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Shadows & Ink: Mastering the Art of Horror Writing and Publishing
From the Bram Stoker-award-winning editor, publisher, and CEO of Crystal Lake Entertainment...
Dive into the dark and thrilling world of horror writing with Shadows & Ink, a comprehensive guide designed to transform your chilling tales into masterpieces that captivate and terrify. Authored by a seasoned and award-winning publisher/editor in the genre, this book is your gateway to crafting stories that linger in the minds and nightmares of your audience.
Shadows & Ink is more than just a writing manual. It's a call to the storytellers who dare to explore the shadowy realms of horror and dark fiction. Whether you're a budding writer or a seasoned author, this book is crafted to serve your creative spirit with the tools, techniques, and insights needed to bring your most haunting narratives to life.
Shadows & Ink contains contributions by Graham Masterton, Scott Nicholson, Lucy A. Snyder, Lisa Morton, Elizabeth Massie, Tom Deady, Chad Lutzke, Gwendolyn Kiste, L. Marie Wood, Kate Maruyama, and Jessica Landry.
In this book, you'll discover the intricate layers that form the foundation of horror writing. From the history and sub-genres of horror to the key elements that make a story genuinely terrifying, Shadows & Ink covers it all.
Delve into advanced techniques like Red Herrings, Chekhov’s Gun, Foreshadowing, and the art of the MacGuffin. Explore the nuances of crafting an unreliable narrator, mastering plotting devices, and the effective use of Jump Scares in literature.
But Shadows & Ink goes beyond the basics. It guides you through the art of character development, creating multi-dimensional characters that resonate with readers. Learn how to build tension-filled settings and atmospheres, and master the use of descriptions and metaphors to paint a vivid picture of terror.
Shadows & Ink also addresses the writer's life, discussing the ups and downs of being an author. It provides practical advice on establishing a writing foundation, branding, marketing, and promotion. Learn the ins and outs of social media, book launches, time management, and building a support system.
This book is not just about writing. It's about creating a career in the horror genre. It discusses ethical considerations, responsible storytelling, and healthy writing habits. Shadows & Ink is your companion in the journey of writing horror, offering a blend of practical advice, inspirational guidance, and industry insights.
Shadows & Ink is a movement that goes beyond just a book. It includes a podcast and Heartbeat community for horror authors. Shadows & Ink is about finding your voice, embracing your calling as a horror writer, and crafting stories that not only entertain but resonate with the deepest fears and fascinations of your readers.
Grab your copy today and step into the thrilling world of horror writing!
Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths
Dive into the dark and thrilling world of horror writing with Shadows & Ink, a comprehensive guide designed to transform your chilling tales into masterpieces that captivate and terrify. Authored by a seasoned and award-winning publisher/editor in the genre, this book is your gateway to crafting stories that linger in the minds and nightmares of your audience.
Shadows & Ink is more than just a writing manual. It's a call to the storytellers who dare to explore the shadowy realms of horror and dark fiction. Whether you're a budding writer or a seasoned author, this book is crafted to serve your creative spirit with the tools, techniques, and insights needed to bring your most haunting narratives to life.
Shadows & Ink contains contributions by Graham Masterton, Scott Nicholson, Lucy A. Snyder, Lisa Morton, Elizabeth Massie, Tom Deady, Chad Lutzke, Gwendolyn Kiste, L. Marie Wood, Kate Maruyama, and Jessica Landry.
In this book, you'll discover the intricate layers that form the foundation of horror writing. From the history and sub-genres of horror to the key elements that make a story genuinely terrifying, Shadows & Ink covers it all.
Delve into advanced techniques like Red Herrings, Chekhov’s Gun, Foreshadowing, and the art of the MacGuffin. Explore the nuances of crafting an unreliable narrator, mastering plotting devices, and the effective use of Jump Scares in literature.
But Shadows & Ink goes beyond the basics. It guides you through the art of character development, creating multi-dimensional characters that resonate with readers. Learn how to build tension-filled settings and atmospheres, and master the use of descriptions and metaphors to paint a vivid picture of terror.
Shadows & Ink also addresses the writer's life, discussing the ups and downs of being an author. It provides practical advice on establishing a writing foundation, branding, marketing, and promotion. Learn the ins and outs of social media, book launches, time management, and building a support system.
This book is not just about writing. It's about creating a career in the horror genre. It discusses ethical considerations, responsible storytelling, and healthy writing habits. Shadows & Ink is your companion in the journey of writing horror, offering a blend of practical advice, inspirational guidance, and industry insights.
Shadows & Ink is a movement that goes beyond just a book. It includes a podcast and Heartbeat community for horror authors. Shadows & Ink is about finding your voice, embracing your calling as a horror writer, and crafting stories that not only entertain but resonate with the deepest fears and fascinations of your readers.
Grab your copy today and step into the thrilling world of horror writing!
Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths
- GenresWritingHorrorNonfiction
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2024
53 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 5, 2024
Cracking Guide!
Whether you’re new to writing or an old hand, you’re going to want to read this guide to writing horror. Volume one serves as an introductory guide, touching on all bases that need to be considered when writing horror; including subjects in managing a long term career as well as looking after your health and well being as a writer.
Joe promises to delve deeper into the topics (as there are a lot here) introduced here in volume two. And there are some great suggestions and encouraging words on how best to get the most out of networking and nurturing friendships and contacts within the industry.
This is cracking guide for novices and professionals alike! I’m looking forward to the second volume and expanding knowledge and experience.
Whether you’re new to writing or an old hand, you’re going to want to read this guide to writing horror. Volume one serves as an introductory guide, touching on all bases that need to be considered when writing horror; including subjects in managing a long term career as well as looking after your health and well being as a writer.
Joe promises to delve deeper into the topics (as there are a lot here) introduced here in volume two. And there are some great suggestions and encouraging words on how best to get the most out of networking and nurturing friendships and contacts within the industry.
This is cracking guide for novices and professionals alike! I’m looking forward to the second volume and expanding knowledge and experience.
April 2, 2024
Great advice for all writers
Mr. Mynhardt is a driving force in the horror genre and continues to encourage new talent. This book offers great advice, not just for newbies but also established writers.
Mr. Mynhardt is a driving force in the horror genre and continues to encourage new talent. This book offers great advice, not just for newbies but also established writers.
January 13, 2024
Becoming a better horror writer
Joe Mynhardt’s wisdom and experience are shared through rich examples which makes them easy to apply. The book is packed with ideas, application, expertise, and insight from a leader in horror publishing. I’m looking forward to Part 2 now!
Joe Mynhardt’s wisdom and experience are shared through rich examples which makes them easy to apply. The book is packed with ideas, application, expertise, and insight from a leader in horror publishing. I’m looking forward to Part 2 now!
March 2, 2025
A great reference tool !
This book covers many bases in writing fiction. A great reference for new writers and an useful one for experienced writers. I want to repeat; It covers many bases.
It is written in a very easy to read, friendly way, that doesn't feel at all like a text book. The new writer will learn, but will learn while enjoying a good read.
A small percentage of books I read actually make it to my bookshelf; this one will.
I am very much looking forward to reading Vol II
I recommend this book, likely this set, for new writers of fiction.
This book covers many bases in writing fiction. A great reference for new writers and an useful one for experienced writers. I want to repeat; It covers many bases.
It is written in a very easy to read, friendly way, that doesn't feel at all like a text book. The new writer will learn, but will learn while enjoying a good read.
A small percentage of books I read actually make it to my bookshelf; this one will.
I am very much looking forward to reading Vol II
I recommend this book, likely this set, for new writers of fiction.
June 23, 2024
A must-have guide to the art of writing horror, and on writing, and the business of writing, more generally. Great for beginners or anyone wanting to fine tune and brush up their skill-set, this book lit a fire under my ass and renewed my zeal for the genre I love so much. Thank you!
May 29, 2024
This book has something in it for everyone, whether you are new to the creative writing process or you are further advanced. Writing is a continuous learning curve that improves over time and with constructive criticism it should be viewed as a valuable tool, in order to improve your writing knowledge and skills. I am in the early stages and whilst in the middle of writing a longer piece, I decided I wanted to take a brief break by reading a book that could help further enrich my storytelling.
I was interested in familiarising myself with literacy terminology, narrative structure, ways to add more depth to my character's back story and a better understanding of the pacing of scenes. Volume 1 has discussed all these topics and more in a clear and insightful way that gets the creative mind flowing. Joe Mynhardt explains how the writer and reader come together to build a mutual experience, and provides you with plenty of useful advice that he has gathered over the years. There are lots of quotes full of words of wisdom that stood out to me, as well as an abundant amount of encouragement and motivation. This is a guide I know I will be referring back to and I have already purchased volume 2, which I am excited to get stuck into.
I was interested in familiarising myself with literacy terminology, narrative structure, ways to add more depth to my character's back story and a better understanding of the pacing of scenes. Volume 1 has discussed all these topics and more in a clear and insightful way that gets the creative mind flowing. Joe Mynhardt explains how the writer and reader come together to build a mutual experience, and provides you with plenty of useful advice that he has gathered over the years. There are lots of quotes full of words of wisdom that stood out to me, as well as an abundant amount of encouragement and motivation. This is a guide I know I will be referring back to and I have already purchased volume 2, which I am excited to get stuck into.
January 20, 2024
Shadows & Ink is likely the most comprehensive book on writing horror, supernatural, and dark suspense—and the most current for 2024. Compared to many other writing books in this genre (some quite outdated by now), this book is well-packed with insightful instruction on substance, structure, style, and principles of the story world. Writing techniques, yes; standards for characterization, plot, and pacing/rhythms, yes; allegory, symbolism, irony, imagery, yes; character-driven vs. plot-driven, yes; crisis, climax, resolution, yes; 3-act structure, 5-act structure, hero’s journey, the snowflake method, conflict vs. tension, yes; and Mynhardt gives the reader a deep perspective into the history of horror stories and authors. Lots more. Good writing is often a product of honing talent, good teaching, and good editors (and the love of writing). This book will certainly motivate a serious writer to dive into the next level to achieve writing success. A must-have resource. Highly recommended.
November 20, 2025
If the voice of early model chatGPT bothers you (a testament to the dance of tapestries) then avoid this book. If you don't mind this, enjoy it but knowing there are other more effective books like Writing In The Dark.
July 18, 2025
Excellent, comprehensive guide. If you're writing horror, this is a must-read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews