Your Fantasy is in my Horror!

The continued discussion on the SF Reader site is very interesting. The outcome so far has supported my general sentiment that horror and fantasy can work very well together. The upshot is that the characters need to be rooted enough in everyday human concerns that the reader will care about and identify with them. Seems like a no brainer, but it helps alot in facing the issue of non-contemporary horror. This will help with both Cauldron of Shadows, set in a medieval Italianate realm and ON the Black Wings of Night, set in a post-apocalyptic California.

Why not just write contemporary horror? I love Swords and Sorcery, that's why. I like China Mieville's statement:

I'm a genre writer and deeply proud of that. I love the tradition. And I can't sustain interest in writing unless it has a fantastic element.

And, while a professional attitude toward the market is important, I also feel kinship with this statement from Jim Melvin:

I've always been of the mindset -- for better or worse -- that you have to write from the heart and then let the chips fall where they may.

Some further recommendations from Peadar:

The Throne of Bones by Brian McNaughton.

Also, since you have William Hope Hodgeson on your list, you should definitely read this amazing, amazing online novella set in his world, "The Night Land". No previous experience necessary!

Other writers to add to the reading list:
Steven Savile
Douglass Klegg?
Jim Melvin - The Death Wizard
Janrae Frank