Am I horror?

Haggis · Mar 16, 2008

So, I've written a story about a serial killer (or, as Pike likes to call him, a 'cereal killer'

) and I'm not quite sure about the genre.

It ain't a mystery, because you know from the get go whodunit.

It's not so much suspense either, because there's not much suspense in it, other than finding out that he kills more and more and finds different ways to do it. No edge of the seat stuff going on at all.

It could be psychological horror, I suppose, but I'm just not sure, because, like too much of my stuff, there's an element of humor in it as well.

Any ideas?

Appalachian Writer · Mar 16, 2008

I wrote a book about a serial killer (like cereal killer better). At first, because it was character driven and VERY psychological I called it "literary," and then no one wanted it. Next, I called it a "literary thriller," and no one wanted it. Then I called it a "paranormal literary thriller," and I got four requests for full manuscripts. Go figure?

SpookyWriter · Mar 16, 2008

I think the horror humor is a genre of its own. I was just telling Jeanne that I wrote one horror humor story yesterday and I am working on another one today.

I guess humor in horror is overlooked because people expect a certain formula. But there's also opportunity to have a serial killer who is funny and likable that's just as much horror as Bram Stroker's "Dracula". Or the Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

Rolling Thunder · Mar 16, 2008

Maybe writing a short synopsis would help you pin down the main genre better?

SpookyWriter · Mar 16, 2008

Rllgthunder said:
Maybe writing a short synopsis would help you pin down the main genre better?

Don't confuse Haggis. He may introduce a Dwarf into the story by mistake.

JeanneTGC · Mar 16, 2008

What's the reaction from those who've read it? You might get a better idea that way.

dpaterso · Mar 16, 2008

If the victims' deaths are horrific then that could justify a Horror label.

If not, it sounds as if it might sit comfortably under "Crime" since serial killings are still illegal in some states.

-Derek

SpookyWriter · Mar 16, 2008

dpaterso said:
If the victims' deaths are horrific then that could justify a Horror label.

If not, it sounds as if it might sit comfortably under "Crime" since serial killings are still illegal in some states.

-Derek

So it's okay to commit serial killings in other states?

Matera the Mad · Mar 16, 2008

I think it depends on whether you transport the bodies over a state line...

Tough to be genre-challenged. Pigeonholes aren't my pigeon either. I wonder if there's any genre-checking software out there? (she said, facetiously)

Haggis · Mar 17, 2008

Appalachian Writer said:
I wrote a book about a serial killer (like cereal killer better). At first, because it was character driven and VERY psychological I called it "literary," and then no one wanted it. Next, I called it a "literary thriller," and no one wanted it. Then I called it a "paranormal literary thriller," and I got four requests for full manuscripts. Go figure?

Interesting response, because my story is about a literary writer gone bad. Just a little *cough* poke at my literary writer-type friends.

SpookyWriter said:
I think the horror humor is a genre of its own. I was just telling Jeanne that I wrote one horror humor story yesterday and I am working on another one today.

I guess humor in horror is overlooked because people expect a certain formula. But there's also opportunity to have a serial killer who is funny and likable that's just as much horror as Bram Stroker's "Dracula". Or the Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

Horror humor? I wish. I think there's only three people writing in that genre--you, me and Christopher Moore.

Rllgthunder said:
Maybe writing a short synopsis would help you pin down the main genre better?

A short ~~syni~~ ~~sinops~~ ~~sine~~ description? Maybe I'll try that.

SpookyWriter said:
Don't confuse Haggis. He may introduce a Dwarf into the story by mistake.

Don't be silly. I already said I'm saving you to use in a future story.

JeanneTGC said:
What's the reaction from those who've read it? You might get a better idea that way.

Those who've read it? Well, let's see. That would be me, and...uh...me....

dpaterso said:
If the victims' deaths are horrific then that could justify a Horror label.

If not, it sounds as if it might sit comfortably under "Crime" since serial killings are still illegal in some states.

-Derek

Thanks, Derek. Crime is a possibility. *wonders if crime stories can be funny*

SpookyWriter said:
So it's okay to commit serial killings in other states?

Yes. And three provinces too.

Matera the Mad said:
I think it depends on whether you transport the bodies over a state line...

Tough to be genre-challenged. Pigeonholes aren't my pigeon either. I wonder if there's any genre-checking software out there? (she said, facetiously)

What a great idea! Genre-checking software. Build it and they will come.

Sarita · Mar 17, 2008

Appalachian Writer said:
I wrote a book about a serial killer (like cereal killer better). At first, because it was character driven and VERY psychological I called it "literary," and then no one wanted it. Next, I called it a "literary thriller," and no one wanted it. Then I called it a "paranormal literary thriller," and I got four requests for full manuscripts. Go figure?

I'm calling mine a Paranormal Mystery or Paranormal Thriller, but it's not written from the POV of the killer and you don't know who it is until the last third of the book.

I prefer a little humor in my horror, to be honest. If it doesn't have that slight edge, I'm not going to finish reading it. I think you can still call it horror and get away with a few laughs. Makes it a little more dark and edgy.

Oooo, Haggis. You're dark and edgy, even after the fluffy pink avatar...

DL Hegel · Mar 17, 2008

what kind humor-- could it be a black comedy or farce--a lot of horror has elements of humor--

Haggis said:
So, I've written a story about a serial killer (or, as Pike likes to call him, a 'cereal killer' ) and I'm not quite sure about the genre.

It ain't a mystery, because you know from the get go whodunit.

It's not so much suspense either, because there's not much suspense in it, other than finding out that he kills more and more and finds different ways to do it. No edge of the seat stuff going on at all.

It could be psychological horror, I suppose, but I'm just not sure, because, like too much of my stuff, there's an element of humor in it as well.

Any ideas?

Kerr · Mar 17, 2008

I think it's easier to cross these genres with monsters. (Ex. Fright Night and American Werewolf in London, both scary as hell, but funny. At the moment, I can't think of one story where the killer tells their story humorously... Oh, maybe Natural Born Killers? But Haggis, I'm sure with your sense of humor, you've pulled it off.

Cranky · Mar 17, 2008

Haggis said:
Thanks, Derek. Crime is a possibility. *wonders if crime stories can be funny*

Not your genre, but J.A. Konrath pulls off funny in his Jack Daniels series pretty darn well, and his Gingerbread Man serial killer was one creeeeeeepy dude.

Matera the Mad · Mar 17, 2008

Quoth the Haggis:

Horror humor? I wish. I think there's only three people writing in that genre--you, me and Christopher Moore.

Don't count any eggs before I hatch.

donroc · Mar 17, 2008

New

New genre? Serial killer procedure?

Dale Emery · Mar 17, 2008

Haggis said:
Thanks, Derek. Crime is a possibility. *wonders if crime stories can be funny*

Fargo
Raising Arizona

Saundra Julian · Mar 17, 2008

Koontz does it beautifully in Brother Odd. I was actually laughing out loud in the doctor's office and I'm a sick girl...the plague AGAIN!!

Dale Emery · Mar 17, 2008

Saundra Julian said:
Koontz does it beautifully in the Brother Odd. I was actually laughing out loud in the doctor's office and I'm a sick girl...the plague AGAIN!!

That reminds me of a line from his Life Expectancy: The chain-smoking clown didn't improve the ambience.

Dale

Ruv Draba · Mar 18, 2008

Haggis said:
So, I've written a story about a serial killer (or, as Pike likes to call him, a 'cereal killer' ) and I'm not quite sure about the genre.

A serial killer is just a character. They can appear in any genre, or outside of genre. So to hunt down what the genre might be...

What are your story's main concerns? What methods does it use to explore those concerns? How does it produce its tension? Is it the tension driven more by characters the audience sees, or a plot that the audience can only apprehend? How much action is there - characters trying to do difficult or risky things? How much reaction is there - characters facing dilemmas?

WolfgangNibori · Mar 19, 2008

I think Ruv has it, personally.. just because the character shows humor or there are humorous situations doesn't make it any less horror. Especially if there's a snide, cynical or sarcastic edge there. Then again, I suppose it depends exactly how MUCH humor there is in the story or how important the humor elements are, also.

HeronW · Mar 19, 2008

If the reader knows whodunit ala Dr Hannibal Lector, then you need a Clarice to pick up the clues and stop the gruesome gustatory gourmet.

Haggis · Mar 19, 2008

Thanks, guys. I think several of you nailed it. I don't have a story about a serial killer. I have a dark comedy that happens to feature a character who is, among other things, a serial killer.

Now, all I have to do is try to find a market for it. :Shrug:

I appreciate all the great suggestions.

Cranky · Mar 19, 2008

Haggis said:
Thanks, guys. I think several of you nailed it. I don't have a story about a serial killer. I have a dark comedy that happens to feature a character who is, among other things, a serial killer.

Now, all I have to do is try to find a market for it.

I appreciate all the great suggestions.

I got your market right here.

Seriously, let me know if you're going to post it in SYW. I'd love a sneek peek.

Haggis · Mar 19, 2008

Cranky said:
I got your market right here.

Seriously, let me know if you're going to post it in SYW. I'd love a sneek peek.

Hmm. I usually save the ones I'm angsty about for SYW. This one I'm not so angsty about. That doesn't necessarily mean I think it's any good, just that I'm not angsty about it.

Lemme think. Maybe I will.

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