I’d be curious to hear more about your influences in writing shorter works. Perhaps King would still be on the list but I’d love to hear how you’ve applied the lessons you’ve learned from the authors you noted to being so good at telling tales in just a few 100 words.
Are there other Drabble or flash authors you look to as well?
Drabbles aren’t really inspired by anyone. I use those, and my flash pieces, as little exercises in editing. I like to tell stories without a lot of fluff, so these types of pieces help me do that more effectively when it comes time to write longer pieces.
Clive Barker is fantastic for immortal sentences which create whole worlds without explanation: "The dead have highways." Holy Sh*t - just four words gave birth to a whole other-dimensional franchise.
I started with James Herbert too. A story called Nobody True. Never read any Nick Cutter but I shall. Any recommendations for a first read? I’m also a massive Shirley Jackson fan.
Me too. But Clive has his issues as well. And there is a place for every one of us - I truly believe that. You are somebody’s Clive Barker, Mr. Watson.
I’d be curious to hear more about your influences in writing shorter works. Perhaps King would still be on the list but I’d love to hear how you’ve applied the lessons you’ve learned from the authors you noted to being so good at telling tales in just a few 100 words.
Are there other Drabble or flash authors you look to as well?
Drabbles aren’t really inspired by anyone. I use those, and my flash pieces, as little exercises in editing. I like to tell stories without a lot of fluff, so these types of pieces help me do that more effectively when it comes time to write longer pieces.
I’ll give it a go, thanks 🙏
Clive Barker is fantastic for immortal sentences which create whole worlds without explanation: "The dead have highways." Holy Sh*t - just four words gave birth to a whole other-dimensional franchise.
Haven't read any of Cutter, but I've heard great things. A lot of 'em from you 🙂 I reckon it's time to pick one up. What do you recommend?
The Deep is a good starting point
Okay, you have me dying to read Clive Barker. I had no idea he has books. Thanks so much.
I started with James Herbert too. A story called Nobody True. Never read any Nick Cutter but I shall. Any recommendations for a first read? I’m also a massive Shirley Jackson fan.
The Deep is a good starting point
Rats was the first Horror I read. Closely followed by Insomnia, so pretty much started with Herbert and King as well.
Mr. Watson, what a pleasure to run into you here.
Excellent. Thanks for being a regular in my Medium publication
Thank you for always being there. Working with authors like you is always an opportunity to grow. I'm so glad you enjoy my stories.
Great selections. You’ve inspired me to write a piece on my love for Clive Barker 💞
I’d love to read that.
There’s a story of his “In the Hills, the Cities” that I’ve never been able to get out of my head
One day I’ll be the fifth
Clive Barker - that dude changed my writing life. The Books of Blood entirely blew my mind. I had a replica of the Puzzle Box on my desk for years.
I have one, too. Imajica made me realize that I would never be that great as a writer, but it made me want to try.
Me too. But Clive has his issues as well. And there is a place for every one of us - I truly believe that. You are somebody’s Clive Barker, Mr. Watson.
That would be lovely.
King is one of my favorite authors. I'm currently working on a piece about him.
Looking forward to reading it.