3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly readable, accessible articles, December 26, 2008
This review is from: Horror Isn't a 4-Letter Word (Paperback)
Subtitled Essays on Writing and Appreciating the Genre, short story writer and novelist Matthew Warner's first collection of nonfiction, Horror Is Not a 4-Letter Word, is ideal reading during the month best known for ending with Halloween. And it's a must-have for fans of the horror genre.
In these articles that span from 2002 to 2007 -- with all but two coming from the author's tenure as a columnist for Horror World -- Warner covers a variety of diverse topics from horror stereotypes (and why we need them) to the importance of research for verisimilitude, from why Buffy the Vampire Slayer is an example of excellent plotting to the secrets of a successful collaboration, from how to write "invisible" dialogue to tips on public speaking.
Warner even gives new readers a taste of his short fiction ("With the Eyes of God") and then shows how he got there. (Those whose appetites are whetted can seek out Death Sentences, his short fiction collection). Horror Is Not a 4-Letter Word also contains a critique of Left Behind from the horror writer's perspective, one essay each focusing on the subjects of his two novels to date (The Organ Donor and Eyes Everywhere), a lengthy exposé on his summer working for notorious "book doctor" Edit Ink, and even insightful articles on censorship and the connection between horror and violence.
Warner has an engaging conversational style that makes even the most indepth material go down easy. But I'm not sure I can bestow a greater compliment than the fact that reading Horror Is Not a 4-Letter Word is the first time I've almost been late for work because of essays. As I finished one, the next one's title intrigued me to continue. Kudos to the author and Guide Dog Books for assembling a collection of horror-related articles that are just as accessible to the horror reader as to those who want to write in the genre -- and is far more readable than others of its ilk.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Horror Apologetics; Not a Guide on What Horror Is or How to Write It. Unfortunate., December 8, 2009
This review is from: Horror Isn't a 4-Letter Word (Paperback)
Honestly, I was looking for a book that defines horror, and is a working tool for unlocking the horror in every day life. Or something that actually defines what we're afraid of so as to be useful for those wishing to write in the horror genre. That book is, unfortunately, NOT this one.
This book is a collection of several articles on what I'd call 'Horror Apologetics.' That is to say, it is a book that supports the genre of horror as an art form and redresses the remarks of many of its detractors via several essays. Which certainly has its place in the world of LitCrit (Literary Criticism).
However, the articles are something of a hodge-podge, running as far afield as how rulings against the sale or production of pornography may in some hypothetical future impact the production and sale of horror novels (at least erotic horror, if nothing else) or his stint as an "editor" for a company that was scamming writers out their money (though he didn't realize it until quite some time after he left the company)... Neither of the articles really sheds any light on the titular "horror" genre. They're just personal autobiographical anecdotes. I could have done without them personally.
If I had it to do over again, I probably wouldn't buy this book. It seems more geared toward writers in general (covering things like writers' workshops and making sure you devote enough time, effort and research to your writing), than specifically toward the Horror writer.
I was disappointed. At the moment, I'm more in favor of a few other books specifically on the horror genre:
On Writing Horror,
Writers Workshop of Horror and
Horror Screenwriting: The Nature of Fear. They seem more specifically geared toward debate and exegesis on the Horror genre in general, and how to write specifically for Horror. Strangely enough, something as asinine (yet very funny) as
How to Survive a Horror Movie does a moderately good job of encapsulating much of the Horror movie schtick, albeit mostly via the clichés of the genre. I'm also picking up
Annotated Supernatural Horror in Literature, as a broad overview of the origins of Horror and the "weird tale."
All told, this book really didn't cover the things I was looking for. IF you were looking for the same things I was (succinct definition of "Horror" as a genre and examples or ways to get in touch with your inner horror writer), perhaps avoid this book for some of the previously mentioned fare. IF you're looking specifically for LitCrit / Horror Apologetics, maybe this is worth a read (I stress, MAYBE).
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Gruesomly Delightful Read, March 5, 2009
This review is from: Horror Isn't a 4-Letter Word (Paperback)
Coming in a fresh clear voice full of humor and respect for his field Matt Warner delights with this collection of horror-interest articles. The book contains stories, anecdotes, writing help, genre-related rambles, and the ever-present witty insights of this fascinating author. A good read for any horror lover, writer, or just someone who enjoys a quick by wonderful read.
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