Capturing Ghosts On The Page: Writing Horror & Dark Fiction

by Kaaron Warren

“Don’t write merely to shock. People are used to shock-horror. You need to get beneath the skin. Use a flensing knife and keep it sharp. It’s good to shock, but only as part of the story you tell.”

In these essays, Kaaron Warren—the Shirley Jackson Award-winning writer behind Slights, The Greif Hole, and Into Bones Like Oil—explores the craft and philosophy of trapping dark and disturbing fiction on the page.

Drawn from essays, workshops, and articles about the craft and business of writing, Capturing Ghosts On The Page feature’s Warren’s tips on writing ghost stories, overcoming professional jealousy, working to an anthology brief, tapping your dreams for inspiration, and more.

Whether you want an insight into the creative process that drives Warren’s dark and enchanting fiction, or you are an aspiring writer seeking tips from one of the most talented authors of horror fiction writing today, this chapbook is a peek into the mindset and practice of a celebrated Australian author.

Genres: Horror, Writing, Nonfiction

33 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2021

About the author

I wanted to be a writer from a very young age, and wrote my first proper short story at 14. I also wrote a novel that year, called “Skin Deep”‘, which I really need to type up.

I started sending stories out when I was about 23, and sold my first one, “White Bed”", in 1993. Since then I’ve sold about 150 short stories, seven short story collections and six novels.

I’m an avid and broad reader but I also like reality TV so don’t always expect intelligent conversation from me.

Reviews

[Kali Napier · Rating 5 out of 5]

The essay on writing to a theme for an anthology is very helpful.

[Clare Rhoden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great selection of essays about writing horror, including little exercises that really help.
An essential little book for writers, reviewers and readers of the genre!

[Robin Knabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read - full of great information. I am going to be using some of the exercises she mentioned immediately.

[E.F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warren's musings on writing are astute, concise, and rather unlike (in a wonderful way) many similar books that feature writers on writing. No extended musings or lists of writing exercises, Capturing Ghosts cuts to the specifics and delivers tools and thinking to fine tune writing. Warren covers process and content with specific tips and strategic approaches. Some highlights include how to craft new work that fits themes ("How to Write a Short Story Brief"); how dream content, images, themes, and meanings can transform, deepen, and personalize writing voice ("Using Your Dreams"); ("Using Your Dreams"); the value of strong, odd voices ("Strong Women") and overlooked perspectives ("Women in History"); how to use sparse language that evokes reader reaction ("The Familiar Unfamiliar"; and other insights. Each chapter is packed with gems and written in a conversational, often humorous style. Essential reading for writers of weird, horror, and the speculative.

[Lucas Mattila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would've liked to see a few deeper cuts into how to bring about 'becoming the monster' and other related horror writing strategies that are hinted at, but all in all it does a good job at giving tips for writers of horror & dark fiction! So if that floats your boat, definitely read this! I agree with an earlier review that the anthology focused chapter is the strongest and has a lot of useful information! :)

[Kylie Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic stepping point for writers who already know at least a bit of the craft of horror writing and are looking for ways to further hone their skills. This isn't the book for you if you're wanting a how-to guide for the basics of horror writing, but if you're looking for new ways to see and write the world around you, it's a fantastic resource.

[Logan Noble · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief but incredibly relatable chapbook on the subject of writing within the Horror genre. This is a well-written reminder/reflection on being an author.

[Steven Paulsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended for Speculative Fiction writers. I devoured it in one sitting and then went back and read it again slowly because it’s full of wisdom.

[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

More of a pamphlet than a book, but some really great insights here about writing horror.