Classic Horror Lovers discussion

When it comes to horror, I have to say I really love short stories. Why? Because it takes real talent to write a short, effective horror story. Most of my horror reading falls into this category. I think it's because I like to read a good story and move on, especially when it comes to horror. The punch is more potent and I spend time after reading it pondering the story. Plus I can work short stories into whatever else my responsibilities are.


What about you? Long or Short? And why?

Who's particularly effective at writing short horror stories in your opinion?

I have been wondering why short story collections just don't work for me. I always find myself impatient with short stories--yet I can invest days/weeks (and yes at times months) in a novel. That being said, the only book in my kitchen right now is a complete anthology of Poe short stories. Hello, inconsistency . . .

Talking inconsistent. I mainly like fantasy or horror short stories. I don't really like short stories of any other genre.

Oh yes, short stories seem a natural fit for horror to me. Poe, Lovecraft, Jackson, Leiber, Matheson, Aickman, Campbell, Ligotti - all through the ages it seems the best horror writers have at least dabbled in the form (it's a natural fit for me writing-wise too).

I enjoy great horror novels more than great horror stories -- but there are very few of them, and a lot of great short stories. Horror seems to be very difficult to sustain through an entire book, while a bite-sized story can scare you before you have a chance to notice all the plausibility issues. ;-)

I'll certainly agree with that assessment--there is something satisfying about the bite at the end of a short story. Or rather, the build-up to the bite. Or both. Maybe part of my dilemma is a good short story is very satisfying, but when they disappoint--and all too often they do--then I wish I'd just read a few more pages of a novel instead.

I have a hard time really loving a horror novel. I think horror seems best suited to the short story. Many novels, to me, could have been a much shorter novella with the same effect. Of course, there are some horror novels that really excelled to me, but overall I think short stories or novellas are more effective.

I think you all have hit on it. It's hard to sustain that tension and keep the atmosphere in a longer novel. As much as I love Dracula, the sinister/spooky parts were interspersed with more procedural elements that sort of affected the overall ambience of the novel.

I think it really depends on the story. For the most part, though, I agree with the idea that short stories are better for Horror. It is hard to keep up the mystery, the heart-pounding wonder, if the story is long, and you can see the ending coming.

Short is better for horror (IMHO) - the reasons have already been stated by most above. That doesn't mean there can't be good horror novels because obviously there ARE, but sustaining the tone is a big problem and I tend to find the modern approach to characterization (which is used to extend the plot) just too much like soap operas.

As for person suggestions about the best story writers, you're probably tired of me flogging this.

Shawn, as I've said before, I love your essay on horror writers!

I have to agree with others here, I too think horror/weird works best in a shorter format. There are exceptions but I more favor the short story for horror. I think it has something to do with reading those Alfred Hitchcock collections when I was a kid. Damn things, what they've done to me...I still can't pass them up.

I'll just add my voice to those who say horror works best in short story form.

I think I love them both. I agree that horror works better than any other genre in short story form, but some of the novels are incredible. I read 'The Stand' by the great Stephen King in one sitting. It's a very long book but I couldn't put it down. And when I did finally get to the end (at 4 o clock in the morning) I didn't want it to stop.

Jenny wrote: "I think I love them both. I agree that horror works better than any other genre in short story form, but some of the novels are incredible. I read 'The Stand' by the great Stephen King in one sitti..."

I'm with Jenny. When horror works, either as a short story or as a novel, it's a beautiful thing. I have to say though, it's hard to make it work, even in a short story. A *great* horror novel is a rare bird indeed. A few examples (IMHO) are Dracula, It, The Haunting of Hill House, The Case of Charles Dexter Ward, The Shining... But I'm always on the lookout to add more to the list!

I'm with Jenny and Ray. And those were all great books you both mentioned! I love horror novels, those exampled above are among my favorites too, but short stories are almost always better. I'm always surprised when after reading a horror writers novels and thinking that they're not very good, but then reading their short stories and being blown away.

I'll be the proud oddball voting for the full-length horror novel, when it's sustained and when it's good (The Turn of the Screw). I just completed the novella The Woman in Black: A Ghost Story, which for me was a ToTS wanna-be. Two stars for me, but I can't wait to see the film.

I just finished Let the Right One In, which is a pretty outstanding horror novel.

The review by Paul Bryant of Let The Right One In is hilarious.

Horror is mostly short stories, novellas, novels shorter than 200 pages to me.

Simply because the best written horror i have read are in collections by classic or modern authors.

If its too long novel it can become too much padded and not focused enough.

Without even looking, I'm guessing that Paul Bryant's is the review that gloats about those perfect, perfect Swedes finally getting theirs? That review is hilarious!

Mohammed wrote: "Horror is mostly short stories, novellas, novels shorter than 200 pages to me.

Simply because the best written horror i have read are in collections by classic or modern authors.

If its too long ..."

I'd agree. Too long--the tension breaks up.

Cathy wrote: "Without even looking, I'm guessing that Paul Bryant's is the review that gloats about those perfect, perfect Swedes finally getting theirs? That review is hilarious!"

Where is that review ?

Perfect swedes ? He hasnt mean here i bet hehe :) Swedish crime,horror are so dark,gloomy,depressing. Our picture of swedes are very mundane.

Mohammed, it's the first review you'll find on the Let the Right One in page -- it's very well written, and a total hoot.

Cathy wrote: "Mohammed, it's the first review you'll find on the Let the Right One in page -- it's very well written, and a total hoot."

It was pure awesome review and the funniest i have seen in GR. I liked how true he was with the things he qouted british media about sweden. When i get annoyed about the high taxes i have to remember how much health care and others we get for free.

I always say its lucky we immigrated to Sweden which is wonderful country overall. It could have been UK or US ;)

Generally I prefer short stories, as I have only ever found three writers (Philip K Dick, Peter Straub, and Haruki Murakami) whose novels are significantly better than the majority of their short fiction. Most other writers that I enjoy are equally good or better with short fiction as they are with novels.