Gore in horror writing refers to the graphic and explicit depiction of blood, guts, and violence in books, movies, and other forms of media. While some writers and readers find it to be an essential component of horror writing, others argue that it can be gratuitous, offensive, and even harmful.
Pouring a glass of wine or a measure of single malt is not entirely unknown in the writing world. The general consensus seems to be that if you oil the cogs with a little alcohol, the words come much easier.
Horror is a genre that relies heavily on certain themes and elements that have been developed over time. These are commonly referred to as horror tropes. While some may seem overused, they can be incredibly effective when used in the right way, espeically if you can find a new way to invent them.
If you’re set on being a horror writer, then finding answers to these supernatural puzzles should help you better understand plotting and imagery and how it can make a difference to your voice. While we all like to get wrapped up in the story, it’s important if you want to hone your craft to go back and ask a few pertinent questions.
One of the first horror novels I read at the tender age of 12 was by Stephen King’s and starred the gruesome Salem’s Lot vampires. It was his second published novel, the first being the shorter and more visceral Carrie. A few years later, the book was made into a TV movie with Starsky and Hutch heart throb David Soul in the lead role of Ben Mears.
Howard Phillips Lovecraft, commonly known as H.P. Lovecraft, was an American author, poet, and essayist known for his works of horror fiction. Born on August 20, 1890, in Providence, Rhode Island, Lovecraft was the only child of Winfield Scott Lovecraft and Sarah Susan Phillips Lovecraft. His father died in 1898, and his mother suffered a nervous breakdown, leading Lovecraft to…Read More
Mention the name Bela Lugosi nowadays and you might see more than a few young kids scratching their heads and frowning. Back in the day, however, he was one of the biggest stars on the planet and today for many he remains the iconic embodiment of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Whether it’s here on Earth or in deep space, there’s always something that’s out to get the human race. Here are just some of our favourite alient invasion movies with an added hint of horror. “Alien” (1979) directed by Ridley Scott and starred Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, and John Hurt. The film follows the crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo…Read More
H. P. Lovecraft is considered one of the most influential writers in the horror genre of the last century. His unique blend of cosmic horror and science fiction has had a lasting impact on many modern writers and his ideas and themes continue to be explored and celebrated even today. One of Lovecraft’s most important contributions to the horror genre…Read More
H P Lovecraft’s ‘Supernatural Horror in Literature’ is one of the definitive essays on the genre and is available free online. It’s well worth a read.
