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A review by raforall
Writing in the Dark by Tim Waggoner
5.0
Review in the October 2020 issue of Library Journal
Three Words That Describe This Book: appeal of horror, engaging, participatory
Draft Review:
After years of teaching and publishing, Waggoner was asked, “Why do you write horror?” enough times that he decided to explain it the best way he knew how, by sharing his techniques and thoughts with everyone in an accessible, useful, and engaging textbook. Using both personal experience and drawing on the advice and thoughts of dozens of horror authors and editors from all over the world, Waggoner builds a writing guide that is also a deep dive into the genre itself. He breaks down popular tropes, explains how to draw out visceral responses in readers, and advocates for the importance of horror stories in all of our lives, including lively exercises and discussion questions at the end of each chapter.
Verdict: An excellent writing guide by an accomplished writer and teacher that will not only enhance all public library collections with its instruction, but it is also a fun read that elucidates the appeal of horror. A dual threat, writing guide for your patrons and Readers’ Advisory resource for you.
Three Words That Describe This Book: appeal of horror, engaging, participatory
Draft Review:
After years of teaching and publishing, Waggoner was asked, “Why do you write horror?” enough times that he decided to explain it the best way he knew how, by sharing his techniques and thoughts with everyone in an accessible, useful, and engaging textbook. Using both personal experience and drawing on the advice and thoughts of dozens of horror authors and editors from all over the world, Waggoner builds a writing guide that is also a deep dive into the genre itself. He breaks down popular tropes, explains how to draw out visceral responses in readers, and advocates for the importance of horror stories in all of our lives, including lively exercises and discussion questions at the end of each chapter.
Verdict: An excellent writing guide by an accomplished writer and teacher that will not only enhance all public library collections with its instruction, but it is also a fun read that elucidates the appeal of horror. A dual threat, writing guide for your patrons and Readers’ Advisory resource for you.