If a publication says they want “non-supernatural horror,” what kind of stories do you suppose they’re interested in? Serial killers and splatterpunk, I suppose, but what else?
June 23, 2009 by bonniers
If a publication says they want “non-supernatural horror,” what kind of stories do you suppose they’re interested in? Serial killers and splatterpunk, I suppose, but what else?
Probably exactly that. Stalkers, serial killers… but probably without the “police procedural” side of things (because they’d probably specify “police procedural” if they wanted that).
Maybe also natural disaster type stuff. Hostage situations. “Trapped in a cabin by hungry bears” or something.
Oh, good thought. I could write killer bears. Or maybe a killer chihuahua. Or ecological disasters. Flesh-eating viruses.
Could just be stories where things spiral out of control. Mainly, when a market says stay away from supernatural, it means the fantastic elements, such as ghosts, vampires, etc. You can still stick with the psychological horrors, someone breaking down into madness…or just breaking down overall. Or life moments pushing them beyond where we would believe we’d want to go.
And, sure a good old Man against Nature story, where things are pretty cranked up against us? That could fit the bill, as with some near future SF, particularly within the “Mundane” area.
Just some random thoughts.
I had forgotten all about psychological horror. Not that I can write it, but it’s worth thinking about
At least I feel like I can ask an intelligent question now…