Writing Horror: The Oldest and Strongest Emotion

Class Description

It's been said that horror is the "oldest and strongest emotion." But good horror fiction can convey a wealth of emotions beyond simple raw terror. The cosmic horror of the 1920s pulps is shot through a sense of wonder. Stephen King's horror is often laced with a kind of nostalgia for childhood (even while taking a clear-eyed view of its downsides). Modern horror like Caitlin Kiernan's The Red Tree can convey not just dread but longing and regret. And some horror fiction, such as Matt Ruff's Lovecraft Country and Ruthanna Emrys's Winter Tide, can even explore feelings of hope.

In this class, we will read both classic and contemporary horror with scares that convey a broader range of emotions than simple dread. We will build strategies for characterization, setting, and plot that illuminate how these writers use horror elements to achieve their ends. And we will leave the course with at least a partial draft of one new horror story—and a plan for how to complete it.

Novelists and short fiction writers interested in horror and dark fantasy will benefit from this class.

Class Format

This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.