On Writing Horror: A Handbook by the Horror Writers Association

Book Description

The masters of horror have united to teach you the secrets of success in the scariest genre of all!

In On Writing Horror, Second Edition, Stephen King, Joyce Carol Oates, Harlan Ellison, David Morrell, Jack Ketchum, and many others tell you everything you need to know to successfully write and publish horror novels and short stories.

Edited by the Horror Writers Association (HWA), a worldwide organization of writers and publishing professionals dedicated to promoting dark literature, On Writing Horror includes exclusive information and guidance from 58 of the biggest names in horror writing to give you the inspiration you need to start scaring and exciting readers and editors. You'll discover comprehensive instruction such as:

• The art of crafting visceral violence, from Jack Ketchum
• Why horror classics like Dracula, The Exorcist, and Hell House are as scary as ever, from Robert Weinberg
• Tips for avoiding one of the biggest death knells in horror writing--predicable clichés--from Ramsey Campbell
• How to use character and setting to stretch the limits of credibility, from Mort Castle

With On Writing Horror, you can unlock the mystery surrounding classic horror traditions, revel in the art and craft of writing horror, and find out exactly where the genre is going next. Learn from the best, and you could be the next best-selling author keeping readers up all night long.

Customer Reviews:

Lots of good material!.......2007-07-26

After finding this book completely by accident and then buying it, I was very pleased. Most of the information is quite valuable, offering a bounty of useful tips and writing strategies. I particularly enjoyed the articles on postmodern horror and the presence of horror in different mediums such as RPGS, videogames, plays, and even radio shows.

In terms of style and construction it never feels like you are reading a reference book.

It is an excellent book, and a valuable investment for anyone interested in writing horror.

Simply the Best Horror Writing Book Available.......2007-07-12

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.

Great Handbook for the Aspiring Horror Writer.......2007-07-04

On Writing Horror: A Handbook by the Horror Writers Association is a surprising treat for the still-struggling writer who is looking for good advice on how to make a horror story WORK - in order to get it published.

With contributions from such an array as e.g. Stephen King (the popular attraction, I imagine - but his words, culled from his Acceptance Speech when receiving the National Book Award in 2003, are still interesting and worth keeping in mind!), Ramsey Campbell, Mort Castle, Jeanne Cavelos, and Nancy Kilpatrick it comes as no surprise that what we get here is really only a glimpse of how to approach the genre. And, boy, is that good. As is mentioned several times throughout the book (by different authors), too often one hears that what you need for a book or story to be successful is to "include A, B, and C", when in fact the truth is rarely, if ever, so simple.

I found it refreshing that just about EVERY aspect of the genre is being covered - from classic horror, to the violent and even sexually oriented subgenres. This keeps the reader on a constant learning curve, I think. Something to fuel the imagination that lies at the dark heart of every horror writer's story.

To help the reader stay on line with the essays' diversity & suggestions, the editor, Mort Castle, has wisely arranged for them to be placed in various headlines -

"Horror, Literature, and Horror Literature" (general introductions), An Education in Horror" ("good things to know & read before you commence writing" stuff), "Developing Horror Concepts" (a personal favourite section), "Horror Crafting" (incl. advice on writing dialogue - which is useful for ANY writer of fiction!), "Horror, Art, Innovation, Excellence", "Tradition and Modern Times" (what to choose, what to choose?), `"Genre and Subgenre", "Horror, Business, Selling, Marketing, Promoting" (I think this ought to be something EVERY aspiring writer reads!).

There are of course (and wisely) no guarantees for success, if one follows the suggestions in the book, but that's not of relevance in the first place. What it offers is diverse looks at various important aspects of writing a horror story - be that in literature form or, even, as a screenplay!

The latter I probably won't ever use myself, but I found a pleasent surprise that it is there, since it is a good example of the diversity of the book - which is what makes it a good, trustworthy guideline for the aspiring writer (such as myself). And I am quite sure there is something for everybody; something you hadn't thought of yourself, and for which you will be thankful that you opted for buying the book.

As a final word I must say that I always appreciate a wellmade cover and overall quality, be that paperback or hardcover - and this book is such a book. Nice job!

An Excellent Guide For Anyone Interested in Horror.......2007-03-30

As an avid fan of horror books, movies and art- I was really excited to find this book. All of the writers are amazing and really explain proper use of the horror genre. They give examples and make it very easy to understand.

The book focuses more on writing horror novels but it is really helpful for those who want to write screenplays as well. I am a filmmaker and this book was amazing! It really helps spark some interest and gets my creativity going!

I highly recommend it!

Lots of info and inspiration.......2007-01-03

A thoughtful friend gave me this for Christmas and I read it in a couple of days. As in any lengthy reference work, especially a multi-author one, the importance and depth of the info varies greatly, but I certainly found lots of helpful points, from writing tips on dialogue, to markets I never would've thought of on my own. And there is also a high level of camaraderie and inspiration, as many of the authors give anecdotes of their own years of rejections, and it feels good to know one is not alone at one's computer, toiling away, while all the "real" authors just rap something out and get it accepted on the first try.

Cathedrals and Castles: Building in the Middle Ages

Average customer rating:

A very enjoyable read

Cathedrals and Castles: Building in the Middle Ages
Alain Erlande-Brandenburg
Manufacturer: Harry N. Abrams
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Medieval | World | History | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0810928124

Customer Reviews:

A very enjoyable read.......2000-05-15

I recommend this book to anyone interested in the middle ages and/or architecture, it provides the reader with good background information on the construction process and its history. Numerous first hand accounts are presented, along with a great number of color illustrations to guide the reader and liven the work up, usually a couple per page. It also includes a long reference section in the back of different primary documents for further study. The only downside is that it is only an introductory guide, so it does not delve too specifically into the construction process. It does, however, provide a great backdrop for further learning, and was very entertaining the whole way through.

Average customer rating:

Castle Sites (Ad&D Accessory)
Sam Witt
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0786901454

Average customer rating:

A CLASSIC work on Castles in Great Britain

Britain's Medieval Castles
Lise E. Hull
Manufacturer: Praeger Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Medieval | World | History | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0275984141

Book Description

The widespread construction of castles in Britain began as soon as Duke William of Normandy set foot on the shores of southern England in 1066. The castles that were constructed in the ensuing centuries, and whose ruins still scatter the British countryside today, provide us with an enduring record of the needs and ambitions of the times. But the essence of the medieval castle-a structure that is equal parts military, residential, and symbolic--reveals itself not only through the grandeur of such architectural masterpieces as the Tower of London, and the imposing nature of such royal residences as Windsor, but also in the aging masonry carvings, enduring battlements, and more modest earthen ramparts that have survived alongside them. Through a feature-by-feature account of the architectural elements and techniques used in constructing the medieval castle, author Lise Hull allows the multiple functions of these multifarious forms to shine through, and in so doing, lends a new vitality to the thousand faces that the medieval world assumed to discourage its enemies, inspire its friends, and control its subjects. This compelling investigation takes a unique look at each of the medieval castle's main roles: as an offensive presentation and defensive fortification, as a residential and administrative building, and as a symbolic structure demonstrating the status of its owner. Each chapter focuses on one specific role and uses concrete architectural features to demonstrate that aspect of the medieval castle in Britain. A wealth of illustrations is also provided, as is a glossary explaining the distinct parts of the castle and their functions. This book should be of interest to students researching architecture, the Middle Ages, or military history, as well as general readers interested in castles or considering a trip to Britain to observe some of these magnificent sites themselves.

Customer Reviews:

A CLASSIC work on Castles in Great Britain.......2006-05-19

An endorsement on the back of the book by Michael Freeman of the Ceredigion Museum in Wales best describes the work. He wrote: "This well-researched book deals with all aspects of the castle in Britain. The author knows her subject well and writes lucidly about more than just the structures: she places them in their socio-political and historical contexts which casts a fresh light on their complex histories over several centuries."
It is not a coffee table book, but a well written book that is enjoyable to read and covers the subject of British castles well. The text provides a description of these medieval structures that includes background material and how the castles evolved through and even after the Medieval Period. The author provides the type of detail expected for a book on castles and sieges, but her skillful mix of British history makes this all so much better than what is found in similar works.
Even some of the aspects that are usually ignored because they are not truly about castles are described in detail because they play an important part in the human imagination. One that I found quite interesting was the author's description of how some castles, although not built for that purpose, were used as prisons and some of the famous personalities involved, although much of this happened after the medieval period. A description is included of the oubliette and its use. This is one of those mysterious features few castles had for isolating prisoners from the world. It was basically a windowless pit- like feature (bottle shaped) where entrance and exit was only possible by rope or ladder. Other items covered that are of interest include the "Sham" castles built after the medieval period as imitations of the real thing.
If there are any problems with this work it may only be said that the publisher opted not to include any plans or maps, but they did include many interesting photos. When this book is done in paperback we can only hope that plans and maps will be added by the publisher to truly make this a classic work. For now the reader can probably find a decent map of the location of castles on the internet and also plans of the ones covered. If you are interested in castles in the British Isles, or castles in general, this excellent book is a must!

The Wizard's Castle (Circle of Magic, Book 5)

Average customer rating:

A Good Book from the Series

The Wizard's Castle (Circle of Magic, Book 5)
Debra Doyle , Judith Mitchell , and James D. Macdonald
Manufacturer: Troll Communications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0816769966

Book Description

When they vow to guard a shipment of gold, Randal and his friends, Lys and Walter, encounter lethal enemies who could keep them trapped forever in the castle of a powerful warlord. The fifth book in the absorbing fantasy series about a young wizard and his struggle against evil.

Customer Reviews:

A Good Book from the Series.......2001-02-01

This was a great book by Debra Doyle. Where Randal meets some old "friends" & a new chllenge with his magic. Where he is forced to trust an old enemy's wife when he is blocked off from his magic by a magical bell.And finding a new challenge he needs to complete in order to save a kingdom.

Average customer rating:

Castles (First Discovery Books)
Gallimard Jeunesse
Manufacturer: Scholastic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: School & Library Binding

Europe | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Reference & Nonfiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0590463772

Step Right Up!: I'm Gonna Scare the Pants off America

Average customer rating:

Excellent auto-biography of the last great Ballyhoo artist!
This is an amazing book.
Horror and Sci-Fi , They don't make them like that anymore.

Step Right Up!: I'm Gonna Scare the Pants off America
William Castle
Manufacturer: World Almanac
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Direction & Production | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Genre Films | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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Alfred Hitchcock Presents - Season Two

ASIN: 0886876575

Customer Reviews:

Excellent auto-biography of the last great Ballyhoo artist!.......2000-10-10

For any 1950s - 1960s horror fan, this cult classic filmmaker writes about his experiences within the crazy & zany Hollywood system of the past in the most entertaining fashion of storytelling. Wonderful tales about how Castle created some of his horror film gimmicks & publicity stunts, to his producing experiences with Roman Polanski on 'Rosemary's Baby.' It is an honest auto-biography in which boths side of Castle are revealed (from the Hollywood filmmaker to the family man he was). If you find this book, get it! It is a collector's item!!!!

This is an amazing book........1999-10-01

This was a great book. It's perfect for anyone who loves movies. William H. Castle was a genious. By the way, this is JOHN WATERS' favorite book.

Horror and Sci-Fi , They don't make them like that anymore........1998-09-30

I found this book to be one of the best autobiographies I have ever read. William Castle made every bit of his life a thorough joy to read.. It was a book that I could not put down. I took it everywhere, just to see what crazy gimmick he would come up with next. A must read. I don't want to give you any details because it would just spoil the book. This book and the two below give a true sense of what it was like to make "quality" B-movies in the 50's and 60's

Book Description

Princess Sabine Katerina Annaatje of Dulce is on the run outside the castle walls from a vicious invader who has killed her entire family and usurped her father's throne. With only one man at arms and a faithful handmaiden, she barely escapes the invader's clutches as he has vowed to leave no blood heir alive.

Stumbling into a camp of itinerant performers, Sabine hides her identity, becoming Katerin of Aimsbury. She learns to trust the leader of the traveling circus, Ros Adamsson, a bawdy woman who is half-rogue and half-gentlewoman. Trust may eventually blossom into more if Katerin can overcome her fear and conservative upbringing.

Meanwhile, the invader is still searching for her. A rumored uprising in the Dulce Province, a royal summons for the Adamsson Circus, and a traitorous servant all collide to reveal a secret even deeper than Katerin's identity.

Customer Reviews:

Her Knight Doesn't Wear Shining Armor.......2006-09-20

As a teen, I was completely enamored with King Author and the Knights of the Round Table. `Castle Walls' took me back in time, invoking the same fantasies and imagery I used to have about the adventures Queen Guinevere. This book is fairly simplistic in its presentation and is not even closely related to Redhawk's other works, but the story is wonderfully engaging.

Katerin is a princess whose family is killed by the Invader - a power-hungry man who has already taken over several kingdoms in his reign of terror. Barely escaping with her life, Katerin and her handmaiden find themselves adopted into a band of traveling performers. This circus is led by Ros Adamsson, a self-proclaimed Sapphist with a roguish reputation. Having no other skills, Katerin finds herself acting as Ros' personal assistant... and sharing the other woman's bed. Not to worry, though, because Ros has nothing but honorable intentions toward the younger woman.

Redhawk delivers a colorful cast of characters... from the midget who won't be belittled to the elderly woman who knows all. Katerin is the only character with any depth, but this book is about medieval fantasy and would require a lot of reader imagination regardless of character development. There is a little distraction in the form of Katerin's brother, Liam, who actually survived the Invader's attack, but this does not detract from the story at all. In fact, it helps tie up some loose ends and close the book with style.

This book is a great departure into fantasy and is an enjoyable read. It's not very graphic in the bedroom scenes, but it's racy nonetheless. Recommended accompaniments are a cold mug of ale and a box of rye crackers.

A Day at the Beach: How Absolutely Anyone Can Successfully Build Sand Castles and Build Even Better Beach Memories

Average customer rating:

nice, light, stress free reading

A Day at the Beach: How Absolutely Anyone Can Successfully Build Sand Castles and Build Even Better Beach Memories
D. R. Smith
Manufacturer: Educational Beach Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Curiosities & Wonders | Fun Facts | Reference | Subjects | Books

Beaches | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
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Accessories:

ASIN: 0974396702

Product Description

-How Absolutely Anyone Can Successfully Build Sand Castles and Build Even Better Beach Memories- A perfect book for beach vacationers! And, finally, a fun book for grown-ups who want to play at the beach! Build great sand castles! Build better beach memories! And have a pretty good understanding of how kids play at the beach! This is what A Day at the Beach is all about. Live at the beach or a vacationing wannabe beach dweller, this book makes it all even better. Just plain bored sitting in the sun or simply cannot read another paperback, this book opens new worlds! It's partially "narrated" by a cartoon plastic toy shovel. It's sized for ease at 11 X 8 with 128 all-color pages of great photography, fun illustration and helpful text.

Customer Reviews:

nice, light, stress free reading.......2004-02-22

This is such a great book. Its basically not a read-once-and -done book. Rather it is a read once and take with you to the beach and read again or simply refer back to. The book definitely put me in a relaxed mindset. A very pleasant and enjoyable read.

The Prisoners of Bell Castle (Circle of Magic Series, No 5)

Average customer rating:

excellent!

The Prisoners of Bell Castle (Circle of Magic Series, No 5)
Debra Doyle , James D. MacDonald , and Judith Mitchell
Manufacturer: Troll Communications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0816718350

Customer Reviews:

excellent!.......2000-07-02

i loved this book. my brother stole it from his fifth grade teacher, and i borrowed it to read it. i didn't read any of the ones before it, but that's not important. the story was great! and the characters were wonderful. it is a small book, but the plot can get confusing at parts, but i figured it all out. i would recommend it to anyone to read again and again.

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