Less is more- so true, especially in psychological horror. An uncertain reality has a way of sneaking into the readers’ subconscious. I use that in my writing, which also does not fit neatly into the “horror” genre.

Read several of the Dark Tower series. Great books because everything is up for grabs. The only character you can be sure won’t die (at least until the series is over) is Gunslinger. You’re also not privy to the exact reason each character has for being pulled into Gunslinger’s world.

I also agree that the most important thing in scaring us is the element of the unknown. I don’t like being able to guess what’s going to happen, so I say leave the Red Shirts on the starship and get on with the story.

I have even run into that with the thriller I am writing. I find myself explaining stuff and then I have to go back and hack it away. I make the reader too comfortable and that is no bueno. Great comment and thanks for sharing your insight. This is part of why I surround myself with people way smarter than I am….you guys make me look good 😀

I think the challenge for a novelist is to fight the urge to explain because one fears the reader will think the story is implausible. To the contrary, the wise writer *trusts* the reader to get it, and trusts her/himself to tell a believable story with an air of mystery.

There is an entire generation that is aquaphobic. anyone over the age of 32 saw Jaws at a tender age and will not swim in water that isn’t chlorinated, LOL.

The book was way better (The Shining). saul is a brilliant author. Good choice, :D.

I happened to see The Blair Witch Project right about the time I was doing a lot of hiking. anyway, long story short, went on a long day hike and some teenagers thought it was funny to remove all the pained markers. so for hours I did circles and kept walking by the same campsite. Talk about FREAKED OUT!