It's Alive: Bringing Your Nightmares to Life

by F. Paul Wilson, Clive Barker, Chuck Palahniuk

Bram Stoker Award-winner for Superior Achievement in Non-Fiction!Nightmares come to life in this comprehensive how-to guide for new and established authors…Book two in Crystal Lake Publishing’s The Dream Weaver series picks up where the Bram Stoker Award-nominated Where Nightmares Come From left off.It’s Alive focuses on learning the craft in order to take your story from concept to completion.With an introduction by Richard Chizmar and cover art by Luke Spooner. Featuring interior artwork from horror master Clive Barker!Table of

Introduction by Richard ChizmarConfessions of a Professional Day Dreamer by Jonathan MaberryWhat is Writing and Why Write Horror by John SkippTribal Layers by Gene O’NeillBake That One Writer’s Method by Joe R. Lansdale and Kasey Beginning to End with Chuck Palahniuk and Michael Bailey (Discussing the Spark of Creativity)They Grow in the Exploring the Roots of a Horror Story by Todd KeislingSell Your Script, Keep Your Soul and Beware of Sheep in Wolves' Clothing by Paul MooreThe Cult of Constraint (or To Outline or Not) by Yvonne NavarroZombies, Ghosts and Vampires─Oh My! by Kelli OwenThe Many Faces of Craft Techniques by Richard ThomasGiving Meaning to the Macabre by Rachel Autumn DeeringThe Horror Writer’s Ultimate Toolbox by Tim WaggonerSarah Pinborough Interview by Marie O’ReganConveying Character by F. Paul WilsonSympathetic Characters Taste Creating Empathy in Horror Fiction by Brian KirkVirtue & The Importance of Character by Kealan Patrick BurkeHow to write Descriptions in a story by Mercedes Yardley“Don’t Look Now, There’s a Head in That Box!” She Ejaculated Loudly (or Creating Effective Dialogue in Horror Fiction) by Elizabeth MassiePoint of View by Lisa MannettiWhat Came First the Monster or the Plot? In Conversation with Stephen Graham Jones by Vince A. LiagunoBuilding Suspense by David WellingtonConveying Horror by Ramsey CampbellUnveiling Theme Through An Analysis of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Birthmark” by Stephanie M. WytovichInterview with Clive Barker by Tim ChizmarWorld Building (Building a terrifying world) by Kevin J. AndersonSpeak The Writer’s Voice by Robert FordWriting for a Better World by Christopher GoldenShaping the Getting Things from Your Head to the Paper or on Screen. Interview with Steve Niles, Mick Garris, Heather Graham, Mark Savage, and Maria Alexander by Del HowisonOn Research by Bev VincentEditing Through Cutting and Stitching Stories by Jessica Marie BaumgartnerLeaping into the Abyss by Greg ChapmanEdit Your Anthology in Your Basement for Fun and Profit! . . . or Not by Tom MonteleoneWhen It’s Their Writing for the Themed Anthology by Lisa MortonRoundtable Interview by John PalisanoThe Tale of the Perfect Submissions by Jess LandryTurning the Next Getting Started with the Business of Writing by James Chambe

Genres: Horror, Nonfiction, Writing

427 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 13, 2018

About the author

Francis Paul Wilson is an author, born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He writes novels and short stories primarily in the science fiction and horror genres. His debut novel was Healer (1976). Wilson is also a part-time practicing family physician. He made his first sales in 1970 to Analog and continued to write science fiction throughout the seventies. In 1981 he ventured into the horror genre with the international bestseller, The Keep, and helped define the field throughout the rest of the decade. In the 1990s he became a true genre hopper, moving from science fiction to horror to medical thrillers and branching into interactive scripting for Disney Interactive and other multimedia companies. He, along with Matthew J. Costello, created and scripted FTL Newsfeed which ran daily on the Sci-Fi Channel from 1992-1996.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/fpaulw...

Reviews

[John J Questore · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, you say you want to be a writer. You have a great idea for a story – something that nobody will ever see coming. Pulitzer Prize for literature is eminent. You only have one problem; where to start. You head to your local bookstore (or library) to find “a” book on writing, only to find a plethora of titles. Some that revolve around inspiration, some that cover the technical aspects, and a few that offer some “insider” tips on getting your book out there. But there aren’t many that cover every aspect of the trade, from A to Z; and I don’t believe there are any that contain a compilation of advice by a multitude of talented authors who have been through the ringer, and come out on top.

That was until Joe Mynhardt and Eugene Johnson of Crystal Lake Publishing decided to come up with their Dream Weaver series. Last year they had a hit with “Where Nightmares Come From” (read my review on that one – better yet, just skip my review and read the book), and this year they hit it out of the park again with “It’s Alive: Bringing Your Nightmares to Life”.

What I love about this volume is the way it’s broken down in sections (I’ve added some of my highlights to give you an idea of the talent within):

1) Writing, Storytelling, and Horror, oh My – Here, experts like Gene O’Neil, Joe R. Lansdale, Todd Keisling, and Chuck Palahniuk take the time to give you a little insight on why and how an author writes, with an emphasis (obviously) on horror.

2) Learning some of the basics – How should I begin? This is what Richard Thomas, Tim Wagonner, and others cover. From outlines to techniques, you are afforded an indispensable toolbox (apologies Tim for stealing your verbiage) as to getting started.

3) Characterization – Let’s face it, two-dimensional characters will kill a story faster than George R. R. Martin kills characters. Who better to learn the ins-and-outs of character building from than F. Paul Wilson, Kealan Patrick Burke, Mercedes Yardley, Lisa Mannetti, and others?

4) Structure of the Plot – So, you’ve started your tale and built phenomenal characters, no what? Well, plot is a good idea, or else the characters will just stand around doing nothing. Tim Chizmar has an interview with the incomparable Clive Barker that is an experience in and of itself.

5) Writing Your World – As an old D&D Dungeon Master, I can tell you that building a world from the ground up is difficult, and you will get called out on inconsistencies. Join Mick Garris, Heather Graham, and others in a round-table discussion moderated by Del Howison.

6) The Nitty Gritty – In my humble opinion, this is one of the most important sections to this tome. You’ve finished your Great American Novel – but have you? The next step is what most authors hate, and that’s editing. Tom Monteleone, and Jessica Marie Baumgartner take you by the hand and tell it like it is. But you also have Bev Vincent explaining the benefit to research, Greg Chapman giving an eloquent background to his novel “Hollow House”, and great advice from Lisa Morton on how to write for a “themed-anthology”.

7) Now What – Last but not least are two pieces of fantastic advice from James Chambers, and Jess Landry about contracts and the submission process (side note, if you don’t laugh while reading Jess’ piece, you have absolutely NO sense of humor and need to stop following me since we can never be friends).

So there you have it. Let’s consider this one to be the next drawer in you HUGE Craftsman Toolchest of writing. If you even have an inkling to put pen to paper, you need to read these two books, before you dot another ‘i’ (as Ebenezer Scrooge said). The information contained come from people who have made it. They are published authors, who have paid their dues, made their mistakes, and are willing to impart with their knowledge so that you don’t have to go through what they did. The cost of these books is negligible compared to the priceless information contained within.

[Icy_Space_Cobwebs Join the Penguin Resistance! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of IT'S ALIVE: Bringing Your Nightmares to Life (The Dream Weaver series Book 2)

As a reader, writer, and reviewer, I constantly seek out whatever will improve my crafts. Crystal Lake Publishing offers some of the best collections on writing that I am aware of (and yes, reviewing is writing too!) In their newest offering, IT'S ALIVE: BRINGING YOUR NIGHTMARES TO LIFE, accomplished authors tell all you need to know about improving your craft and getting your story "out there" to readers. These are multiply-published authors who have been there and done it all, and they know whence they're coming from. IT'S ALIVE is the sequel to the equally outstanding WHERE THE NIGHTMARES COME FROM, and both volumes are an essential addition to any writer's library of reference and knowledge.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHOA! This is one of the best books on writing! Check out my full review here... https://horrornovelreviews.com/2018/1...

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What If? That's how this collection of essays opens. What if some of the best authors in the business decide to pass on their expertise to those following in their path? Answer: You get this book, an invaluable selection of hints, tips and sometimes, demands on everything from character creation to plotting to submission. For me, as well as the writing tips, I enjoyed the sections dealing with creating and editing anthologies and also how NOT to speak to an editor.

Advice is given and yes, some conflicts as writers have different methods, eg plot v character, one or two drafts or multiple. It's up to you to take what you want from this - or not, although there is one golden rule that ALL promote - show not tell.

With each essay, it was as if the author(s) were sat in the room with you, chatting about their craft as to an equal. All remember where they came from in writing terms, there is no superiority, no patronising or condescension. They are us and hopefully those who read this will one day become them.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

[DISCLAIMER:*** Review copy received from the publisher ***]
Crystal Lake Publishing has released a number of guides designed to help horror writers, including the Writers on Writing series, which spans multiple useful volumes. This tome features an impressive array of such horror storytellers as Jonathan Maberry, John Skipp, Joe R. Lansdale, and many more.

Overall, Crystal Lake Publishing has assembled an incredibly impressive array of helpful writing advice and guidance from a wide variety of some of the best and brightest writers in the horror genre.

[GracieKat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think Crystal Lake Publishing's Dream Weaver series (Ooooh, dream weaver, I believe you can get me through the niiiiight, um, ok, I'm done, sorry about that) is great. I really like non-fiction horror essays and reflections on the horror genre itself. It's also nice to see what horror industry insiders think from a variety of sources. I also read the first in the series - Where Nightmares Come From - and enjoyed it very much.

This is a more nuts and bolts approach to the genre with some of the top writers in the genre talking about the craft. It has a lot of tips and tricks for just about every aspect of writing and publishing that you can think of. There is also a lot of conflicting advice as well. Whether or not to outline is a good example. One writer says no, your story should be more organic. Another says to outline, it really helps. In other words, with this much information an aspiring writer (or someone looking for a skills brush up) can get a bit confused. It's probably best to not read straight through but piece by piece.

It's Alive has a bit of something for almost every type of writer (except for video game scripts, just sayin') such as writing for scripts and screenplays, short stories for themed anthologies, interviews with famous authors and editing.

Which brings us to the reason It's Alive is getting a three instead of a solid four stars (I'll explain the other minused star in a moment). There are far too many typos in It's Alive. It especially stands out in a book geared toward writers and their craft. It could lead a beginning writer to think that typos are acceptable in a completed work. It's not.

I think most writers will find something of value in here but unlike Where Nightmares Come From it could potentially put off a casual reader. Which is fine, there's no reason it shouldn't because it's all writing aids and advice so chances are you knew what you were getting into when you bought it. How entertaining it is really depends on which author is speaking to you. Some are more conversational and others made me look up far too many words to get through their chapter (looking at you F. Paul Wilson...). It's Alive could use another proofreading pass but I still recommend it. It was interesting and informative and I can't wait to see what is going to be coming out in this series in the future.

Received from the publisher for review consideration

For this and other reviews of books, movies and more check out https://www.scifiandscary.com/

[Karl Drinkwater · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot of useful information in here. Obviously, in a group effort, some chapters will be more useful than others. It also depends on what stage in their career the reader is at: this book is most useful for beginners, or people with a few stories under their belt and wanting to take it to the next level. The chapters cover many of the core aspects of writing and editing horror, and the advice is often useful to other genres.

There are a few typos (one chapter in particular had quite a lot, and there was weird formatting in the e-book where many titles were preceded by a comma, as if a comma of address had been applied to book titles e.g. "In, Rosemary’s Baby, for instance ..." "I watched a film called, Gentleman’s Agreement, starring Gregory Peck." etc). But for such a large book, it's easy to ignore a few issues like that.

Overall, if you want to write horror, you're bound to learn a lot of useful stuff from this comprehensive tome.

[David Thirteen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains a broad spectrum of essays on writing advice from a host of people in the field. Whether you’re a novice just getting started or an experienced pro there are sections in here that will teach you something new. The drawback of having such a wide range of topics and levels is that it’s unlikely a reader will find every article useful. In my case, there were some articles containing basic advice that I felt like I’d read many times before.

Although not strictly writing advice, the volume also contains a sprinkling of interviews. All of these were interesting and helped to refresh the palate between the essays. I’d recommend It’s Alive to any writer, although novice horror writers will likely get the most out of it.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far I've enjoyed both the Crystal Lake books on writing, this one, It's Alive: Bringing Your Nightmares to Life, and the other, Where Nightmares Come From. They're both written in a chatty style with lots of humor. Each chapter is written by a different author on a different subject. Although sold as a book on writing horror, most of it is geared to writing in general. Anybody interested in any kind of genre fiction would find interesting information. Instead of just do this, do this, do this, the book feels more like different writers sitting down with you and telling you how they do it. I almost felt like I knew the writers personally.

[Chris DiLeo · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a member of the Horror Writers Association, I received this as a complimentary copy to be considered for awards.

This is an astounding, invaluable collection of essays and interviews about all aspects of writing horror, from the short story to the feature-length film. I was highlighting something on every single page, and often several things per page.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who writes horror or is interested in giving it a shot.

[Gregory Freeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but....

Interesting but it is not a bounty of useful information for the aspiring writers who bought this book looking for inspiration. Most of these contributing authors I've never heard of but I was open to anything of value they had to say in terms of becoming a published author. Many of the entries are more biographical in nature and had very little to do with writing. It was a slog getting through these. I'd have look back on my highlighted passages and imagine that it was not a total waste of time. It was just disappointing.

[Barrita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Algunos de estos ensayos y guías para escribir terror son un poco obvios, pero algunas tienen una parte más práctica que es particularmente importante en este género: involucrar los sentimientos y la imaginación.

El horror es algo tan personal que se puede arruinar con una mala descripción o una escena descuidada. Como cualquier género, necesita momentos más ligeros y algo de humor para contrastar, pero la línea entre lo que brinda contrapeso a la oscuridad y lo que arruinar la atmósfera puede ser borrosa.

Además, algo que me gustó mucho es que en algunos puntos, particularmente en uno de los ensayos, se habla de cómo el terror y horror son frecuentemente usados como metáforas para grupos vulnerables y minorías, para los miedos y prejuicios que tenemos como sociedad (aunque nos guste pensar que son horrores inherentes a la humanidad en general).

Es, por lo tanto, una responsabilidad para las voces del género (y la audiencia, yo diría) escribir y leer con una visión de justicia que explore estos temas, realzando las voces que necesitan ser escuchadas.

Escogí este libro para ayudarme a ser una lectora más cuidadosa en el género, no para escribir porque no es algo que tenga en mente de manera inmediata. Sin embargo, creo que como reflexión me llevo la tarea de preguntarme porque algunas ideas me incomodan, me dan miedo o me persiguen.

Aunque es algo que intento hacer cada Barrifest del Terror, en esta ocasión identifiqué algunos elementos a los que normalmente no prestaba mucha atención y ahora quizá tenga en mente más frecuentemente.

Imagino que alguien que tenga interés en aprovechar los consejos para refinar su escritura puede encontrar mucha inspiración y uno que otro ejercicio útil. Personalmente, recomiendo más Wonderbook, aunque no está enfocado en horror solamente.

[Paul Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a total of 36 articles from genuine horror legends such as Clive Barker, Joe R. Lansdale, F. Paul Wilson, Mercedes Yardley and Ramsey Campbell, plus additional best-sellers such as Kevin J Anderson, this collection is absolutely packed with sage advice, witty commentary and plenty of motivation. If this doesn't get you up and writing better than you've ever done, nothing will.

Whilst there are plenty of books on writing great stories, this one puts horror front and centre. It is definitely not simply a book about writing. Almost every article is centred around horror, and even those that aren't specifically about the genre, such as Anderson's piece on world building, are very useful to the horror writer.

There are several formats of article, from straight essays to interviews to round-table discussions. This variety helps to keep things interesting and keeps you turning the pages as you try to absorb all the knowledge being presented. I haven't yet read the first book in the series, Where Nightmares Come From, but after reading this volume I'll be doing that very shortly.

If you've already won a Bram Stoker award, or hit the New York Times bestseller list, you probably don't need this book. For the rest of us though, Mynhardt and Johnson have put together an invaluable tome.

[Ben Bumpus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such good insight in a compact delivery. It's like going to a horror writers workshop virtually. The list of contributors is impressive and extensive. A must-read for aspiring writers, especially if your thing is scary stories. This is second in a series, both should be read but not necessarily in order.

[Stéphane · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s like watching the bonus dvd of your favorites horror books. Very insightful and entertaining “behind the scenes” from great horror authors. For wannabe writers, it’s priceless but it’s also very interesting for those who just want to have a peek at how things work. I loved it.

[Lyna M. Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some solid advice specific to horror, and also some general writing tips.

[Joseph Hirsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing, of almost any kind, is a solitary pursuit. And yet, except for the hardest of hardcore hermits, most writers benefit from sharing thoughts, ideas, experiences, and drinks with other writers at conventions or readings. Invitations to partake in such panels, workshops, and brainstorming sessions are usually limited to a small handful of big names, and even if you're just a fan in the crowd, you have a limited amount of time to ask your favorite writer your most burning questions (if you want to be respectful of their time).

"It's Alive: Bringing your Nightmares to Life" isn't quite as good as meeting Ramsey Campbell for a fireside chat in Liverpool, or hanging out with Horror Master Clive Barker at his home in Beverly Hills, but for those who want inspiration, practical advice, and hell, just the sense of camaraderie that comes with meeting with like minds, "It's Alive" foots the bill. It's not quite as good as the first book in the series, "Where Nightmares come from," but that one was a peerless work on the craft, and a frankly impossible act to follow.

Standouts in this volume include Ramsey Campbell's essay (once again) on conveying horror (a terror-centric variation on the old "show, don't tell theme") as well as F. Paul Wilson's masterful mini-course on characterization in close third person. The big surprise for me was Paul Moore's "Sell your script, Keep your Soul," about how to make a living without sealing a Faustian bargain in order to get your screenplay turned into a movie. I found it by far the most compelling piece in the book, and considering I'm not a screenwriter and have no desire to try my hand at the form, I suppose that's saying something.

That balance between the practical and creative in Moore's "Sell your Script" pretty much encapsulates what's best about "It's Alive." With the market being as glutted as it is, and self-publishing and the on-demand revolutions amping up the level of white noise, it's more important than ever to remember that being professional in one's dealings, and consistent in their craft, is just as important as finding inspiration or following one's passion. All in all "adequate, very adequate," if I may quote Vincent Prince as Matthew Hopkins in "Witchfinder General." With some illustrations.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection

There's a lot to be said for books about writing. And this is one of the books that does it right. The collection of essays, articles, and interviews give a variety of approaches to different aspects of genre writing. While it does leave you wanting more, what is there is amazing and very helpful.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource written by a host of well-established authors, editors and screenwriters. As a horror writer who has self-published over 15 books, I still found many gems in this volume that inspired and educated me.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4 stars.

A sequel and continuation of Where Nightmares Come From, featuring essays and interviews on writing in the horror genre. I enjoyed this and its predecessor, though both feel like a bit of a shotgun blast of essays and advice. With the benefit of hindsight, I'd treat this series as one you pick up every now and again to read another entry, rather than rushing through.