
Because the plots of horror stories are often improbable, the author needs to construct their characters, dialogue, and settings with as much realism as possible. Published in the New Yorker magazine in 1948, author Shirley Jackson attained convincing realism with her iconic story, “The Lottery.” Everything appears normal at a small-town gathering until a woman gets stoned to death to assure a good harvest.
When writing fiction, a compelling imagination is essential. When writing horror, a compelling, weird imagination is vital. I write all types of fiction and nonfiction, but due to the way my mind is wired, the horror genre has enticed me into its frightening web. All those scary movies, Stephen King novels, and staying awake when I was a kid, agonizing about the boogieman in my closet, has paid off.
When writing fiction, a compelling imagination is essential. When writing horror, a compelling, weird imagination is vital. I write all types of fiction and nonfiction, but due to the way my mind is wired, the horror genre has enticed me into its frightening web. All those scary movies, Stephen King novels, and staying awake when I was a kid, agonizing about the boogieman in my closet, has paid off.