Future Horror Author

[Riley]

Once upon a time...I had a dream. A dream to change the YA genre forever. And then I said "**** It!" and went to planning a horror book series. They'll start off as a short story or two before I broaden them into novels.

The series I have in mind is a Urban Fantasy type where the protagonists (Parents or parental figures, for example) deal with monsters of an otherworldly variety. Each book deals with a different creature:

• Book 1 (Werewolves)
• Book 2 (Succubi/Incubi)
• Book 3 (Vampires)
• Book 4 (Ghosts or another type of undead)
• Book 5 (Witches)
• Book 6 (The Fae Folk)
• Book 7 (Fallen Angels)

While fantasical, each book will have a central fear that it preys on:

• Book 1: The idea of your new neighbor posing a danger not only to your other neighbors, but your friends and loved ones. In the vein of being a serial killer/sex offender.
• Book 2: Your child's sexual assault while on vacation with friends. With the lingering suspicion one of THEM is the culprit.
• Books 3 & 4: The struggle to let go when a loved one passes away.
• Book 5: Not only having a near-death experience YOU yourself caused, but being taken away and considered a danger.
• Book 6: The struggles of being an adopted child.
• Book 7: The struggle for redemption and the feel of guilt.

Now, it may not REALLY be horror. Any suggestions/thoughts? Also, would a short story get published nowadays?

 

[WereBear]

Actually, dealing with monsters IS dealing with fears, so I think you have a solid thematic concept.

And if you feel confident, you can self-publish. There's many avenues these days. I did!

 

[Riley]

Thank you! And I'd love to read your book. How does one self-publish?

Also, here will be my short story titles:

• "Bad Moon Rising" (Two brothers out at night; One is mauled by a werewolf)
• "Necessary Evil" (A young woman finds herself making a life-or-death choice after a nightmarish experience. Trigger Warning: Abortion themes)
• "First Blood" (The first feeding of a freshly born vampire)

 

[WereBear]

Here's is my first book (I'm working on my second one.)

https://www.amazon.com/Cat-911-Fixing-their-Learn-ebook/dp/B002E19MUW

I have only done Kindle, but there's also Smashwords.

The key to self-publishing is also self-marketing. You need to do your own publicity, website, and finding your fan base.

However, I find that much more rewarding that trying to get my work out there in today's publishing environment. They are all about "Are you a celebrity? Have you slept with a celebrity?"

If the answer is NO they are not interested.

 

[WereBear]

Thank you! And I'd love to read your book. How does one self-publish?

Also, here will be my short story titles:

• "Bad Moon Rising" (Two brothers out at night; One is mauled by a werewolf)
• "Necessary Evil" (A young woman finds herself making a life-or-death choice after a nightmarish experience. Trigger Warning: Abortion themes)
• "First Blood" (The first feeding of a freshly born vampire)

That sound good! Have you checked out any of the horror short-story collections out there now?

Bookbub is a free service that lets you sign up for free or low-priced horror selections, and is a good, cheap way of seeing what it selling now.

 

[Southern Discomfort]

I do like that sort of horror. The problem is with dealing with sensitive topics like sexual assault is that you really have to think it out clearly because you can get such a badlash from it. You really need to do the subject justice and give it the respect it deserves. Good luck in that regard.