Learning From the Masters

October 31, 2007 by Chris · 1 Comment
Filed under: Lessons Learned

It’s that time of year again. I adore Halloween. I love being scared–in the safety of my own home of course, as I watch scary movies and shows on TV. I don’t buy into the ghost thing; it’s all just for fun. Halloween though, will have me reaching on the shelves for ghost stories. Nothing better than a rattling good ghost story on a windy night.

My particular favorites are the older, Victorian era stories. The genre was in the height of its form and popularity then. I find this genre a particular interesting one. Unless you’re writing to a confirmed believer in the supernatural, you have to sell this amazing idea that a haunting has occurred. More likely than not, you’re writing for skeptics. The story can’t be lame. It can’t be so fantastic as to be laughable. I can’t think of a greater challenge for a writer.

Of course, part of the appeal of these stories is how they are interwoven into everyday life. It’s a life that I don’t claim to know, but one which I have researched to some degree as to recognize certain customs, etiquette, and morals of the day. If I can read a story of this time period and truly be frightened or surprised, I consider the author successful. The stories of Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu and other now forgotten masters of their craft mesmerize me. I read these stories to learn how to create atmosphere, how to create suspense. I consider “The Monkey’s Paw”, a true ghost story. The final scene in the story is masterful. To be able to create such tension.

So, while I’m shuddering and making sure all the lights are on, I’m taking this opportunity to learn from the masters.

Tags: ghost story, haunting, scene, write