Horrific Writing
but in a good way...25 total reviews
Comment from Terry Broxson
I am not a horror fan. Some time I do like a good comedy horror story. But if I ever do decide to write one, you have given me a blueprint. I love the illustration and it's title. Exceptional work! Terry.
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reply by the author on 17-Aug-2022
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I am not a horror fan. Some time I do like a good comedy horror story. But if I ever do decide to write one, you have given me a blueprint. I love the illustration and it's title. Exceptional work! Terry.
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Comment Written 08-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2022
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Many thanks Terry. G
Comment from John Ciarmello
Hi, G,
This article is going to come in handy. I had in mind to write a horror story but thought it a bit out of my wheelhouse. These are excellent points and lessons. I put the thought on the back burner, but you've brought the idea to the forefront. We shall see. Great piece!
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2022
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Hi, G,
This article is going to come in handy. I had in mind to write a horror story but thought it a bit out of my wheelhouse. These are excellent points and lessons. I put the thought on the back burner, but you've brought the idea to the forefront. We shall see. Great piece!
Comment Written 07-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2022
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The thing with horror, first and foremost, is that it is an emotion. It crops up in almost every other type of story out there. keeping the feeling real is the key. Many thanks, john. G
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
You have done a really good job of explaining the elements that make horror stories work. I hate the best ones because they scare me, and my nightmares are scary enough. So many writers think gallons of blood are scary, but over-the-top isn't half as scary as subtlety. M. Night Shamalian uses familiar situations that get out of control, and I watch his movies because I am so impressed with his finesse in most cases (although I know I will have more vivid nightmares from watching them). Thanks for the tutorial.
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2022
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You have done a really good job of explaining the elements that make horror stories work. I hate the best ones because they scare me, and my nightmares are scary enough. So many writers think gallons of blood are scary, but over-the-top isn't half as scary as subtlety. M. Night Shamalian uses familiar situations that get out of control, and I watch his movies because I am so impressed with his finesse in most cases (although I know I will have more vivid nightmares from watching them). Thanks for the tutorial.
Comment Written 06-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2022
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I always preferred the bits you don't see, what goes on off-screen or in your head. it's usually much worse. G
Comment from LJbutterfly
This has just motivated me to write a horror story. I already have one horror piece in my profile titled, "A Road Trip to Die For." By Halloween, I may try another using the very helpful tips you've listed, especially focusing on taking the reader on a journey. Thanks for this post.
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2022
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This has just motivated me to write a horror story. I already have one horror piece in my profile titled, "A Road Trip to Die For." By Halloween, I may try another using the very helpful tips you've listed, especially focusing on taking the reader on a journey. Thanks for this post.
Comment Written 06-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2022
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Glad this may be of some help. many thanks GMG
Comment from Pearl Edwards
When I saw your title, I immediately thought of another writer from years ago whose horror poetry I loved. Thank you for doing this series G, I find them a great help to continue to learn.
cheers,
valda
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2022
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When I saw your title, I immediately thought of another writer from years ago whose horror poetry I loved. Thank you for doing this series G, I find them a great help to continue to learn.
cheers,
valda
Comment Written 06-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2022
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I used to love Dean Kuch's work. i still visit his portfolio from time to time. G
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
Actually, I'd say this advice crosses all genres of writing, not just horror. The one thing I hear from a lot of writers is, "I hate to edit - I just write it as fast as I can." If you want a story to stand out, you must edit, edit, edit!
Great outline of dos and don'ts for the writers here - thanks much:-)
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2022
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Actually, I'd say this advice crosses all genres of writing, not just horror. The one thing I hear from a lot of writers is, "I hate to edit - I just write it as fast as I can." If you want a story to stand out, you must edit, edit, edit!
Great outline of dos and don'ts for the writers here - thanks much:-)
Comment Written 06-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2022
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Horror is not just a genre but it is an emotion which I think folk forget. As such it traverses different f=genres anyway. Much appreciated. GMG
Comment from K. Lang-Slattery
As usual, your essay about writing is well done. I'm not a lover of horror stories (or movies) but I am a lover of your articles about writing. In this one, your points are well taken and most are relevant for any good writing. I especially like the line "It's about how you take the reader on an emotional journey." This is true for all good fiction.
I found a couple of possible edits for you to consider:
" scare the (your) readers. (makes it more personal)
"you wish to evoke (to) succeed,"
"description works and are (is... your subject, description, is singular) in keeping"
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2022
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As usual, your essay about writing is well done. I'm not a lover of horror stories (or movies) but I am a lover of your articles about writing. In this one, your points are well taken and most are relevant for any good writing. I especially like the line "It's about how you take the reader on an emotional journey." This is true for all good fiction.
I found a couple of possible edits for you to consider:
" scare the (your) readers. (makes it more personal)
"you wish to evoke (to) succeed,"
"description works and are (is... your subject, description, is singular) in keeping"
Comment Written 06-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2022
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Many thanks as always. G
Comment from davisr (Rhonda)
You nailed the genre, G-Man. While not a horror connoisseur, and certainly not writer, I've read a few, some even on this site.
I love the way you've broken the writing to help those posting horror. Meanwhile, you've reinforced all story types.
Very helpful, thank you,
Rhonda
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2022
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You nailed the genre, G-Man. While not a horror connoisseur, and certainly not writer, I've read a few, some even on this site.
I love the way you've broken the writing to help those posting horror. Meanwhile, you've reinforced all story types.
Very helpful, thank you,
Rhonda
Comment Written 06-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2022
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Much appreciated, Rhonda. G
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Great job. Thank you. (Sorry, I'm out of sixes.)
I especially like the emphasis you put on avoiding cliches. I'll quit a book that uses more than a couple for the very reasons you offer - lazy, uninspired writing.
The beauty of most of Stephen King's work is that I can see myself in them (at least his novels that I'll read). King's or Koontz's outrageous stuff is more than my limited comprehension can handle. I require a modicum of credibility.
Thank you for your hard work.
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2022
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Great job. Thank you. (Sorry, I'm out of sixes.)
I especially like the emphasis you put on avoiding cliches. I'll quit a book that uses more than a couple for the very reasons you offer - lazy, uninspired writing.
The beauty of most of Stephen King's work is that I can see myself in them (at least his novels that I'll read). King's or Koontz's outrageous stuff is more than my limited comprehension can handle. I require a modicum of credibility.
Thank you for your hard work.
Comment Written 05-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2022
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I think you hit the key thing here. The seeing yourself in it, being able to identify. I think using the character who behaves in that recognizable way is the big thing. Much appreciated as always, Wayne. G
Comment from Spitfire
Thinking about writing a story or novel as taking a reader on a journey should be a poster on an author's wall. After reading your list, I'm tempted to try my hand at this. (Pardon the cliche.) Remember Dean Koch? I think he wrote horror stories on site. Too bad he passed away.
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2022
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Thinking about writing a story or novel as taking a reader on a journey should be a poster on an author's wall. After reading your list, I'm tempted to try my hand at this. (Pardon the cliche.) Remember Dean Koch? I think he wrote horror stories on site. Too bad he passed away.
Comment Written 05-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 17-Aug-2022
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I still visit Dean's portfolio from time to time. Not just a great writer but very helpful too. G