Horror/Thriller question
I was working on a piece recently and as I was writing, realized I had a decision to make on how to approach the shocker at the end.
Do I drop bread crumbs along the way, ratcheting up the tension and building suspense, so the reader is just waiting for it?
Or do I lead (mislead) them down a merry path and then give them an unexpected gut punch at the reveal in the end that they never saw coming.
Any opinions or suggestions from those who love to write or read in the genres of horror (not slasher--I don't mind well-done gore, but not pointless gore and jump scares) or my favorite, psychological thrillers.
RE: Horror/Thriller question
There should always be (in my opinion) clues. If the reader missing them, but at end is surprised they missed them, so much the better. Think 'The Sixth Sense' or The Usual Suspects. The clues were there, but most didn't pick up on them. So, the twist ending felt honest and earned, not absurd and phony.
RE: Horror/Thriller question
Here is my experience as a reader of Stephen King and Dean Koontz and many action stories.
Horror and thriller are different genres. Horror usually involves a lot of blood and guts, sometimes has a lurking monster or the supernatural and a lingering dread and terror of the unknown.
On the other hand, a thriller has the protagonist under a deadline. If he, she, or they don't accomplish their goal within a certain amount of time, something dreadful will happen. For example, the end of the world, or a plane crash, or an epidemic that will wipe out an isolated village. The thriller has more action/failure than horror, although the characters are certainly under stress and terrified about what will happen if they fail. There can be some blood and guts, or multiple deaths, but the emphasis is on avoiding a disaster or catching a fugitive.
There are some subgenres, but I haven't looked into those. The Internet may have more information for you about these genres. Good luck.
RE: Horror/Thriller question
Great advice, Lancellot and Nor.
Sixth Sense is a great example. First thing I did after watching it, was rewatch to see all the clues I'd missed.
So, subtle breadcrumbs, or the reader feels lied to.
Thanks much!
:-)
