The Horror Writers Association (HWA) can help authors not only with their determination to produce an effective work, but encourage them to take risks and examine approaches to techniques with encouragement coming from masters of the field such as HWA member Stephen King.

Horror writers have a difficult task. In order to accomplish their goals—to scare people—they must incorporate all other genres into their narratives. For instance in order to suspend a reader’s beliefs, a horror novelist will use elements of romance, mystery and drama into a character’s story. A romance novel need not require the spice of horror to gratify its readers, neither does a dramatic piece nor a comedic one.  But the burden of a horror writer is to explore human nature and adjust it believably to give credence to the characters living inside it.

Through the centuries there have been many names that are synonymous with horror: Mary Shelly, Bram Stoker and Edgar Allen Poe. Today, with the help of technology, many writers can publish works on their own, create blogs or post in social media. But there is one organization that is committed to bringing excellence into the world of horror literature no matter what medium a writer wishes to display his or her talents.

The Horror Writers Association (HWA) is a non-profit organization that encourages writers to explore their interests, hone their craft and publish their works. With over 1200 members, this group encourages and affords authors and readers to connect with their dark sides and express them by way of good storytelling.

In 1985, Dean Koontz, Robert McCammon and Joe Lansdale created the HWA, forever giving horror writers a place to connect, share their works with others who seek to do the same.

In an exclusive interview with iHorror.com, Lisa Morton, Vice President of HWA, says that the non-profit organization places a lot of effort not only on existing authors and works, but also those that are interested in the genre.

“In addition to its primary goal of promoting the horror genre,” she says, “it also offers many other programs and services, including writing scholarships, library outreach, mentoring for new writers, hardship loans for established writers who need a helping hand, and much more.”

Morton also explains that some authors can submit works for consideration into the HWA’s published works, “For its writing members, HWA offers numerous ways to promote new releases, and also offers members the chance to be included in exclusive anthologies – we just, for example, announced our upcoming Young Adult anthology SCARY OUT THERE, to be published by Simon and Schuster, and we’re now accepting members’ submissions for that book,” she says.

In the 1980’s, horror literature exploded across the market. Horror writers such as Stephen King, Peter Straub and Clive Barker; all HWA members, filled bookstore shelves with bestsellers. It was then that modern horror literature was accepted as more mainstream, and a lucrative market was born.  “While I’m not sure HWA can claim to have been a real influence on the genre, there’s no question that HWA has had a major impact on the careers of many popular horror authors who have shaped the genre.” Morton told iHorror.

Anybody with an interest in the genre can join the HWA. There are different levels of membership, active or supportive, but the benefits that come with being a member at any level are worth the cost. Morton encourages writers who may not truly understand the power of their gift to join HWA.

“All members receive our fantastic monthly newsletter, may recommend works for the Bram Stoker Award, and may submit to our various publications (which also include things like our highly-publicized seasonal “Halloween Haunts” blog). In addition, Active members may vote on the Bram Stoker Awards or serve on award juries, receive assistance in resolving publishing disputes from our Grievance Committee, or serve as officers in the organization. For more information on joining, please visit https://www.horror.org .”

The Bram Stoker award is given out to an exceptional pieces of work each year as voted upon by the Association in specific divisions. Morton explains: “They’re currently handed out in eleven different categories – including First Novel, Screenplay, and Graphic Novel – and are presented at a gala banquet held in a different city each year (they’re also streamed live online). A work may appear on the preliminary ballot by either receiving member recommendations or being chosen by a jury, and HWA’s Active members then vote to select the nominees and, finally, the winners.”

Horror writers are committed to their craft because it allows them to tap into the darkest natures of the human spirit. Creating worlds of terror and uncertainty are places that readers can go, but know they will emerge unharmed and satisfied. The HWA can be a support system that embraces a writer’s potential without prejudice, and therefore feel free to manipulate their created world in which a reader might become uncomfortable. “Horror is primal and intense. It forces us to peer into our darkest corners, and yet allows us to return safely. The 19th century Gothic writers believed horror (or, as they referred to it, terror) could even provide a transcendent experience.”

As for the future of the HWA, there are many plans to continue the support of horror writers and their craft. The Association is looking to produce local chapters, and from there work to reaching to social networks and other forms of media.

“We have several big goals we’re working on right now,“ Morton says, “one is to organize regional chapters for all of our members – chapters in Toronto, Los Angeles, and New York have proven how effective our members can be when they participate in local activities. Another major goal is publicity – for the first time we have a team of hard-working pros who are exploring new ways to promote the genre and HWA. Our “Horror Selfies” campaign – which has generated literally millions of hits on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and our own websites – is just the tip of the iceberg. And we want to continue to expand our scholarship offerings and our involvement in literacy programs.”

Through the centuries, the horror genre has transformed and grown in many different directions, from poetry to graphic novels, from plays to motion pictures. The HWA embraces those artists that wish to seek out an avenue for their works and understands that any one or more of those budding writers could quite possibly become the next major contributor to the genre.