college has much to offer."

Understanding the market. Horror writers need to be aware of current trends in the genre, as well as what publishers and readers are looking for. This involves:

• Reading widely in the genre
• Attending conventions and networking
• Staying informed about publishing industry news

Building an author platform. Developing a strong online presence through social media, author websites, and engagement with the horror community can help writers build a readership and attract publishers.

Exploring multiple formats. Horror writers should consider various formats for their work, including:

• Short stories for magazines and anthologies
• Novels for traditional and small press publishers
• Audio dramas and podcasts
• Screenplays for film and television

8. The small press offers unique opportunities for horror writers

"Small presses come and go like the wind."

Niche markets. Small presses often cater to specific subgenres or styles of horror that may not be commercially viable for large publishers. This provides opportunities for writers with unique or experimental work.

Building a career. Many successful horror authors started their careers with small presses. These publishers can provide:

• A stepping stone to larger publishers
• Opportunities to build a readership
• Valuable experience working with editors and the publishing process

Challenges and considerations:

• Limited distribution and marketing resources
• Potential for financial instability
• Importance of vetting small presses for legitimacy and professionalism

9. Audio and visual media present new avenues for horror storytelling

"Audio theater is sometimes referred to as 'old-time radio' because of the rich legacy of dramatic productions during radio's Golden Years."

Adapting for audio. Writing horror for audio formats requires specific techniques:

• Relying on sound effects and dialogue to create atmosphere
• Using narration sparingly and effectively
• Crafting scenes that can be vividly imagined through sound alone

Screenwriting for horror. Writing horror screenplays involves unique considerations:

• Visual storytelling techniques
• Balancing dialogue and action
• Creating memorable, filmable scares

Emerging platforms. Horror writers should be aware of new storytelling platforms, such as:

• Interactive fiction and video games
• Virtual and augmented reality experiences
• Web series and online content

10. Horror writing can explore deeper themes and social commentary

"The best horror stories move beyond entertainment to serve, consciously or not, as imperfect mirrors of the real fears of their time."

Reflecting societal fears. Effective horror often taps into current social anxieties and concerns, providing commentary on issues such as:

• Technological advancements
• Environmental destruction
• Social and political unrest

Psychological depth. Horror can explore complex psychological themes, including:

• The nature of evil
• Human morality and ethics
• The limits of sanity and perception

Allegorical storytelling. Many horror stories use supernatural or fantastical elements as allegories for real-world issues, allowing writers to address sensitive topics in a more palatable or indirect manner.

Last updated: November 17, 2024