A lot of the ezines and websites I've been browsing in the last few weeks have been talking about how we are in the golden age of horror, comparable to the golden age of science fiction in the fifties and sixties when writers like Issac Asimov were at work. Horror is the flavour de jour. The majority of the genre markets and up coming anthologies are looking for horror and if not horror, then dark fantasy or science fiction with horror elements. You need only look at the book shelves in any online or real world book shop to see how horror or stories with a horror element predominate both the adult and children market. When I was in Easons yesterday I saw there was a promotion for the new Skulduggery Pleasant novel - it was Eason's book of the month - and it's main character is a skeleton. Every week more horror movies are released in the cinema and on DVD. There is no doubt it is popular.
So what do I think of the idea that we are in the age of horror?
I think it is AWESOME!
As you know, I love horror - reading it, watching it and writing it. Ever since my childhood, when I used to stay up late to watch the Wax Works with Vincent Price, I have loved horror. To call our present time the golden age of horror couldn't make me happier. To be a horror writer at the moment is exciting. I would love to be part of the golden age so that in generations to come, when they look back at the naughties, my name will be listed among the horror writers of the golden age.
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4 comments:
I was planning to write on thsi very theme! I think it's great - a good horror story is the perfect place to dwell on the meaning of humanity, how we cope with suffering and disaster and horror. Even if not deep, a good terror about vampires or zombies is always fun.
Great minds think alike valpot. Don't let my blogging on this subject put you off - I'd love to hear what you have to say on it.
i can't say i agree- i think such a preoccupation with horror is a sign of sick society. i don't mean the works of valpot or inkpot -but a lot of horror doesn't deal with the meaning of humanity or suffering but wallows in gratutious violence and gore as if fear and terror are the only emotions that modern people feel or can respond to. obviously we are coming from completely different viewpoints here and a debate on the subject could be very interesting.
Good point anon. I would agree with you especially in regards to the so called 'torture porn' horror movies (and yes, horror fans, I am well aware that it is a derogatory term)and I think the obsession with gore and dismemberment is a sign of cultural decay. However, I think horror can also be a positive thing. Horror can be used for social parody, as in Romero's dead trilogy, and it can also highlight the temptations of sin and encourage people to avoid them - as in Dracula. Also, it is good for everyone to be scared every now and then!
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