Guest Author - Chris Willis

Horror.

It’s a simple word made up of three letters of the alphabet, yet conjures up a variety of feelings, thoughts, fears, and memories. What does it mean to you?

Words have been around for eons. It is no wonder why literature is as powerful as it is plentiful. Horror allows us to explore ourselves and our world; to walk in the deep, dark jungles of each others psyche. What terrors lurk in the darkest of minds and how best to impart these terrifying conjurations than in the written word? Of course, you could go see the movie. You’ll be given a story.

But not THE story.

To have THE story, one must connect with the character, be absorbed in their world and ride the roller coaster fantasy of what-ifs. Movies leave little to the imagination, but words, oh! Words! How they manipulate us as they see fit. How those twenty six letters of the alphabet can move us to emotional conclusions no film could ever attempt to claim! I guarantee that every novel – many millions of them I assure you – are written with those same twenty six letters. Amazing, isn’t it?

Horror is a rampant emotion that can happen at any given minute in any hour of any day. Many horror writers make a living from the yarns they weave where there is little difference between what is real and unreal. The great story teller will have us guessing what is and isn’t real long after we have read THE story.

To understand horror, you have to live it, and there’s no other pulse like the written word. Leave the movies that tell a story on the shelves. Pick up a novel where THE story is told.

If the above sounds interesting, and perhaps you have read a horror novel or two and want to become part of a broader community, then I encourage you to drop on by from time to time. Check out my articles, thoughts and opinions and a number of reviews and interviews I have in the pipeline. Sign up for a newsletter in the box below (it’s free). Enter your e-mail and push the button. Your details remain confidential and won’t be passed to third parties. Even I don’t get to see it. You’ll be sent an e-mail as confirmation and there’s no obligation.

I joined BellaOnline at the end of June 2007 so the site may seem a little light at first but at least one article a week will appear. I’ll be doing background work such as looking for the best internet links, finding resources you could use and looking into any questions you may have.

After writing horror for so many years, I decided three months ago to start submitting stories and gaining credits to add to my name. My plans for this site are twofold: reading horror literature and where to submit your own literature, tips on writing, and a wealth of information, tips and tricks to get you started. I have received more questions on how I write over the last three months than I have in the years that preceded it. Of course, if you have any suggestions for the site, I’m all ears.

As a horror reader and writer, I understand how difficult the genre is to negotiate and how tough the market place is to sell fiction. There are dozens of sub genres I want to cover in time and maybe you’ve got the nerve to come along for the ride. As my experience in the BellaOnline community grows, so will the benefits I can offer. I grew up in England where many of the master horror writers come from (!) and expect to continue that lineage. I believe I may offer a different slant on the genre, too, as I reside in Australia and I expect no less of myself than to become one of the more popular horror writers of my country and indeed, my generation.

So: to all, I’ll see you at the top of the pile.
Chris