Genre Writing
Horror
Horror confronts fear, vulnerability, and the unknown. This certificate program explores atmosphere, psychological tension, supernatural elements, and emotional dread while maintaining narrative control and thematic depth.
Courses
How Horror Works on the Page
Amanda Pavlov, Diane Sismour, and Nancy Sartor answer common questions about writing horror. Topics include when to introduce frightening elements, how to research effectively, and how to create characters who face terror in ways readers can believe and care about.
The Psychology of Fear in Fiction
Alexia Gordon, Dana Chamblee Carpenter, Diane Sismour, Justin Greenway, Maggie Toussaint, and Michael Jordan explore how fear works on the page. They discuss the role of psychology, suspense, and the supernatural in crafting horror and paranormal stories that stay with readers.
What Makes Dark Fiction Truly Unsettling
Claire Lamb moderates Alex Marwood, Christopher Farnsworth, Glen Erik Hamilton, and Gregg Hurwitz in a deep dive into dark, psychologically layered fiction. They discuss what makes a story truly unsettling, how to build complexity without losing readers, and why darkness can be so compelling when handled with care.
Why Readers Love Being Scared
Carol Gyzander, Jacob Moon, K. Scott Culpepper, Nikki Nelson Hicks, and Peter Rosch examine why readers are drawn to frightening stories. They discuss common misconceptions about horror writers, the creative challenges of the genre, and the unique experiences of women writing horror today.
Why We’re Drawn to Dark Stories
Baron R. Birtcher, Chris Knopf, Damian Berry, David Freed, and Hilary Davidson explore what draws writers and readers to dark fiction. They discuss how to write stories that confront the darker sides of human nature while also navigating the publishing realities of a genre known for its emotional intensity.