#horror writer

gibberishdayapproaches:

Common Elements of Gothic Novels

Gothic fiction is a genre that combines both horror and romance, two of my most favorite things. I’m currently trying to write a novel with gothic energy, but I realized, I didn’t actually know what a gothic novel entailed outside of social commentary and dark aesthetic, and what separated it from plain horror. After doing some research, here are the common elements you’ll find in a gothic novel.

• The main character behind as a nice, decent person, but must ultimately face the monster within them. Gothic characters tend to be representative of own desires to go buck wild feral and release a “darkness” within. A prime example of this is Henry Jekyll from Jekyll and Hyde.
• Gothic literature is about transformation, an element that is not necessary when writing straight horror.
• In Gothic literature, the past haunts the present. Whether that’s a dark act or memory for the protagonist, or an actual literal ghost, there is always some form of a past the MC would rather forget.
• Romance in goth lit is tragic or bittersweet. Also, general romanticism levels are through the roof. Nearing melodrama.
• The drama of despair drives goth lit; violence and blood drives horror.
• Heightened, almost melodramatic emotions.
• A gloomy, decaying, or abandoned setting with an atmosphere of mystery and suspense. An old decaying mansion or estate is a popular location in goth lit.
• Often features a prophecy, legend, or omen.
• Often features supernatural or otherwise unexplainable events.

Turns out I have less gothic elements in my story than I thought, but now I know how I can fix it! Hopes this helps somebody else too!!

Official website announces the passing of prolific pulp horror legend Guy N. Smith at age 81 from complications of COVID-19 RIP