Writing in the Dark

Product Description WINNER OF THE 2020 BRAM STOKER AWARD FOR NON-FICTIONIn this comprehensive textbook devoted to the craft of writing horror fiction, award-winning author Tim Waggoner draws on thirty years' experience as a writer and teacher. Writing in the Dark offers advice, guidance, and insights on how to compose horror stories and novels that are original, frightening, entertaining, and well-written.Waggoner covers a wide range of topics, among them why horror matters, building viable monsters, generating ideas and plotlines, how to stylize narratives in compelling ways, the physiology of fear, the art of suspense, avoiding clichés, marketing your horror writing, and much more. Each chapter includes tips from some of the best horror professionals working today, such as Joe Hill, Ellen Datlow, Joe R. Lansdale, Maurice Broaddus, Yvette Tan, Thomas Ligotti, Jonathan Maberry, Edward Lee, and John Shirley. There are also appendices with critical reflections, pointers on the writing process, ideas for characters and story arcs, and material for further research.Writing in the Dark derives from Waggoner's longtime blog of the same name. Suitable for classroom use, intensive study, and bedside reading, this essential manual will appeal to new authors at the beginning of their career as well as veterans of the horror genre who want to brush up on their technique. Review "I was part of one of Tim's writing workshops more years ago than I care to acknowledge. Soon after completing it, I began to sell professionally. Coincidence? I think not!" --Dave Creek, author of 40 science fiction and mystery short stories and 14 books"I still refer to handwritten notes I scribbled down as fast as I could during one of Tim's horror-writing classes. Absolutely incisive insights and practical know-how." --Tom Leveen, Bram Stoker finalist and author of Hellworld"As soon as I heard Waggoner was creating a book on writing craft, I knew I was buying it. His insights are gold." --Jay Wilburn, author of the Maidens of Zombie Kingdom trilogy"For some years now, Tim Waggoner's Writing in the Dark has been my go-to blog for sensible, actionable, sustainable tips for writers. Scarily good advice." --Lee Murray, author of The Path of Ra series"As a true newbie, I really didn't know much about the writing world. Tim was my HWA mentor in 2017. During our four months together, he critiqued three of my short stories and the beginnings of a novel. His advice was always on point with an eye toward pacing and story arc (my weaknesses). His advice is straightforward without being either condescending or cruel. Since working with Tim, I've had three short stories published (one at professional rates) and have drafted and revised my novel." --Valerie B. Williams, writer of dark fiction and two-time survivor of Borderlands Boot Camp"Tim's writing advice and lessons are simple, straightforward and always actionable. I must admit to having cribbed some of his approaches in my own classroom from time to time and, as all teachers know, theft is the best compliment we can give." --Anthony Klancar, High School English Teacher"Tim helped me find the writer in me. He encouraged me to appreciate and trust my voice to tell my stories." --Patti Balster, Student"When I engage with Tim Waggoner's writing advice, I can be sure it will be useful and practical. While realistic and sobering, his advice does so in a way that isn't discouraging or downbeat. It gives me a renewed sense of hope and new ideas to try that I hadn't considered before." --Eva V. Roslin, Librarian