Mort Castle, ed., On Writing Horror: A Handbook by The Horror
Writers Association (revised edition) (Writer's Digest Books, 2007)
Ask horror buffs, and they'll probably tell you about the great idea kicking around in their heads, something intriguing that they'd love to put down on paper. But like any good genre fan, they know full well the large amount of crud out there that's currently masquerading as horror fiction. Fear keeps many from even trying to pen their own unique horror creation. And that's simply horrible. On Writing Horror was first published in 1997, and became a popular reference book for the genre. But, as Mort Castle mentions in the Editor's Introduction, much has changed. So, ten years later, a revised edition hits bookstores, eager to help those who would like to scare the hell out of folks through the written word.
I don't have the previous edition for comparison, so I'll focus on the essays themselves. This book is broken down into category sections, including education, concepts, selling and promotion, and my favorite, genres and subgenres. Whatever your question might be, it's more than likely addressed in at least one essay. Things get off to a great start with Joyce Carol Oates' "The Madness of Art." Horror ". . . is unashamed to be entertaining." Thank goodness. A simple statement, but think about it -- how many would-be writers adore a good story-tellin' tale, but then sit down at their keyboard and try to think like a "Write-TOR"?
My favorite section was "Part Seven: Genre and Subgenre." "Archetypes and Fearful Allure: Writing Erotic Horror" by Nancy Kilpatrick (an auspicious a name for a horror writer if there ever was one) was a topic I was immediately drawn to, since those ideas are the ones that float in my head. But the essay I couldn't wait to read was Weston Ochse's "Freaks Fiddles, Banjos and Beasts: Writing Redneck Horror". C'mon, with a title like that, who could resist? Part Seven also covers writing tie-in novels, comic books, and video games, giving these areas just as detailed a look as the sections on short stories or novels. In particular, "Now Fear This: Writing Horror for Audio Theater" is an essay I hope gets a lot of interest, because like its authors, I believe that is the shape of things (or rather mp3s) to come.
Several essays touch on similar points -- like "Really Know Your Characters" and "Do Your Research" -- but the repetition is a good thing. Struggling writers need to know what works best, and they need to hear it in a way that gets through to them. The more voices, the better the chance that the would-be author reading this book will come away with key points. Each essay describes a piece of the total picture, in enough ways to see it from all angles.
Hey, how about if you want to write a few stories so you can end up rolling in dough like Stephen King or Anne Rice? Um, fine. Have at it. But there's as strong warning in these essays against that type of thinking; writing for the pleasure of the bank account isn't gonna get you anywhere. These writers love what they do, and they say that pleasure should be your driving force. If you want a large paycheck, perhaps you should consider a more, shall we say dependable, line of work. Don't worry though, if writing's your love, once you've got your story down there are lists of places to go to try to sell your work. And plenty of information on where to go if you need more help getting yourself started, or in the groove.
Most reviewers will tell you to just go ahead and read the essays that strike a chord with you. I know; I've said as much in other reviews. Not this time. You're interested in writing horror fiction? Then read everything here. Yes, even the sections that you think you've got no interest in. Because these essays are a treasure trove of great ideas, from characters you can use anywhere (regardless of subgenre) to how best to pimp out your beautiful brand-spankin'-new novel. So just read. You'll learn something, and you'll like it.
On Writing Horror is interesting even for lovers of horror fiction who have never considered putting pen to paper (or finger to keyboard). It provides a look at the process of creating horror, along with an extensive list of books, novellas and short stories worth reading in this field (I'm already looking for a copy of Confederacy of the Dead). You also get an idea of exactly how much work goes into being a writer, regardless of genre. I found this behind-the-scenes peek at how really good authors write really good stuff just as compelling as any story they've written. The only difference is that I can read this book without worrying about looking under the bed afterward.
