On Writing Horror: A Handbook by the Horror Writers Association

OK, so you're a writer, and you've found all conflicting answers to what you need to know about writing in previous 'how to' books. Well, this book isn't going to help that (there are conflicting opinions in different essays in this same book). But what's great about this book, is that it shows what writing really is. How YOU do it. Read this book to find indispensable valuable information to how published writers of the genre create their magic. You will disagree with some, maybe most, but you will appreciate it all. I picked up many good tips from this like how to write more truthfully, how to incorporate a more literary style to my writing, and of course, most importantly, that you shouldn't listen to anyone who tells you how to write. Write how you write. Steal what you like. Discard the rest. This books is good inspiration, and looks good on your shelf.

This collection of essays is a valuable asset to anyone hoping to craft a story that brings chills (or shock, as the case may be) to its readers. From characters to plots to settings, the BEST writers in the horror world are assembled here to share their advice and secrets with you - don't miss your opportunity to benefit from this unique and insightful book.

I found this book full of fundamental and extremely useful information. Not only does it offer traditional fiction writing exercises, it is chalk full of history and examples of practices focused on the genre. A must for new writers to the field.

This collection of essays by a variety of authors and editors involved with the craft of writing and publishing horror fiction is a diverse and entertaining reading experience. Each essay provides a different insight and opinion to the craft, and often the writing of the text itself serves as an example for the reader of what "right" looks like. The subject is approached from every angle. The art of writing, editing, inventing new ideas, avoiding cliche, finding appropriate educational resources, action writing, using spunk and style, as well as a list of important works already produced within the genre are among some of the tools that the reader will find. The volume itself is compact and attractive, and offers far more value than its price tag hints at. A serious student of horror fiction, or even of fiction writing in general, should not be without it, and cannot help but learn from it.

The original hardcover edition by Mort Castle was fantastic, and this new paperback edition improves on that edition with updates for horror-writing in the 21st century. Horror is far removed from its heyday in the 1980's, and this new edition is a realistic assessment of the current state of the industry. If you're thinking about writing horror professionally, you need to read this book first.