The 7 Deadly Sins of Horror Writing

Pride

Pride is one of the seven deadly sins and it can be especially dangerous for horror writers. It is important for writers to be open to criticism and to be willing to learn and improve, but pride can make it difficult to accept feedback or to see areas where you might need to make changes. Pride can also lead to overconfidence in your work, which can result in a lack of attention to detail or a failure to proofread thoroughly.

To avoid the sin of pride in horror writing, it is important to stay humble and to be willing to seek out and listen to constructive criticism. It is also helpful to maintain a healthy level of self-awareness and to be open to learning new techniques and approaches to writing. Finally, it is essential to remember that writing is a constantly evolving process and to be open to making changes and improvements to your work.

Envy

Envy is another deadly sin that can be particularly harmful to horror writers. It can be tempting to look at the success of other horror writers and feel envious of their accomplishments. This can lead to the temptation to copy their style or ideas in an attempt to replicate their success.

However, it is important for horror writers to find their own voice and to create original content. Copying the work of others is not only unethical, it can also lead to a lack of authenticity and individuality in your writing.

To avoid the sin of envy in horror writing, it is important to focus on your own work and to strive to be the best writer you can be. Rather than feeling envious of the success of others, try to learn from their examples and find inspiration in their work. It is also helpful to surround yourself with supportive and positive influences that can help you stay focused on your own goals and ambitions as a writer.

Wrath

Wrath is a deadly sin that can be destructive for horror writers. Anger and negative emotions can often be channeled into writing, but it is important to be mindful of how these emotions influence your work. Allowing anger to take over can lead to writing that is overly violent or aggressive, which can turn off readers and damage the integrity of your work.

To avoid the sin of wrath in horror writing, it is important to find healthy ways to cope with and process negative emotions. This might involve taking breaks from writing, practicing relaxation techniques, or seeking support from friends and loved ones. It can also be helpful to find ways to channel your anger into your writing in a productive way, such as by using it to create complex and nuanced characters or to explore difficult themes in a thought-provoking way.

Ultimately, it is important to remember that as a horror writer, your goal is to entertain and engage readers, not to alienate or offend them. Maintaining control over your emotions and finding healthy ways to cope with negative feelings can help you create writing that is powerful and effective, without crossing the line into inappropriate or offensive territory.

Sloth

Sloth, or laziness, is a deadly sin that can be particularly detrimental to horror writers. Writing, like any art form, requires time, effort, and dedication. Without putting in the necessary work, it is difficult to produce high-quality writing that engages and entertains readers.

To avoid the sin of sloth in horror writing, it is important to be disciplined and to set aside dedicated time for writing. This might involve setting aside specific times of day for writing, setting goals for how much you want to write each day or week, and finding ways to stay motivated and focused.

It is also important to be open to learning and improving as a writer. This might involve seeking out feedback and critiques from other writers or readers, joining writing groups or workshops, and taking online writing courses. By staying engaged and committed to your writing, you can avoid falling into the trap of sloth and produce writing that is fresh, innovative, and of the highest quality.

Greed

Greed is another deadly sin that can be harmful to horror writers. While it is natural to want to be financially successful as a writer, it is important to remember that the primary goal of writing should be to tell a good story, not to make a profit.

Allowing greed to influence your writing can lead to a focus on profit over storytelling, which can result in writing that is formulaic or lacking in depth and complexity. It can also lead to a lack of authenticity and a failure to stay true to your artistic vision.

To avoid the sin of greed in horror writing, it is important to remember the value of storytelling and to focus on creating work that is meaningful and engaging to readers. This might involve taking risks and trying new approaches to writing, rather than sticking to tried and true formulas that are likely to be profitable. It is also helpful to remember that financial success is not the only measure of success as a writer, and to find fulfillment in the creative process itself.

Lust

Lust is a deadly sin that can be particularly harmful to horror writers. It can be tempting to use sex and violence as cheap thrills in horror writing, but this can result in writing that is shallow and lacking in substance. It can also be offensive and turn off readers.

To avoid the sin of lust in horror writing, it is important to handle sensitive subject matter with care and respect. This might involve considering the impact of your writing on readers and avoiding gratuitous violence or sexual content. It can also be helpful to consider the purpose and meaning behind including such elements in your writing, rather than using them simply for shock value.

Ultimately, the goal of horror writing is to entertain and engage readers, not to offend or alienate them. By being mindful of the way you handle sensitive subject matter and striving to create meaningful and well-developed characters and storylines, you can avoid the sin of lust and produce writing that is powerful and effective.

Gluttony

Gluttony, or excess, is a deadly sin that can be harmful to horror writers. It can be tempting to try to pack as many elements as possible into a story, but this can result in a cluttered and confusing plot. It can also make it difficult for readers to follow the story and fully engage with the characters and themes.

To avoid the sin of gluttony in horror writing, it is important to find the right balance in your storytelling. This might involve carefully selecting which elements to include and which to leave out, and considering how each element contributes to the overall narrative. It can also be helpful to edit and revise your work to ensure that it is well-paced and flows smoothly.

By avoiding excess and finding the right balance in your writing, you can create horror stories that are engaging, well-structured, and easy for readers to follow.