Characteristics of Horror Fiction
The defining trait of horror fiction is the response it provokes. A good horror novel evokes some type of psychological, emotional, or even physical reaction that causes some degree of fear in the reader. Authors of horror fiction will use a variety of techniques to accomplish this goal, usually involving a monster of some kind. Often this monster will be supernatural in nature, such as a werewolf, vampire, ghost, or mummy. However, more realistic are sometimes used to the same effect, usually in the form of a serial killer.
The entire genre is built upon a very particular kind of fear — the fear of the unknown. This can be accomplished in many different ways. If a book manages to terrify and even horrify the reader, it can be effectively classified as horror fiction.
Writing Horror Fiction
Creating your own work of horror isn’t necessarily as easy as it sounds. You have to be able to frighten your audience, and readers simply are not easily scared. However, if you think about what frightens people in general, you’ll have a place to start. Get out a notebook and jot down some of those things that elicit a feeling of dread — creepy crawlies, things that go bump in the night, and even something as simple as the dark. Then expand on these things. Keep your notebook with you and keep track of those things that cause you to jump. If you’re afraid of it, chances are someone else is too.
You’ll also have to choose a monster. Start by deciding if you’re interested in creating a human monster or the more supernatural variety. If your “bad guy” is human, he needs to be absolutely terrifying. He must be so far beyond what is considered normal human behavior that your readers are really and truly freaked out. Otherwise, you might find yourself in the wrong genre.
If you choose werewolves, vampires, or other supernatural monsters, you’ll need to be equally careful, but for different reasons. These monsters have all been done before (just take a look at your local bookstore), so attracting an audience and keeping them entertained can be a challenge. Try to put a new spin on some old favorites and you might have found your niche.
Setting is as important in horror novels as it is in any other type of book. You’ll be tempted to use the old favorites — graveyard, dark basement, lonely attic — but try to think outside the box. Everyone expects something bad to happen in a graveyard. Try using a sunlit garden or resort beach. If you are using traditional horror locations, try to do something unique to catch and hold the interest of your reader.
Using Gore in Horror Fiction
There’s often a debate regarding how graphic a horror novel should be. It’s really a matter of satisfying your audience while staying within the bounds of good taste. If you’re writing for children or young people, you need to be cautious. While even children like to be scared, you don’t want to be too explicit. Keep your descriptions general and use vague terms when crafting horror for children.
Adults expect more of everything. They pick up a novel described as “horror” and they expect more gore and more fear. Almost anything goes when writing for an audience comprised purely of adults, so let your fingers fly and create intricate and explicit scenes while writing. However, don’t be gross. If you can’t write well enough to avoid being vulgar, then you probably shouldn’t be tackling a genre as challenging as horror.
The horror genre is exciting, thrilling, and terrifying. It involves creating engaging plots, frightening your readers, and generally having a good time. If you choose to write horror fiction, you will find that you have almost limitless possibilities.
