Skip to main content

Subgenres in Horror

So last time I posted a horror blog I talked about the 3 main categories of Horror, but there are even more subgenres of horror that can fall under any of the 3 main categories.  I can't possibly list them all, but I will go through some of the most popular ones and some of my favorites.
Rural Horror: This one is pretty self-explanatory but what makes this unique is it tends to also include local legends, or myths, or superstition.  I'm a huge fan of this one.  I'm sort of regretting having my current project be set in the city, but it just can't work any other way.  However, all of my short stories take place in rural America.  There is just something scary about the middle of nowhere country that I love, even though it's kind of a cliche.
Apocalyptic Horror: This deals with the end of the world. Not much more to say about that.  My current project has hints of this.  It isn't apocalyptic in the sense that the world is destroyed and in ruins, but rather its the end of the world in  its current state.
Crime Horror: Combines horror elements with detective and crime elements.  The horror is created by the criminal villain and the horror comes from the tension of the chase. It's very much a good guy vs. bad guy kinda horror.  Also known as 'Thriller'. 
Occult Horror:  This is probably my favorite horror subgenre and I am incorporating a lot more of this in my current project and future projects.  This focuses on exorcism, cults, curses etc.  This is also the scariest type of horror to me.  I'm not sure why, but its something that I've realized recently. 
Psychological Horror: This is a very internal form of horror and usually revolves around the internal feelings of the protagonist.  Oftentimes there is no villain or monsters, but rather you are simply left questioning whether or not what is happening is real, or whether the protagonist is emotionally stable.
Visceral Horror:  This is gore.  It's full of blood and brutality.  I think visceral can work.  I think it can't be the only thing.  But, I do think it can work well if done right.  I haven't been able to really master this yet, but I did a pretty good job in my most recent short story that will be coming out this fall.  But even then, I only had one visceral moment and used other things to create horror during the rest of the story. 
Anyway.  There are MANY other subgenres of horror but these are some of the major ones that even the most casual horror lover will come across.  I'm not sure what my blogging schedule will be like next week.  I have a BUSY week.  I have like 4 meetings, plus my 2 jobs so.....posts might be really short next week. 
Til next time. 
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Book Review: The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne

Okay there are so many places I want to take this post, and I'm not sure where I want to start, so I'll just start with cover art and a quick summary of the book: This story focuses on the adventures of 5 Americans on an uncharted island.  It starts during the American Civil War, where 5 northern prisoners of war decide to escape by hijacking an air balloon. After flying through a storm for several days, they finally land on some unknown island. They name it "Lincoln Island" as tribute to their president, Abraham Lincoln. The five are able to sustain themselves on the island, producing fire, pottery, bricks, nitroglycerin (!), iron, an electric telegraph (!) a cliff side home, and even a seaworthy ship. Throughout their time on the island, there seems to be a deus ex machina at work, delivering chests of goods and rescuing them when in danger. Eventually, they find out the secret of the island and the gifts. Captain Nemo.  Yes, that Captain Nemo from 20,000...
Post a Comment
Read more

Even a "Writer with a Day Job" is still a Writer

One of the things I have an issue with is introducing myself as a writer.  When I have small talk, people tend to ask "What do you do?" And I would say "I'm a student" or "I work at the library" or "I work in a copy & print shop." But I would rarely say (and still rarely say) "I'm a writer."   Why is that? I've published 2 sets of poems. I've published an essay. I've had 4 soon to be 5 short stories published. Won 2 writing contests. And I've even self-published a book! Not to mention my BA in writing. I've done WAY more in the writing world than I have the library world and yet I am never shy about saying "I just finished library school." or "I'm working on becoming a librarian." Again I ask: Why is that? I think it has to do with worth and respect.  In introductions I jump to what gives me a paycheck, what pays the bills. That's what I "do...
Post a Comment
Read more

Freaky Flash Fiction Friday: "Form B"

Form B "So, is this treatment going to be painful?" Moira asked. "There is a very mild discomfort." Dr. Webb said, leaning back in his office chair. It creaked under his weight. "Some say it is like  slight burning sensation." He smiled. "It's nothing you have to concern yourself with." Moira had been seeing Dr. Webb for the last 6 months for treatment for her eczema. She had spent thousands of dollars on other doctors, creams, and homeopathic remedies all to no avail. Dr. Webb had contact her on a web forum. She was part of a message board community for people with skin conditions. He told her that he could cure her. And he had. His method was a combination of medicated baths, pills, ointments and even meditation.  Her skin was glowing. She couldn't remember the last time her skin was this clear.  Today was her final session. A heat treatment. She wasn't sure exactly how it was supposed to help, but Dr. Webb had ...
Post a Comment
Read more