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ErikC

Member
Sep 10, 2014
11
79
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I was so excited to find this website. Im a huge fan of Stephen Kings work and own all but three of his most recently released books,

I just finished reading Danse macabre and I have to say, as a writer I cant express how helpful this book is. If you are a writer who specializes in horror fiction you need to read this book. In Danse Macabre Stephen King explains the science behind his craft. He teaches you how to identify societies ever changing "phobic pressure points" which is the key to writing a story that will fascinate and terrify the reader.

When I started my last book I remember asking myself "how can I hope to scare people when I live in a society where kids find enjoyment by going online to watch ISIS behead people?" Then I read Danse Macabre and my doubts faded away. The fact that Danse Macabre was written in 1981 doesn't matter because the principles it teaches still apply today. While we live in a world where people are becoming rapidly desensitized, its vital as a horror writer to understand the social psychology behind what scares us.

Danse Macabre didn't receive a lot of fan fare because its not a Horror novel, which is what most people expect when they pick up a Stephen King book. Instead, reading it is like sitting down with Stephen King and having him take you under his wing.

So if you are a writer and can Danse Macabre, pick it up.
 

Spideyman

Uber Member
Jul 10, 2006
46,336
195,472
79
Just north of Duma Key
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Ragan

Free-Zone Committee Reject
Aug 3, 2011
620
963
Idaho
It's a great book, actually the one I'm reading right now. I did find his insights on insanity amusing given the situation. It's the kind of book you hand to anyone who criticizes horror and science fiction.
 

skimom2

Just moseyin' through...
Oct 9, 2013
15,683
92,168
USA
I was so excited to find this website. Im a huge fan of Stephen Kings work and own all but three of his most recently released books,

I just finished reading Danse macabre and I have to say, as a writer I cant express how helpful this book is. If you are a writer who specializes in horror fiction you need to read this book. In Danse Macabre Stephen King explains the science behind his craft. He teaches you how to identify societies ever changing "phobic pressure points" which is the key to writing a story that will fascinate and terrify the reader.

When I started my last book I remember asking myself "how can I hope to scare people when I live in a society where kids find enjoyment by going online to watch ISIS behead people?" Then I read Danse Macabre and my doubts faded away. The fact that Danse Macabre was written in 1981 doesn't matter because the principles it teaches still apply today. While we live in a world where people are becoming rapidly desensitized, its vital as a horror writer to understand the social psychology behind what scares us.

Danse Macabre didn't receive a lot of fan fare because its not a Horror novel, which is what most people expect when they pick up a Stephen King book. Instead, reading it is like sitting down with Stephen King and having him take you under his wing.

So if you are a writer and can Danse Macabre, pick it up.

One of my very favorite books of all time.
 
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