20 Unsettling Signs You Might Be a Horror Writer
Whether it’s a passion for the macabre or an ability to explore the depths of fear, these traits often hint at a talent for writing horror, or some may say they are serious and freaky character-flaws you might possess.
Here’s a fun list of things that might just show that you are a writer of horror stories.
1. You Find Inspiration in Your Nightmares:
While most people wake up from a nightmare relieved it’s over, you grab your notebook and jot down every gory detail for your next story.
2. You Have a Favourite Creepy Soundtrack: Whether it’s the haunting strings of a violin or the eerie whispers of a ghostly choir, you have a go-to playlist that sets the mood for writing.
3. Your Bookshelf Resembles a Gothic Library: It’s filled with classics like Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft, alongside modern masters like Stephen King and Anne Rice.
4. You Celebrate Halloween All Year Round: For you, every day is an opportunity to celebrate the macabre and the spooky.
5. Your Characters Are Never Safe: Even your most beloved characters aren’t guaranteed a happy ending in your stories.
6. You’re Unfazed by Horror Movies: While others hide behind their hands, you’re taking notes on the effectiveness of jump scares and plot twists.
7. You Prefer Stormy Nights to Sunny Days: There’s something about the sound of thunder and the flash of lightning that fuels your creativity.
8. You Have a Collection of Oddities: Skulls, old dolls, or even taxidermy might adorn your writing space.
9. Coffee Shops Are Too Cheerful for Writing: You prefer the ambiance of a dimly lit room or an old, creaky house to get into the writing zone.
10. Your Search History Is Suspicious:
A quick glance at your search history might reveal queries like “how long does it take to suffocate someone?” or “what is the best way to dispose of a dead body?”
11. You Know Your Local Cemetery by Heart: It’s not just a place of rest; it’s a place of inspiration where you can walk among the stories of the past.
12. You’ve Mastered the Art of the Creepy Metaphor: Your writing is filled with comparisons that make readers’ skin crawl.
13. You Get Excited About Weird Facts: The stranger and more macabre the fact, the more likely it is to end up in your next novel.
14. You Have a Penchant for Victorian Fashion: There’s just something about lace and corsets that screams horror writer chic.
15. You’ve Been Told Your House is Haunted: And you take it as a compliment.
16. You Have a Pet Named After a Famous Horror Character: Be it a black cat named Poe or a tarantula named King, your pet’s name reflects your passion.
17. You Enjoy Visiting Haunted Locations: Not just for the thrill, but for the potential material for your next horror scene.
18. You Have a Thing for Abandoned Places: The stories that old, forgotten buildings can tell are just too good to pass up.
19. You Believe in Ghosts (Or at Least Write Like You Do): Whether you’re a true believer or not, you write ghost stories that could make a sceptic think twice.
20. Your Idea of a Relaxing Evening Involves Reading True Crime:
While others might unwind with a light-hearted comedy, you’re delving into the details of infamous murders.
If you found yourself nodding along to this list, there’s a good chance you’re a horror writer, or at least have a deep appreciation for the genre.
Embrace the quirks that make your writing unique and keep scaring us with your tales of terror!
© Colin Lawson Books