Taboos.

[Scott Tyson]

"It is taboo, even in horror fiction, to harm children." Bullshit, that may be his personal preference and that is fine, but if you're going to pull punches, then you might as well not be writing horror in my book.

Come to think of it, I think I've harmed children in every story I've written. Any shrinks in the house??

[gaybrat]

Children, old people, the mentally handicapped--no one is safe in my ficton. Because if you're righting horror, the word "safe" shouldn't come into play. Just my opinion, and that doesn't mean I think a story has to be extreme or ultra violent to be effective, because it doesn't. But if you go into a piece with a list of rules of what you can't do, places you won't allow yourself to go, then you need to pick a different genre.

[FrederickHamilton]

Don't forget puppies. The cuter they are, the more impact it has when they are slaughtered.

[gnbraun]

Don't forget puppies. The cuter they are, the more impact it has when they are slaughtered.

And kittens (Yes, Gerlach...I refer to YOU!)

[FrederickHamilton]

I really need to read this deleted kitten scene.

[yarmak]

gore and horror for gore and horrors sake ( ie it is just there without really contributing to the story) makes me wonder what the author is trying to achieve ( except maybe releasing a pent up fantsy of theirs)
Dave

[Scott Tyson]

gore and horror for gore and horrors sake ( ie it is just there without really contributing to the story) makes me wonder what the author is trying to achieve ( except maybe releasing a pent up fantsy of theirs)
Dave

I see a lot of new authors do this. Turns me off their work straight away.

[FrederickHamilton]

Well everyone needs some form of outlet...

[Scott Tyson]

Well everyone needs some form of outlet...

Agreed

[gnbraun]

Well everyone needs some form of outlet...

I tend to kill hookers...no-one misses them, and they taste so damn good!