What makes a horror novelist?

Knowing the genre is a must. Is it the mind? Could it be the subconscious, or just the enjoyment of creating a monster?

What about the character? Does he influence others to become like him or does he highlight the darkness within the person and send them on a different path?

Elizabeth Peake writes an interesting article here:
http://www.writing-world.com/sf/peake...

"Because misery loves company, and you WILL be scared with us".