Emma Audsley

Reviewed by Carla Trueheart for Readers' Favorite

Horror 201: The Silver Scream has something for just about anyone who is interested in horror films. Included in the novel is an introduction about the history of horror films, which explains the universal relevance of horror films and why certain films do well in a certain time period. Also included is a handy breakdown of writing structure: establishment, animation, intensification, and resolution, advice for screenwriters (page count, editing, format, etc.), and even passages about music scores. The bulk of the novel is a broad Q&A with notable screenwriters and producers where they give further advice about horror movies and explain what works in film and what does not. Mentioned are the Halloween movies, Child’s Play, Stephen King movies, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and many, many others. Horror 201 is an invaluable resource for horror fans, screenwriters, and even fiction writers.


In addition to the history of horror films and the Q&A sessions with writers and producers, editors Joe Mynhardt and Emma Audsley have included a scary screenplay which should please horror fans (and sufficiently freak out the curious). While I enjoyed the Q&A and the writing information, the history of horror films was the most intriguing, as it broke down America’s obsession with films that reflect issues in society. All of this was highly informative and written quite well. I also can’t forget to mention the query to horror writers and producers: Which horror scene haunts you the most?


I highly recommend Horror 201: The Silver Scream to fans of horror movies, those interested in the mystery of making a movie, screenwriters, fiction writers, and anyone who just wants a good history lesson on horror films.… (meer)