Fiction Writer's Guide to Creating Horror
February 18, 2007 by
Horror is one of the most popular genres of fiction today. People are clamoring for horror at the box office and on the bookshelves. Fiction writers strive to deliver.
If you are a fiction writer who wants to dip their pen into the pool of horror, there are several things you have to know. The following information is meant to be a basic guide to creating horror in fiction.
The In-Your-Face Gore Fest
Fiction writers have been dabbling in blood, guts, and gore for a long time. This type of horror can really sink into a fiction reader and make them uncomfortable - which is a good way for them to feel when reading horror fiction.
You want to make your reader squirm. The reader's reaction should mimic the characters reaction to what is going on around them. Gouts of blood, ripping flesh, rotting carcasses, severed limbs, and anything that should be inside coming out are all really choice horror tidbits.
The Jump and Shriek
This type of horror is really easier to achieve in a movie or television venue than in a book. However, if you can weave an appropriate spell with your words, it is possible to make your reader jump and shriek. The use of exclamations can help you in this way, as can an abrupt change of mood.
The easiest way to achieve this is by writing a soothing passage about something rather mundane. Include exposition or the wandering thoughts of your protagonist. After the fiction reader is lulled into comfort with your words, throw a horrific curve ball at them. For example, if Mary is lounging in bed after a hard day going through old books, have the silver urn with her Grandmother's ashes suddenly fly off the wall.
The Creeping Dread
If you are a fiction writer who wants to dip their pen into the pool of horror, there are several things you have to know. The following information is meant to be a basic guide to creating horror in fiction.
The In-Your-Face Gore Fest
Fiction writers have been dabbling in blood, guts, and gore for a long time. This type of horror can really sink into a fiction reader and make them uncomfortable - which is a good way for them to feel when reading horror fiction.
You want to make your reader squirm. The reader's reaction should mimic the characters reaction to what is going on around them. Gouts of blood, ripping flesh, rotting carcasses, severed limbs, and anything that should be inside coming out are all really choice horror tidbits.
The Jump and Shriek
This type of horror is really easier to achieve in a movie or television venue than in a book. However, if you can weave an appropriate spell with your words, it is possible to make your reader jump and shriek. The use of exclamations can help you in this way, as can an abrupt change of mood.
The easiest way to achieve this is by writing a soothing passage about something rather mundane. Include exposition or the wandering thoughts of your protagonist. After the fiction reader is lulled into comfort with your words, throw a horrific curve ball at them. For example, if Mary is lounging in bed after a hard day going through old books, have the silver urn with her Grandmother's ashes suddenly fly off the wall.
The Creeping Dread
Collections of fiction short stories are becoming increasing popular in the writing world. Some books listed here to study up on if you wish to venture into that genre.
By Lori Voth (Revezbelle) | Published 7/26/2006 | Read more »
Fiction Writers: Don't be fooled into thinking your novels can't have a "formula." Read tips from well-known writing instructors on how to create a formula which will give readers an emotional experience.
By Robin Bayne | Published 9/22/2006 | Read more »
Agatha Christie and her fellow female mystery writers made the mystery novel an addiction for readers. Arthur Conan Doyle may have created Sherlock Holmes, but it took Laurie King to make him sexy.
By Mary Ellen Lee | Published 4/27/2006 | Read more »
In this guide we will be looking at one of the many ways to go about preparing and writing a script. You will quickly notice, however, that most of my focus is on the steps to take before actually sitting down and writing the actual story.
By Xaxona | Published 7/7/2006 | Read more »
Lately horror movies have become less tolerable to watch than a hatchet in the eye. Here are highlights of Hollywood's most egregious errors in the genre.
By A B | Published 6/29/2006 | Read more »
These days, Hollywood tries to recreate many original horror films that proved successful in overseas industries. But these films are comparable at best, and hardly ever stay completely true to their foreign counterparts. So let's compare, shall we?
By J.W. | Published 9/7/2006 | Read more »
|
|
- Fiction writers have been dabbling in blood, guts, and gore for a long time.
- The easiest way to achieve this is by writing a soothing passage about something rather mundane.
- Fiction writers might find it more effective to practice the creeping dread flavor of horror.
Most Comments Today
- Oh No! Michael Jackson's Body and Brain Missing Is Michael Jackson's body and brain missing? According to many websites they... 31 Comments
- Michael Jackson is Missing The casket is missing, where is it? How did it disappear? 31 Comments
- Sarah Palin 2012? Sarah Palin 2012? 29 Comments
- Hot News Quickies - Thursday, July 9, 2009 News happens while you sleep - get your Hot News Quickies here! 28 Comments
- Real Estate: Renting Your Home and Bad Tenants If you decide to rent out your home, do a thorough reference check with previ... 26 Comments
- Every Day Heroes At every disaster, in every community, when people are hurting who are the fi... 24 Comments
Tweak
Posted on 04/23/2007 at 12:04:00 PM