My Top 6 Tips on Writing Extreme Horror

[@retroelectrical]

Here are the 6 points on writing horror discussed by Tim Wagner: 1. Develop Complex Characters: Create well-rounded characters that readers can sympathize with or understand on some level. Even minor characters should have depth and a moment in the spotlight before their fate takes a dark turn. 2. Write from the Character's Perspective: When describing extreme horror scenes, focus on the character's internal experiences, emotions, and reactions. It's essential to convey what the character is going through rather than just providing graphic details. 3. Less is More: Avoid overloading your narrative with excessive gore and violence. Instead, use restraint and let readers' imaginations fill in the gruesome details. Sometimes, what's left unsaid can be more terrifying. 4. Make Gore Serve the Story: The purpose of gore in horror should be to enhance the narrative and character development. It should contribute to the story's themes and character arcs rather than being gratuitous. 5. Consider Real Effects: Research how people physically, mentally, and emotionally react to violence and injuries. Realistic portrayals can add depth and authenticity to your horror scenes. 6. Write Responsibly: Avoid glorifying violence, and be mindful of the impact your writing can have on readers. Use extreme content to tell a compelling story rather than sensationalizing it for shock value. These tips provide valuable insights for writers looking to create effective and impactful horror stories.

[@gianthills]

All of those points are too general to have any meaning. What does "well rounded mean"? That tells us nothing. "sympathize"? Why should we? Again that tells us nothing. "Even minor characters should have depth". Again that says nothing. What do you and he mean by "depth"? You have to let your audience in on the character's motivation for their goal, which is something they have been hiding from everyone. These are secrets, perhaps a past loss, a failure that has been tormenting them for years. You have to be specific, not vague and general.

[@janinepipehorrorwriter3876]

I had to keep pausing as I was scribbling notes the whole way through! As someone who loves extreme and is now dipping their toes into writing it, I found these tips to be extremely (see what I did there?) useful. I think when we start we all have the tendency to be as whacky and violent as possible and as a woman, sometimes I feel I have something to prove - that I can be in this gang too and therefore endeavor to make my work as gross as possible to make a point ... so the tips about using the violence responsibly and the whole part about you don't have to show it all, use inference and your characters thoughts and reactions can be far more scary then just 'and next he cut off all her limbs ...', this is so helpful. Thank you, Tim!!! Janine

[@awakeenlighten2298]

Thanks for the tips Tim!

[@scofthenight]

Lovely video, thank you so much.

[@helsphoenix2623]

Characters are key! Make us care about them and we will recoil when they do!

[@ricrebelo]

This is so valuable...Thank you Tim

[@TimWaggonersWritingintheDark]

Enjoy my videos? Then check out my books on writing horror! WRITING IN THE DARK Winner of the 2020 Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in Nonfiction Rawdog Screaming Press: • Hardcover and Paperback: rawdogscreaming.com/books/writing-in-the-dark/ Amazon • Hardcover: www.amazon.com/Writing-Dark-Tim-Waggoner/dp/1947879235/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1682202429&sr=1-1 • Paperback: www.amazon.com/Writing-Dark-Tim-Waggoner/dp/1947879197/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1682202429&sr=1-1 • eBook: www.amazon.com/Writing-Dark-Tim-Waggoner-ebook/dp/B08GCZ6GK9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=UD4AZYXT34FA&keywords=tim+waggoner+writing+in+the+dark&qid=1682202429&s=books&sprefix=tim+waggoner+writing+in+the+dark%2Cstripbooks%2C121&sr=1-1 Barnes and Noble • Hardcover: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/writing-in-the-dark-tim-waggoner/1137057460?ean=9781947879232 • Paperback: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/writing-in-the-dark-tim-waggoner/1137057460?ean=9781947879195 WRITING IN THE DARK: THE WORKBOOK Rawdog Screaming Press • Hardcover and Paperback: rawdogscreaming.com/books/writing-in-the-dark-workbook/ Amazon • Hardcover: www.amazon.com/Writing-Dark-Workbook-Tim-Waggoner/dp/1947879456/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1682203395&sr=1-2 • Paperback: www.amazon.com/Writing-Dark-Workbook-Tim-Waggoner/dp/1947879464/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1682203395&sr=1-2 • eBook: www.amazon.com/Writing-Dark-Workbook-Tim-Waggoner-ebook/dp/B0B341685F/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2Y29AGNBYE5WR&keywords=tim+waggoner&qid=1682203395&s=books&sprefix=tim+waggoner%2Cstripbooks%2C119&sr=1-2 Barnes and Noble • Hardcover: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/writing-in-the-dark-tim-waggoner/1141240781?ean=9781947879454 • Paperback: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/writing-in-the-dark-tim-waggoner/1141240781?ean=9781947879461

[@BigPhilly15]

Great video but is that the EC Library I see on bottom shelf on the right?

[@championcitypeople7921]

Great tips. I had no idea you had a KZbin channel. As a person who would like to break into the horror genre, I would like to thank you for making these videos. They are a great way to stay motivated.

[@manadarkness]

Aloha & mahalo 4 the amazing video! It's so nice 2 see & hear straight up information on extreme Horror writing. I look forward 2 watching the rest of your vids! Keep em coming.

[@rami_ungar_writer]

I was going to mention The Girl Next Door. That book terrified me! I had to put it down several times while reading it just to deal with what I was reading. And you're right, the violence isn't the source of the horror. It's the violence being done to this character, this girl we've come to care about, whom we began to like as soon as we met her. That's what made it horrifying, along with so many other people who knew her either going along with or just being a bystander to the violence. Not sure if I could write that sort of horror. Just doesn't seem to be my thing. But then again, who knows? I could write something that dark and tremble-inducing someday.

[@bigphilly7345]

What are your thoughts on self-publishing short stories on Amazon rather than submit to traditional markets?

[@ParanormalTendency65]

Hi Tim! My book doesn’t have an element of hidden suspenseful moments. It nearly starts with the malevolence from the beginning, and continues throughout. I’ve heard the term “Show, don’t tell,” In order to keep your audience/reader in suspense. But without telling readers about her abusive mother, and the dark entities she deals with on nearly a daily occurrence, it’s somewhat boring. What’s your suggestion? I follow you on Twitter-X, and just purchased your workbook. So I’m excited to learn from your experience. Also, I have so many unique and diverse entities haunting my protagonist. One is more powerful than the others, and it’s a battle between the lesser. I don’t know if I’m introducing this scenario to early in my writing. Any suggestions?

[@ParanormalTendency65]

… and can a book have too many paranormal elements or experiences?

[@L_For_Literature]

The “show don’t tell” is one of the worst pieces of advice someone can give an author. You want to “show *and* tell”. There are times to show things, and then there are times to tell things.

[@gianthills]

You don't mention how to write characters. you just say don't write cardboard cut outs. You let the audience know their weaknesses and secrets, which are the reasons for their present goal. That is how you write characters.

[@timwaggoner8296]

Wait a minute?