Writing in the Dark

Best book on writing horror I have read. Tim dissects and analyses what horror is and differentiates between Dread, Horror, Shock and Disgust. He explains that horror is about people not monsters and shows you how to construct a monster and how to use it.At the end of every chapter he asks 2 questions of published horror authors: 'What makes good horror/dark fantasy/suspense? And What's the best advice you can give a beginning writer of horror/dark fantasy/suspense? And with 20 chapters and 3 or 4 author answers per chapter that is a lot of wisdom.This is going to be a seminal work for horror writers in the future; an excellent read.

A great handbook to dip in and out of with plenty of exercises to stretch your writer's mind.

Writing in the Dark by Tim Waggoner was a treat to read. Each section is rich with industry knowledge and practical suggestions. The writing style is conversational and down-to-earth; reading Writing in the Dark felt like kicking back with a friend (albeit a very knowledgeable and seasoned, professional author friend) and chatting about all things horror. I was a little bummed when I reached the final page and the conversation had to end.

While the author wrote this as textbook for writing horror fiction. The clear, concise, and extremely practical advice in it can be used in any genre. Even experienced authors can use the lessons in this book to improve their work.

There's a reason it won the Bram Stoker Award for 2020. It's brilliant. A must have for my shelf!