Weekend Reading Assignment
I was scrolling through the “Under $4.99” section on Apple Books because I was broke and running out of reading material when I came across one that had “Stoker Award Nominated” in the description.
As a horror writer and editor, I quickly purchased it. (AND SO CAN YOU)
Curious, I googled the name of the author, Chuck Tingle. Looking at some of his previous titles, I found myself asking what the hell have I gotten myself into?
Still, I decided to read it, because anything written by a guy in a pink mask is certain to be interesting.
And it was.
Conversion therapy is a hot topic in America these days (because there are some who think it’s a good idea, not inhumane torture), and Tingle’s take on it is both insightful and horrific. Getting to know Rose was a pleasure, because she resembled someone out of my past who was in a similar situation but unable to break free. All in all, a powerful work from Tingle.
Now, what can you take away from it?
1. The Better Your Knowledge, the Better Your Story.
I feel like I spend a lot of time talking about this, but it’s true. Knowing your subject is critical to writing a good book. In this case, Tingle nails the details of his cult by basing it on scriptures, teachings, and actions anyone who has been tied up in a hyper-religious environment will recognize.
Write What You Know may seem overused as writing advice, but it’s vital to succeeding as an author. If you don’t know your world, you can’t draw your readers into it.
2. There’s Nothing Wrong With Starting the Horror Early
Tingle doesn’t hold back, sprinkling horror throughout the book even as he builds the story. Some authors prefer slow starts with hints and clues at what’s coming before dropping the horror on you all at once, and that can be great at times, but here I like the way Tingle makes the horror immediate and obvious. This is a horror novel, and you will know it soon after picking up the book.
3. Bookshops are Great Settings
This one’s personal, but I love when novels have scenes in bookstores. There’s just something cozy and familiar about the environment that feels comfortable, and it makes me happy as a reader.