As we gear up for another spine-chilling year of great horror fiction, let’s take a walk through the evolution of horror—from the eerie tales of yesteryears to the heart-pounding stories we read today.
Why the Classics Still Matter
Horror’s roots are tangled in the classics. Think of the haunting ambiance of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein or the eerie suspense in Edgar Allan Poe’s tales. These stories aren’t just old-school. They’re the schooling every horror writer needs. They teach us the essentials:
- how to tap into deep fears
- create a creepy atmosphere
- tell tales that stick with readers long after the last page.
That’s why diving into these classics is more than a nostalgic trip. It’s a lesson in the art of horror writing.
Fast Forward
Move to the present, and you’ll see how horror has transformed. It’s bold, diverse, and reflects what scares us now. Modern horror isn’t afraid to mix it up—blending the old with the new, adding a twist here, turning a convention on its head there. It’s about telling stories that resonate with our current world while keeping that classic chill.
Where Shadows & Ink Fits In
In my upcoming Shadows & Ink book, I bring these two worlds together. It’s a guide for all you horror writers out there, whether you’re just starting to dabble in the dark arts of horror writing or you’ve been at it for years. The book is a treasure trove of how horror has changed over the years and how you can use this rich history to write stories that terrify and excite today’s readers.
Shadows & Ink isn’t just another how-to-write book. It’s a celebration of horror’s journey and a toolbox for being part of its future. We’ll explore what makes the classics timeless and how to weave those elements into modern, gripping narratives.
If you’re as excited about horror writing as I am, don’t miss out on Shadows & Ink. The Kindle pre-order is now live for only 99c (paperback out on launch day, January 10th). Join me in exploring the twists and turns of horror writing, from its gothic beginnings to the modern masterpieces of today.
