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Venessa Giunta is a writer of supernatural and other slightly off-beat tales. In her writing life, she’s tried to write “straight” stories. Those mainstream, slice of life vignettes. She tries. She really does! But ghosts, vampires, aliens, zombies and various other odd creatures always seem to live in the stories she tells. She’s beginning to think it’s pheromone related.

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"There are worse crimes then burning books. One of them is not reading them." -- Joseph Brodsky

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Steps on the Journey - On Writing Horror

22. July 2008

So you don't write horror, huh? Well, too bad! Pick this book up anyway! On Writing Horror is a collection of essays by dozens of premiere horror authors, including Stephen King, Tom Piccirilli, Jack Ketchum, Douglas E. Winter and many more.

This book will appeal to horror authors, especially, so why should you check this out if you don't write horror? Simple: Most of the essays in this book can be applied across most, if not all, genres. The general principles are similar.

There's a fantastic essay on character creation by Tina Jens called "Such Horrible People." You'll find a lot of suggestions that you don't see in every other book on character. There's also a good piece on writing actions scenes in horror by Jay R. Bonansinga which can be applied to other genres. You'll also find essays on marketing, plotting, and publishing in general.

Recommendation:
An absolute MUST for aspiring horror writers. Other writers can also benefit from a number of essays in this collection, so a library-check-out is definitely worth it!

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Comments

8/16/2008 12:08:01 PM #
Thanks. I don't write horror, but would like to read what these writers have to say.
8/20/2008 10:08:10 AM #
Sounds like a handy book. Thanks for the tip.

Malcolm
8/21/2008 10:08:43 AM #
Hey, you need to start blogging again! Come on back when your vacation is over, eh?!
9/9/2008 9:09:36 PM #
It's like that way with most aspects of writing.  For the rest, just divide it all in two: storytelling (fiction, biography, history) and information sharing (everything else).

Oh yes, and picture books.,  I suppose they o in a category by themselves.  Smile
9/20/2008 10:09:35 PM #
I write paranormal romance and romantic suspense, but think this book would have some good information in it. I think the best writing is when the author delves into different genres, taking elements from them all to create something unique.
9/25/2008 8:09:27 AM #
Looks like a great horror read...when is it scheduled?
10/10/2008 12:10:18 PM #
Good advice is worth it's weight in gold, whatever the genre. It's all applicable.

Well done.

Anthony
10/12/2008 1:10:29 AM #
The Dream Quest One Poetry & Writing Contest is open to all and anyone who loves to arrange words into the beautiful art of poetry or to write a short story that is worth telling everyone! And to all who have the ability to dream. Write your best short story or poem for an opportunity to win cash prizes. All entries must be original.
      www.dreamquestone.com
      www.dreamquestone.com/rules.html

Guidelines:
(1) Write a poem, thirty lines or fewer on any subject or style, single or double line spacing, neatly hand printed or typed.
And/or
(2) Write a short story five pages maximum, single or double line spacing, on any subject or theme, creative writing, fiction or non-fiction (including essay compositions, screenwriting, diary and journal entries), neatly hand printed or typed.
Multiple entries into both contests are accepted.
Postmark Deadline (semi-annual): July 31st and December 31st each year
Winners will be announced on January 31, 2009
Prizes:
Writing Contest First Prize is $500. Second Prize is $250. Third Prize $100.
Poetry Contest First Prize is $250. Second Prize is $125. Third Prize is $50.
Entry fees:
Writing Contest entry fee is: $10 per short story.
Poetry Contest entry fee is: $5 per poem.
To send entries by mail: Include title, name, address, phone, email, and brief biographical info. (Tell us a little about yourself) on the coversheet, add a self-addressed stamped envelope for entry confirmation. Fees payable to: DREAMQUESTONE.COM

Mail to: Dream Quest One
Poetry & Writing Contest
P.O. Box 3141
Chicago, IL 60654

Visit www.dreamquestone.com for further details, to print out an entry form or to enter online.

And remember, in whatever you do. It's okay to dream, for dreams do come true. - Dream Quest One

No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.
11/13/2008 2:11:12 PM #
Been lookin' for you.... wanted to say wow, I'm in awe of you!!

Email me?

Miss you so much.

Love + Peace = Diamond Star
8/20/2010 12:13:06 PM #
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8/22/2010 7:12:12 AM #
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