I’m not a horror fan,
but I find myself constantly running to Edgar Allan Poe as a reference in my
writing. There are scenes in mystery writing that require elements of horror.
Just as romance is a common element in mystery supporting a subplot, horror, I
think, is the second most common genre that is blended with mystery. Not until
I took a course in which I submitted my synopsis and the instructor commented
on its horror elements, did I realize what I was writing. Consider writing the
following scenes without an element of horror.
·
Your protagonist is being chased by the villain
·
Your unsuspecting protagonist finds a body in an
unlikely place, charging the atmosphere
·
Your script includes the death scene from the
POV of the victim
·
You present the mental state of villain, who is
an unlikely murderer
·
Your protagonist realizes the identity of the
unlikely murderer, someone who maybe near and dear.
When a writer blends romance or horror into a mystery
script, he adds emotion. Mysteries are rather analytical by nature. The sleuth
discovers facts, which leads him to supposition until he finds incriminating
evidence or entraps the villain using a variety of methods. Action-adventure
can be added, but aside from a rush of adrenaline, this ingredient adds little
emotion. It may put a character in a dangerous situation, but when the danger
is shown and experienced, horror techniques better demonstrate the character’s
emotions.
Poe’s techniques are similar to what is now called “deep
POV.” When writing a scene, the writer must get inside a character to show his visceral
experience, real or imagined. Remember Poe’s “Tell-Tale Heart,” in which the
protagonist can hear the victim’s beating heart, driving him crazy. Poe shows
his protagonist’s deteriorating mental state, creating horror within his
character and readers.
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People love cheap
thrills. Consider the concept of rollercoasters, which puts the rider in a position
of helplessness and pushes the envelope of his physical safety. Near Halloween,
thrill seekers watch horror films to experience poltergeists, ghosts, homicidal
madman and demonic possession. Audiences are scared silly all the while being
safely ensconced in a public theater or in their home. It is that anticipation,
along with some hokie background music, that pushes people’s scare button and
creates suspense.
As a victim of a dangerous ride at a fair in my youth in
which my physical well-being was put into jeopardy, I do not share in the
thrill. I have no fascination with horror. But rarely am I attracted to books
that don’t blend genres. When I find myself writing horror scenes in every book
I write, rather than reinvent the wheel I depend on the originator, Poe, to
teach me how to write these scenes.
What writers do you rely upon?
Good topic, E.B. I am not a fan of horror books, but I agree a little horror in all mysteries adds to the suspence and increases the enjoyment of a mystery. I read over your list and realize I've employed all in my cozy mysteries with the exception of the pov of the victim at the scene of the crime.
ReplyDeleteHorror is a natural element in murder, I think, because murder is unnatural. There is danger evident. When I place myself in the position of my MC, in many different situations that occur in murder mystery, writing their reactions, capturing the tone and the atmosphere is so important to putting your reader in their place. I can't help but to turn to Poe. But, do other writers do this? Do you go to a story or passage written by someone that you've been attracted to because of how they wrote a scene?
ReplyDeleteI use Dean Koontz’s early novels as reference. I think he has a unique ability to blend the genres of mystery/thriller, horror, science fiction with romance. He is able to write dark stories and end with a happily ever after.
ReplyDeleteYes, I like Dean Kootz also, Kara. I read his golden retriever series and really liked it. You have to suspend your disbelief, but I can do that easily.
ReplyDeleteSteven KIng is another source for the use of horror in a mystery. I am influenced by Ray Bradbury in using elements of fantasy.
ReplyDeleteI love Ray Bradbury, Warren. I have to admit that I didn't think of him as a source. Some of my favorites are his later shorts that depicted real life sorrows--not his fantasies.
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