I scared myself stupid last night!

[lightstar]

Hi all,

I thought I'd introduce myself as I'm a newb here.

I've never written horror before, but I've been having a few jittery moments lately (as I've been spending some time in a fairly dangerous place and I've been hearing about some terrible crimes.) I thought it might be cathartic to write about these fears, and lo and behold, I started writing what has turned into a horror story!

I was so involved in it last night I scared myself stupid! I finished writing at 3 am and was too scared to turn the lights out, in case I saw my own critters lurking in the dark corners of the room! LOL

I used to be a keen horror fan when I was a teenager - I loved 'It' and 'The Stand' and Clive Barker - don't even get me started! But, I've not read a horror in years. Travel and memoir seems to be my thing now. So, it sort of came as a surprise to be writing a horror! But, I've gotta say that after reading a few posts on the SYW forum, I'm really excited that I have rediscovered it, and I'd like to explore more on the subject and hopefully continue on with my story.

A couple of questions I'd like to ask:

Can anyone recommend a (recent) good horror to read. I feel like I should catch up a bit as I'm clearly a decade out of date with the genre.

Also, in terms of getting published, what is the market like for horror novels? Is it a tough market to crack? Should I be looking at short stories? I am jumping the gun with this question as I am unpublished and know that I still need to work, a lot, and practice and write, a lot, before I'm near that standard. But I'm curious.

I love the idea of the monthly prompt. What are the rules for submission?

I get the feeling that when horror writing it can easily fall prey to cliche. Are there any links that anyone can suggest that are interesting, or maybe tips and advice you have that give a fresh perspective on horror writing. I'd like to avoid the 'done to death' plot lines.

Thanks so much guys, and look forward to meeting you and spending time on this forum.

[-B-]

I've had the crap scared out of me like that while working on a story or an illustration for it. Where I live there is thick woods that surround my yard and I'm apt to hear all sorts of strange noises late at night.

[Balthaser]

I'm glad you rediscovered Horror because you can relate so well to that genre! The terrifying moments when your home alone and you think you hear footsteps can easily be transferred into where your character is being chased down a dark alley.

As for modern Horror titles, I usually read the older ones. If you don't mind, I'd like to recommend Carrie by Stephen King. It's not a new title, but it's one of my favorites.

With your question about the market, it is really hard to tell. Fantasy seems to be taking over the market with new authors inspired by the success of JK Rowling/Stephenie Meyer.

Go down to your local bookstore and ask the person behind the counter a few question. As well as going to the Horror section, flip through the pages and get the basic feel of the way they are written. Also, extract a few publishing companies that put the book on the shelf.

Hope I helped. :)

[callalily61]

Anything by Brian Keene. My favorite is The Conqueror Worms, but his first zombie book is very very good. Argh, the title escapes me, it's the one where the divorced dad travels through hell on earth to get to his scared little boy.

And welcome!

[Mumut]

I wonder if it was about the same time. I live in a relatively sparsely populated area and a dog howled a few times in the evening. That never happens here. My granddaughter took a lot of persuading to go to bed.

[TabithaTodd]

Good horror to read:

Stephen King's The Cell, Lisey's Story or Duma Key is a great place to start.

The Cell is particularly a good read. You could also try his Buick 8 book.

I'm an avid King fan. Working on Duma key right now - have read most, if not all of his books and have always loved them.

I've scared the poop out of myself at times too. I do so more with movies than books or writing but I've had my moments.

[Kerr]

Hi lightstar. I'm glad you posted. We have a lot of newbs lately that are perhaps hesitant but would like to join into the prompts. It's open to everyone. Don't be shy. The next prompt will be coming up on the board shortly. When you get your story done, simply post it on the SYW board stating that it's the prompt in the title. October will be the seventh month we've had this going and at least, if nothing else, we all get a fresh story accomplished each month. Also, watch for Stew's nightmare prompts that have been great fun to participate in. All that's needed is to write a story. And welcome.

[EFCollins]

Come on and join in the prompts. The only stipulations are that the setter (the person posting the prompt) gives us. If you'd like to view past prompts to see how they've worked out, I can send you some links to the old rule postings. They're a lot of fun.

[Haggis]

And I'd love to have you new folks join us in our Weekend Report and our Hounding After Hours threads as well. We've got a good group here and I'm happy you've joined us.