On Writing Horror: A Handbook by the Horror Writers Association [Paperback]

Horror Writers Association (Author), Mort Castle (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1582974209 | ISBN-13: 978-1582974200 | Publication Date: November 18, 2006 | Edition: 2nd

Revised and expanded, the second edition of "On Writing Horror" will appeal to the readers who made the first edition the standard reference in the field, as well as new writers seeking authoritative instruction and inspiration on writing and selling horror. Featuring new and classic advice from some of the best names in the field, this guide covers horror traditions, the art and craft of writing horror, and where the genre is going next.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

The Horror Writers of America is a worldwide organization of writers and publishing professionals dedicated to promoting the horror genre. Formed in the late 1980s, it is the oldest and most respected organization celebrating the writers who revel in bringing sleepless nights to readers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Writers Digest Books; 2nd edition (November 18, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582974209
• ISBN-13: 978-1582974200
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #42,114 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #70 in Books > Education & Reference > Publishing & Books > Authorship

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Handbook for the Aspiring Horror Writer, July 3, 2007

By 

Henrik Harksen (Denmark) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: On Writing Horror: A Handbook by the Horror Writers Association (Paperback)

On Writing Horror: A Handbook by the Horror Writers Association is a surprising treat for the still-struggling writer who is looking for good advice on how to make a horror story WORK - in order to get it published.

With contributions from such an array as e.g. Stephen King (the popular attraction, I imagine - but his words, culled from his Acceptance Speech when receiving the National Book Award in 2003, are still interesting and worth keeping in mind!), Ramsey Campbell, Mort Castle, Jeanne Cavelos, and Nancy Kilpatrick it comes as no surprise that what we get here is really only a glimpse of how to approach the genre. And, boy, is that good. As is mentioned several times throughout the book (by different authors), too often one hears that what you need for a book or story to be successful is to "include A, B, and C", when in fact the truth is rarely, if ever, so simple.

I found it refreshing that just about EVERY aspect of the genre is being covered - from classic horror, to the violent and even sexually oriented subgenres. This keeps the reader on a constant learning curve, I think. Something to fuel the imagination that lies at the dark heart of every horror writer's story.

To help the reader stay on line with the essays' diversity & suggestions, the editor, Mort Castle, has wisely arranged for them to be placed in various headlines -

"Horror, Literature, and Horror Literature" (general introductions), An Education in Horror" ("good things to know & read before you commence writing" stuff), "Developing Horror Concepts" (a personal favourite section), "Horror Crafting" (incl. advice on writing dialogue - which is useful for ANY writer of fiction!), "Horror, Art, Innovation, Excellence", "Tradition and Modern Times" (what to choose, what to choose?), `"Genre and Subgenre", "Horror, Business, Selling, Marketing, Promoting" (I think this ought to be something EVERY aspiring writer reads!).

There are of course (and wisely) no guarantees for success, if one follows the suggestions in the book, but that's not of relevance in the first place. What it offers is diverse looks at various important aspects of writing a horror story - be that in literature form or, even, as a screenplay!

The latter I probably won't ever use myself, but I found a pleasent surprise that it is there, since it is a good example of the diversity of the book - which is what makes it a good, trustworthy guideline for the aspiring writer (such as myself). And I am quite sure there is something for everybody; something you hadn't thought of yourself, and for which you will be thankful that you opted for buying the book.

As a final word I must say that I always appreciate a wellmade cover and overall quality, be that paperback or hardcover - and this book is such a book. Nice job!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Kindle edition is a waste of money, April 18, 2011

By 

Jill Greene (ELVERSON, PA, US) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: On Writing Horror: A Handbook by the Horror Writers Association (Paperback)

I paid 9.99 for the Kindle edition of this book, and the thing that infuriates me more than anything about e-books is that I can't return them for a refund. This edition is the most poorly formatted piece of garbage I've ever had the displeasure of shelling out my hard earned money for. I have read self-published books by teenagers that showed more attention to quality than this. I read the print version of this book, and there was no problem. The Kindle version? Rife with spelling errors, missing passages, and completely nonsensical phrases that look like the formatter skipped over a line or 10. For example, page 46: "Besides, by the time backwards into my unconscious thought." That is not even a complete sentence! "x" is substituted for apostrophes and entire pages are left blank when there should be text. When I set down money for something, I expect quality, and this is not a quality product.

22 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lots of info and inspiration, January 2, 2007

By 

Kim Paffenroth "Winner - Bram Stoker Award. A... (New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: On Writing Horror: A Handbook by the Horror Writers Association (Paperback)

A thoughtful friend gave me this for Christmas and I read it in a couple of days. As in any lengthy reference work, especially a multi-author one, the importance and depth of the info varies greatly, but I certainly found lots of helpful points, from writing tips on dialogue, to markets I never would've thought of on my own. And there is also a high level of camaraderie and inspiration, as many of the authors give anecdotes of their own years of rejections, and it feels good to know one is not alone at one's computer, toiling away, while all the "real" authors just rap something out and get it accepted on the first try.