The Formula...

October 30, 2014

"Searchers after horror haunt strange, far places." ~ H.P. Lovecraft

“What is your fascination with horror?” 

This is the question I get asked the most by people.  Indeed, if you meet me in person, you’ll find that I’m a very positive, happy, easygoing person.  Which seems completely opposite of what you’d expect horror writers to be.

So, why would a normally happy person be so fascinated with horror?

I think a piece of that answer has to do with “the formula.”

If you’re a lover of a specific genre, you’ll know what I mean.  The formulaic equation and expectation that you have when you pick up a book.  Danielle Steele fans expect a fiery heroine who eventually wins over the reluctant hero. Happy ending.

I think my fascination with horror is based on the fact that there’s often not an equation.  Not to the type of horror that I’m drawn to anyway.  I love indie horror movies that are done well, because they’re far removed from any Hollywood formula feeding to the audience.  Often when people really, really hate something or really, really love something, it’s BECAUSE of its uniqueness. 

People either hate it because it’s not what they were expecting.  Or people either love it because it’s not what they were expecting.

I like a genre that can turn everything on its head: where the bad guy sometimes wins, where things are left messy and unresolved, where things don’t tie up nice and clean for the hero or heroine of the novel.  I like mystery.  I like intrigue.  And I LOVE impossibilities sprouting up in the most unexpected of places.

It’s not because I’m an inherently dark person.  But I love writing in a genre that gives me creative license to torture my characters the way I see fit.

I love a world where anything can happen.   

~ Angela Darling

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