Book Recommendations
Horror Books with prompts
I woke up today feeling a little spooky. New Zealand summer is going into hibernation, and it is a bit chilly, which has me in a horror mood. I wanted to start recommending things that we think will inspire writers and excite readers. I adore horror writing, and even when it is graphic, used well, it can be a great read. There are the obvious, usual horror techniques, but this collection of books uses them superbly. It will most likely be recommendations of novellas, but this list is great and includes books I have read this year. Consider subscribing if you are interested in the full lists as well as a bunch of writing prompts based off these readings.
A Short Stay In Hell by Steven L. Peck
A few scenes in this book are quite graphic, but overall, it is a tame read. It might even be a stretch to consider this a horror. The premise is simple. A man dies and is sent to hell, but he isn’t trapped in hell forever; there is a way out. At first glance, it isn’t even that difficult, and he is given a bed and a vendor that can produce any meal he pleases. There is no hellfire or strict torture; it is more mentally taxing. Once the extent of the conditions sets in, it is truly terrifying, and you can imagine the battle you’d have with your sanity. This book comes in at 110 pages, and I wouldn’t recommend looking more into it. It is a great read, and going in blind will benefit it even more. I read this twice in quick succession, and it made me think of different versions of hell that are secretive in their hellishness.
Sour Candy by Kealan Patrick Burke
This book is super weird. It comes in at only 84 pages and features a man who takes candy from a child at a grocery store, which changes his life forever. It is a play on the old warning of not taking candy from strangers. A few parts are stomach-churning, but it is mostly just a small haunting story that will stay with you for a long while. I love the pacing of this book and how it doesn’t waste time getting into it. The kid is creepy, and I would likely kick him over the garden fence if this happened to me. This experience gets a big nope from me, but it makes a great read.
