I've read less-than-helpful guides before, but this is only the second book on writing that I consider bad. So far, of those two, it's the worst.
The author fails to write a guide on horror. When Guy N. Smith does touch on horror, the treatment is cursory. It breezes through writing your novel, never stopping long enough on any point to offer penetrating insight. I can't imagine that Writing Horror Fiction will be of help, even to a beginner, much less someone attempting a full-length novel.
Half-way through this very short (about 100 pages) book the author has already assumed you've finished your manuscript and is talking to you about finding a publisher. I was astonished. We'd just gotten started. The chapter entitled "Starting Your Writing" ends with the two short sections "Completing your book" and "Revising and rewriting." Not only should those subjects have been afforded chapters of their own, plenty more chapters should have fallen in-between. Then Smith fills out the manual (the other 50 pages) with talk about life after publication, plus a handful of other topics.
Although there is a very positive Amazon review about Writing Horror Fiction preceding this one, I think that most of you will agree with mine. You'll feel cheated before reaching the last page. Ever try substituting a bag of potato chips for a meal? That's how I'm feeling right now. Kind of wish I'd forked out a little more cash and bought a sandwich.
It pains me to write this review. I must earnestly advise, Don't buy this book. I'm not even sure I'd recommend it as snack reading. Not unless you see it for sale at the Dollar Tree. That may sound rude of me, but, honestly, the rudeness was on the part of the publisher, purporting this as a helpful guide. Therein lies the horror.
