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Writer's Craft #32
Writing Gothic Fiction: Learn to Thrill Readers with Passion and Suspense
Romantic and creepy, passionate and thrilling, Gothic fiction grabs readers and makes their hearts thud with excited suspense.
This is the genre of dark secrets, forbidden loves and illicit passions, of ancient curses and evil crimes. Brooding heroes, wealthy eccentrics, obsessed scientists and corrupt priests come to live in these tales, often joined by a ghost, werewolf, vampire or supernatural hound.
Stories are set in gloomy old houses and spooky mansions. Picture wild, windswept landscapes, s0mbre clouds and torrential rain. Stolen jewels, vile murders, an unexpected inheritance, bigamy, madness, illicit love and dangerous inventions keep the readers glued to the pages.
Gothic is one of the oldest fiction genres, with classic masterpieces like Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, Frankenstein, Dracula, Rebecca and The Fall of the House of Usher. In the 21st century, they are represented many Thrillers and Romance novels on current bestseller lists.
The most successful works of literature blend Gothic with other genres - especially Romance, Horror and Thriller - with the Gothic elements ratcheting up tension and enveloping the reader in suspense.
So you want to try your hand at writing a Gothic story? Maybe you have a draft novel in another genre that needs more passion and thrills? I'll be your guide, showing you step by step how to craft a Gothic tale.
This book is for experienced writers who want to add to their toolkit. If you're new to the craft of fiction writing, you can still enjoy this book and pick up useful techniques, but writers who've already mastered the basics of their craft will benefit most.
Are you ready to delve into the mystery and excitement of the Gothic tale? Let's open the portal the old mansion. Can you hear the hinges squeal? Duck under the cobwebs, and mind that trap door under your feet. Take a few steps on the threadbare crimson carpet while I light a candle to show you the way.
This is the genre of dark secrets, forbidden loves and illicit passions, of ancient curses and evil crimes. Brooding heroes, wealthy eccentrics, obsessed scientists and corrupt priests come to live in these tales, often joined by a ghost, werewolf, vampire or supernatural hound.
Stories are set in gloomy old houses and spooky mansions. Picture wild, windswept landscapes, s0mbre clouds and torrential rain. Stolen jewels, vile murders, an unexpected inheritance, bigamy, madness, illicit love and dangerous inventions keep the readers glued to the pages.
Gothic is one of the oldest fiction genres, with classic masterpieces like Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, Frankenstein, Dracula, Rebecca and The Fall of the House of Usher. In the 21st century, they are represented many Thrillers and Romance novels on current bestseller lists.
The most successful works of literature blend Gothic with other genres - especially Romance, Horror and Thriller - with the Gothic elements ratcheting up tension and enveloping the reader in suspense.
So you want to try your hand at writing a Gothic story? Maybe you have a draft novel in another genre that needs more passion and thrills? I'll be your guide, showing you step by step how to craft a Gothic tale.
This book is for experienced writers who want to add to their toolkit. If you're new to the craft of fiction writing, you can still enjoy this book and pick up useful techniques, but writers who've already mastered the basics of their craft will benefit most.
Are you ready to delve into the mystery and excitement of the Gothic tale? Let's open the portal the old mansion. Can you hear the hinges squeal? Duck under the cobwebs, and mind that trap door under your feet. Take a few steps on the threadbare crimson carpet while I light a candle to show you the way.
- GenresWritingGothicNonfiction
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2019
85 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Rayne Hall
115 books1,437 followersRayne Hall writes fantasy and horror fiction, some of it quirky, most of it dark. She is the author of over sixty books in different genres and under different pen names, published by twelve publishers in six countries, translated into several languages. Her short stories have been published in magazines, e-zines and anthologies.
After living in Germany, China, Mongolia and Nepal, she has settled in a small Victorian seaside town in southern England. Rayne holds a college degree in publishing management and a masters degree in creative writing. Over three decades, she has worked in the publishing industry as a trainee, investigative journalist, feature writer, magazine editor, production editor, page designer, concept editor for non-fiction book series, anthology editor, editorial consultant and more. Outside publishing, she worked as a museum guide, apple
picker, tarot reader, adult education teacher, trade fair hostess, translator and belly dancer.
Currently, Rayne Hall writes fantasy and horror fiction and tries to regain the rights to her out-of-print books so she can republish them as e-books.
Her books on the writing craft (Writing Fight Scenes, Writing Scary Scenes, The Word-Loss Diet, Writing Dark Stories, Writing About Villains, Writing Short Stories to Promote Your Novel, Writing About Magic, Twitter for Writers) are bestsellers.
Rayne Hall is the editor of the Ten Tales anthologies:
"Bites: Ten Tales of Vampires"
"Scared: Ten Tales of Horror"
"Haunted: Ten Tales of Ghosts"
"Cutlass: Ten Tales of Pirates"
"Beltane: Ten Tales of Witchcraft"
"Spells: Ten Tales of Magic"
"Undead: Ten Tales of Zombies"
"Seers: Ten Tales of Clairvoyance"
"Dragon: Ten Tales of Fiery Beasts"
"Cogwheels: Ten Tales of Steampunk"
with more titles coming soon.
The stories in her Six Scary Tales series and the Thirty Scary Tales collection are subtle horror: suspenseful, creepy atmospheric, unsettling. Although they contain little violence and gore, they may not be suitable for young readers. Many of these stories have been previously published in other books or magazines.
British English: All Rayne Hall's books use British words, spellings, grammar and punctuation. If you're allergic to British English, avoid them. ;-)
Mailing list:
http://eepurl.com/boqJzD
Website: http://sites.google.com/site/raynehal...
YouTube "Ten Random Facts about Rayne Hall" (2 minute video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXR4T...
Contact Rayne Hall on Twitter
@RayneHall follows back writers and readers. http://twitter.com/RayneHall
After living in Germany, China, Mongolia and Nepal, she has settled in a small Victorian seaside town in southern England. Rayne holds a college degree in publishing management and a masters degree in creative writing. Over three decades, she has worked in the publishing industry as a trainee, investigative journalist, feature writer, magazine editor, production editor, page designer, concept editor for non-fiction book series, anthology editor, editorial consultant and more. Outside publishing, she worked as a museum guide, apple
picker, tarot reader, adult education teacher, trade fair hostess, translator and belly dancer.
Currently, Rayne Hall writes fantasy and horror fiction and tries to regain the rights to her out-of-print books so she can republish them as e-books.
Her books on the writing craft (Writing Fight Scenes, Writing Scary Scenes, The Word-Loss Diet, Writing Dark Stories, Writing About Villains, Writing Short Stories to Promote Your Novel, Writing About Magic, Twitter for Writers) are bestsellers.
Rayne Hall is the editor of the Ten Tales anthologies:
"Bites: Ten Tales of Vampires"
"Scared: Ten Tales of Horror"
"Haunted: Ten Tales of Ghosts"
"Cutlass: Ten Tales of Pirates"
"Beltane: Ten Tales of Witchcraft"
"Spells: Ten Tales of Magic"
"Undead: Ten Tales of Zombies"
"Seers: Ten Tales of Clairvoyance"
"Dragon: Ten Tales of Fiery Beasts"
"Cogwheels: Ten Tales of Steampunk"
with more titles coming soon.
The stories in her Six Scary Tales series and the Thirty Scary Tales collection are subtle horror: suspenseful, creepy atmospheric, unsettling. Although they contain little violence and gore, they may not be suitable for young readers. Many of these stories have been previously published in other books or magazines.
British English: All Rayne Hall's books use British words, spellings, grammar and punctuation. If you're allergic to British English, avoid them. ;-)
Mailing list:
http://eepurl.com/boqJzD
Website: http://sites.google.com/site/raynehal...
YouTube "Ten Random Facts about Rayne Hall" (2 minute video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXR4T...
Contact Rayne Hall on Twitter
@RayneHall follows back writers and readers. http://twitter.com/RayneHall
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 11, 2019
Once again, author Rayne Hall has taken a slice of her knowledge and shared it in an interesting and accessible manner. “Writing Gothic Fiction” presents the challenges, pitfalls, and rewards of writing a book or a short story in this genre.
Ms. Hall offers a few cautions up front, letting us know that her target audience for this book are experienced writers seeking to add to their skills (although she does add that anyone can pick up some useful techniques). We are also told that the tips in this book are not “rules” but aids to improve every author’s individual talents.
The book then launches into 27 chapters of usable knowledge. Ms. Hall explains the genre of gothic fiction while encouraging you to consider blending it with other genres you might already be comfortable writing. Other chapters describe every aspect one could think of, ranging from setting to standard character types to how different POVs can shape the eventual shape of your book. Each chapter also contains a hint of WHAT NOT TO DO, always followed by exercises designed to get your hands dirty by practicing what you have just learned.
Some folks new to Rayne Hall’s books might be put off by her suggestions to seek out other books she has written. Having read several of her other offerings (and some she recommends in this book), I encourage everyone to seriously consider taking a look at these books. They are always focused on a specific area of writing and are suggested in this book as aids for those who feel their skills could be positively affected with further study. For those interested in this genre, “Writing Gothic Fiction” is a solid addition to your writing shelf. Five stars.
Ms. Hall offers a few cautions up front, letting us know that her target audience for this book are experienced writers seeking to add to their skills (although she does add that anyone can pick up some useful techniques). We are also told that the tips in this book are not “rules” but aids to improve every author’s individual talents.
The book then launches into 27 chapters of usable knowledge. Ms. Hall explains the genre of gothic fiction while encouraging you to consider blending it with other genres you might already be comfortable writing. Other chapters describe every aspect one could think of, ranging from setting to standard character types to how different POVs can shape the eventual shape of your book. Each chapter also contains a hint of WHAT NOT TO DO, always followed by exercises designed to get your hands dirty by practicing what you have just learned.
Some folks new to Rayne Hall’s books might be put off by her suggestions to seek out other books she has written. Having read several of her other offerings (and some she recommends in this book), I encourage everyone to seriously consider taking a look at these books. They are always focused on a specific area of writing and are suggested in this book as aids for those who feel their skills could be positively affected with further study. For those interested in this genre, “Writing Gothic Fiction” is a solid addition to your writing shelf. Five stars.
November 3, 2023
I wish I could give this book 10 stars! This book is the perfect blueprint for layering the five senses along with psychological fear, emotional fear, and physical fear. This book is definitely my go-to as I write gothic, psychological thrillers. Well done, Rayne Hall, well done.
November 2, 2020
Writing Gothic Fiction: Learn to Thrill Readers with Passion and Suspense (Writer's Craft Book 32) Kindle Edition
by Rayne Hall (Author
I borrowed this book via the Kindle Unlimited program and am choosing to leave a fair and honest review.
I can't possibly rave how good this book is!
I have spent a lot of time, and a lot of money trying to learn how to plot a novel. I've tried classes at a university. I have tried learn-by-mail classes. I've read any number of books trying to grasp what is needed for a particular genre. All of these have helped me a little, but no where as much as this book. I was able to use Ms. Hall's beautifully laid out explanations and examples to create the world, the characters and story I want.
With a complete road map on how to get your novel done, Ms. Hall gives steps and possible moving parts in simple, clear choices and the best version of the Hero's Journey I've read.
I was able to keep notes on the Kindle version in order to keep track and clarify my thoughts. This was very important as my story was for the annual NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) project. I've tried for 4 years on my own with varied success. Usually, I just dropped out because I simply had no idea how to mold everything, to keep the action going. The notes helped me stay clear on where I was going and with whom.
I am going to buy all her books because this is what I've been looking for all my life.
5 big, beautiful stars out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VV357Y6
by Rayne Hall (Author
I borrowed this book via the Kindle Unlimited program and am choosing to leave a fair and honest review.
I can't possibly rave how good this book is!
I have spent a lot of time, and a lot of money trying to learn how to plot a novel. I've tried classes at a university. I have tried learn-by-mail classes. I've read any number of books trying to grasp what is needed for a particular genre. All of these have helped me a little, but no where as much as this book. I was able to use Ms. Hall's beautifully laid out explanations and examples to create the world, the characters and story I want.
With a complete road map on how to get your novel done, Ms. Hall gives steps and possible moving parts in simple, clear choices and the best version of the Hero's Journey I've read.
I was able to keep notes on the Kindle version in order to keep track and clarify my thoughts. This was very important as my story was for the annual NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) project. I've tried for 4 years on my own with varied success. Usually, I just dropped out because I simply had no idea how to mold everything, to keep the action going. The notes helped me stay clear on where I was going and with whom.
I am going to buy all her books because this is what I've been looking for all my life.
5 big, beautiful stars out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VV357Y6
October 20, 2022
An excellent comprehensive guide to writing gothic fiction
This book went well above my expectations for how to write gothic fiction. I would have been satisfied with a definition of the genre, central characteristics, a few examples, and a reading list, but Rayne Hall goes far beyond that, giving a chapter to just about every prominent aspect of gothic fiction, several text examples for each, plus writing craft tips on how to evoke them to the fullest.
I found the generous ideas provided for each trope/element especially helpful. For example, the author lists reasons your protagonist might end up at the spooky house in addition to explaining that the house is a central element of gothic fiction. She also lists several variations on the house.
This is really the only book you need to get started writing gothic fiction. I’ll be referencing it a lot, I’m sure.
This book went well above my expectations for how to write gothic fiction. I would have been satisfied with a definition of the genre, central characteristics, a few examples, and a reading list, but Rayne Hall goes far beyond that, giving a chapter to just about every prominent aspect of gothic fiction, several text examples for each, plus writing craft tips on how to evoke them to the fullest.
I found the generous ideas provided for each trope/element especially helpful. For example, the author lists reasons your protagonist might end up at the spooky house in addition to explaining that the house is a central element of gothic fiction. She also lists several variations on the house.
This is really the only book you need to get started writing gothic fiction. I’ll be referencing it a lot, I’m sure.
May 15, 2023
I was looking for a book that could offer me some tips on capturing Gothic nuance in writing, which is outside my comfort zone but something I want to play with. Hall delivered. It was a bit like being part of a workshop. The material was well-organized and highly digestible. After reading through it once, I went back and made concept maps from the chapters, and I always enjoy when this feels like a fun activity and not a slog, a chore. Not only was it informative, but I found it very inspirational. Hall got me looking at some story ideas from a different perspective, and the book is helping me stay grounded with a particular writing project. I would recommend this for Middle School on up to Adults. Very accessible, easy to follow writing without a ton of filler. I look forward to reading the author's other works.
May 26, 2020
A Helpful Guide To Gothic Fiction
I love a good spooky gothic book, from the content to the stereotypical lady in a gauzy dress fleeing on the cover, so I decided to try reading about writing one.
Overall, I found this to be helpful. The author talks tropes and other aspects of the genre, often giving examples from famous books/authors (side note: it's nice to have a writing book giving examples that aren't just from their own writing). Sometimes it's a bit repetitive, especially if you're reading it in a sitting or two, but most of the advice seems solid.
It's a solid book, and it's not like there are a lot of other writing books on the gothic genre, so if you're looking for one, this may be your best option.
I love a good spooky gothic book, from the content to the stereotypical lady in a gauzy dress fleeing on the cover, so I decided to try reading about writing one.
Overall, I found this to be helpful. The author talks tropes and other aspects of the genre, often giving examples from famous books/authors (side note: it's nice to have a writing book giving examples that aren't just from their own writing). Sometimes it's a bit repetitive, especially if you're reading it in a sitting or two, but most of the advice seems solid.
It's a solid book, and it's not like there are a lot of other writing books on the gothic genre, so if you're looking for one, this may be your best option.
January 22, 2021
This is a wealth of information in s tiny package. not only does this book break down the genre into easy to understand bites, but gives you “assignments” throughout the book and after each chapter.
I write Gothic, but wanted to brush up on the basics this year. Even though I write the genre, I’m far from an expert. This taught me aspects of the genre I hadn’t even thought about.
In my opinion, this should be a staple book on every Gothic writers shelf for the assignments alone.
I write Gothic, but wanted to brush up on the basics this year. Even though I write the genre, I’m far from an expert. This taught me aspects of the genre I hadn’t even thought about.
In my opinion, this should be a staple book on every Gothic writers shelf for the assignments alone.
February 24, 2023
Fantastic Read if you want to Learn How to Write Gothic
This was an in-depth look in writing gothic fiction. I wanted to take a workshop but I couldn’t afford it. I purchased this little gem and went to town, applying what I learned to a WIP. Thank you Rayne for your excellent book!
This was an in-depth look in writing gothic fiction. I wanted to take a workshop but I couldn’t afford it. I purchased this little gem and went to town, applying what I learned to a WIP. Thank you Rayne for your excellent book!
August 29, 2021
My first 'how to' writing reference by Rayne Hall (she's written many!) and it was excellent.
A concise insight into gothic fiction, with plenty of examples and assignments to get your writerly brain ticking over.
A concise insight into gothic fiction, with plenty of examples and assignments to get your writerly brain ticking over.
October 4, 2022
Incredibly helpful!
I would highly recommend this guide to both new or experienced writers in the genre. It's so highly detailed that I immediately bought a print copy to keep as reference!
I would highly recommend this guide to both new or experienced writers in the genre. It's so highly detailed that I immediately bought a print copy to keep as reference!
January 9, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This book had so many helpful tips and tricks to enhance gothic writing. My .5 star deduction was only for the fact that I couldn’t apply some of the information. However, even if I’m not using it now, it’s good to know anyways !!
This book had so many helpful tips and tricks to enhance gothic writing. My .5 star deduction was only for the fact that I couldn’t apply some of the information. However, even if I’m not using it now, it’s good to know anyways !!
October 15, 2025
Very helpful
I found this book extremely helpful in beginning to write a gothic romance. Well worth the read and I'm reading another book by this same author next
I found this book extremely helpful in beginning to write a gothic romance. Well worth the read and I'm reading another book by this same author next
December 8, 2019
Another well-written, very helpful Manuel on the tropes & how to use them writing Gothic fiction.
October 1, 2019
When Rayne Hall announced in her newsletter that she's writing a new book about gothic fiction for her Writer's Craft series, I got very excited. I always wanted to write gothic fiction, but didn't find a good writer's guide about this genre. Now it's released - and I loved it.
Rayne Hall teaches how to write good gothic fiction with the help of lots of examples of classic masterpieces. You learn how to use the "hero's journey" to outline your gothic story, what tropes to use to create suspense and what elements are typical for this genre.
I found the book very helpful and inspiring. While reading it, I jotted down lots of ideas for my first own gothic story. I highly recommend this book to (advanced) writers to improve their skills.
Rayne Hall teaches how to write good gothic fiction with the help of lots of examples of classic masterpieces. You learn how to use the "hero's journey" to outline your gothic story, what tropes to use to create suspense and what elements are typical for this genre.
I found the book very helpful and inspiring. While reading it, I jotted down lots of ideas for my first own gothic story. I highly recommend this book to (advanced) writers to improve their skills.
December 28, 2025
Great indepth discussion of gothic fiction.
March 4, 2021
I was really looking forward to reading this book, and I wasn't disappointed.
The author states her suggestions are not intended to be rules, merely guidelines. Each chapter contains examples from literature, as well as professional tips and exercises. Techniques learned from this book can also be applied to other genres, so it's a handy source even for those who do not write Gothic Fiction.
I will be reading this book again in order to make notes and brainstorm. I'll be sure to keep it at my desk for future reference.
The author states her suggestions are not intended to be rules, merely guidelines. Each chapter contains examples from literature, as well as professional tips and exercises. Techniques learned from this book can also be applied to other genres, so it's a handy source even for those who do not write Gothic Fiction.
I will be reading this book again in order to make notes and brainstorm. I'll be sure to keep it at my desk for future reference.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews