The most definitive guide into the trials and tribulations of being a horror writer since Stephen King's 'On Writing'…

We have assembled some of the very best in the business from whom you can learn so much about the craft of horror writing: Bram Stoker Award© winners, bestselling authors, a President of the Horror Writers' Association, and myriad contemporary horror authors of distinction.

The Horror Writer covers how to connect with your market and carve out a sustainable niche in the independent horror genre, how to tackle the writer's ever-lurking nemesis of productivity, writing good horror stories with powerful, effective scenes, realistic, flowing dialogue and relatable characters without resorting to clichéd jump scares and well-worn gimmicks. Also covered is the delicate subject of handling rejection with good grace, and how to use those inevitable "not quite the right fit for us at this time" letters as an opportunity to hone your craft.

Plus... perceptive interviews to provide an intimate peek into the psyche of the horror author and the challenges they work through to bring their nefarious ideas to the page.

And, as if that – and so much more – was not enough, we have for your delectation Ramsey Campbell's beautifully insightful analysis of the tales of HP Lovecraft.

Featuring:
Ramsey Campbell, John Palisano, Chad Lutzke, Lisa Morton,
Kenneth W. Cain, Kevin J. Kennedy, Monique Snyman, Scott Nicholson,
Lucy A. Snyder, Richard Thomas, Gene O'Neill, Jess Landry, Luke Walker, Stephanie M. Wytovich, Marie O'Regan, Armand Rosamilia, Kevin Lucia,
Ben Eads, Kelli Owen, Jasper Bark, and Bret McCormick

And interviews with:
Steve Rasnic Tem, Stephen Graham Jones, David Owain Hughes,
Tim Waggoner, and Mort Castle

CEMETERY DANCE REVIEW by DAVE SIMMS

"Books on writing have been churned out by the dozens, and while many have been worthy reads, few have been standouts. In the horror genre, even fewer come to mind, although there are a few classics.

Joe Mynhardt has compiled a wonderful, useful, and frightening insight into the minds of some of the best dark minds writing today. It’s like someone tore straight into the souls of these authors and culled their best, and darkest secrets.

This isn’t just a book for authors, though. Fans of the genre will find plenty to love here, as over twenty authors bleed their dark thoughts onto the page for readers, and fellow writers, to enjoy.

Inside, there’s the president of the Horror Writers’ Association (and a past one), several best-selling authors, Bram Stoker winners, and legends of the genre. But there’s more—plenty of writers who might be unfamiliar to the masses are included, with everyone adding something crucial to the collection.

Whether the reader is just starting out in writing, a veteran seeking improvement, someone learning how to promote their work, or just a diehard fan, there’s something for everything here.

Everyone will have favorites here, so here are some standouts from this reviewer’s perspective. Lisa Morton dives into increasing productivity—something we all need—and it’s a giant kick in the creative rear. A must-read for anyone needing a boost, especially in this weird new world. Jess Landry tackles the benefits of the horror network in her chapter. For those who aren’t in the field yet, connecting with other writers, publishers, reviewers, and other professionals is a must, both for the career and for mental well-being. Don’t miss this one. 

Stephanie Wytovich delves into “Women and Violence: The Evolution of the Final Girl.” This is an eye opener for everyone and examines how the stereotypes from schlock horror movies and books has morphed into the creation of stronger females in fiction. It’s a beautiful piece that’s helpful for anyone seeking help in characterization. Kevin Lucia’s “Hiding in the Cracks Between Things” examines how he found his own voice in horror and stopped trying to step in the well-trodden steps of the legends. Writers need to find their own niche and be true to their stories. This resonated deep in a dark soul that needed a stab of reality. 

Another standout is Ben Eads’ “Writing Effective Scenes in Three Acts,” which examines how stories evolve, grow, and build upon each other, finding that motivation within characters, and how that conflict is the engine that drives the best stories. Without this, it could just be a blood-soaked waste of paper. 

Also included are wonderful interviews with Tim Waggoner, Mort Castle, Steve Rasnic Tem, Stephen Graham Jones, and David Owain Hughes, culminating with Ramsey Campbell’s analysis of Lovecraft’s tales.

There’s plenty more within and all have strong merit. This is pure horror gold that is destined to find an easy to reach spot on every writer’s shelf."

 

Books of Blood YourTube review:

 

 

Release: January 1st 2020

Pages: 220

$14.99 Paperback

$4.99 eBook

CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING AMAZON UNIVERSAL LINK FOR PAPERBACK, EBOOK, KINDLE UNLIMITED, AND AUDIBLE FORMATS IN YOUR COUNTRY'S MARKETPLACE: http://mybook.to/HorrorWriter