weareliterarycritics

Debate with other literary critics.

Top Five Horror Writers

Hey guys,

Happy Halloween!  I thought to celebrate this awesome holiday I would compose a list of what I think are the best horror writers of all time.  The list is not in any particular order and will tell a little about each author.  Hope you enjoy the list and feel free to leave a comment stating who your favorite horror writers are.

1. Bram Stoker

Bram Stoker is most famous for his novel Dracula, which I think is a wonderfully written horror story.  When I first read this story I remember I could not put the book down.  I was intrigued by each of the characters and I loved how Stoker personalized each character by having them keep a “diary” or journal.  It made the development of the story more interesting and unique.  If you want to learn more about the author and his stories click here.

2. Edgar Allan Poe

I love all of Poe’s short stories and poems.  As sad as I am to say this, I rarely find a poem I actually enjoy reading but many of Poe’s poems deserve praise.   His short stories are wonderful and it is hard to simply read only one.  My favorite stories include “The Cask of Amontillado”, “The Fall of the House of Usher”, “The Tell-Tale Heart”, and “The Pit and the Pendulum.”  If you would like to learn about Edgar Allan Poe and his stories click here.

3. Richard Matheson

Richard Matheson wrote  many chilling tales  and some have been turned into movies, which we still love today.  For example, he wrote the novel “I am Legend,” which was turned into a movie  in 2007.  He also wrote “Duel” and also wrote many “Twilight Zone” episodes.  To learn more about Richard Matheson click here.

4. Stephen King

I am sure we all know Stephen King.  When we think of a “master” of horror many people think of Stephen King.  He has written many stories that have scared people for generations.  My favorite stories include “The Shining”, which is also one of my favorite movies, “Carrie”, “Cujo” and “Pet Sematary”.  If you would like to learn about Stephen King click here.                 5. Mary Shelley

I love the novel “Frankenstein”.  It is wonderfully crafted and Shelley does a wonderful  job exploring the idea of “playing God” and the dangers that can result from it.  “Frankenstein” today still continues to scare and horrify readers.  However, in some ways “the monster” can be seen as a sympathetic character.  He did not like being treated as a creation and wanted to be loved.  Because he is feared instead of loved one could argue that is why he kills many people.  The story is wonderful and I highly recommend it if you are looking for a “scary” novel to read.  To learn more about Mary Shelley click here.  

Do you agree with my choice of authors?  Do you think other authors should have made the list? Please share your comments below.

Single Post Navigation

6 thoughts on “Top Five Horror Writers

  1. Good selection of writers. Richard Matheson is a particular favorite of mine. See my blog for more about him: http://axolotlburg.wordpress.com/2011/09/30/richard-matheson/

  2. I often recommend the short stories of Nathaniel Hawthorne – not for shriek out loud kinda scary, but a more disturbing uncomfortable look into the negative side of the human psyche. Start with “Young Goodman Brown,” “The Minister’s Black Veil,” and “The Birth-Mark,” to name a few.

    • Thanks for the suggestions, I will definitely have to check the stories out sometime when I have the free time to read. I have a lot of required reading every day and unfortunately do not have the time to pleasure read as much as I used to. I’ll try to read one this weekend!

  3. Pingback: TRILOGY OF TERROR-”AMELIA” « Written in Blood

  4. I am extremely inspired together with your writing abilities as neatly as with the layout to your weblog. Is this a paid subject or did you customize it your self? Either way stay up the excellent quality writing, it is uncommon to peer a great weblog like this one these days. Goodbye from Japan

    • Wow, thank you so much for your compliments. Actually, this particular layout you can find under the WordPress layouts, it is called bold life by Jay Hafling. I haven’t customized anything on my blog, but I have added some widgets that make it more personal. Again, thank you for your comment.

Leave a comment