The purpose of this thread is to simply share with one another some of our dark literary heroes, in celebration of their works and talents, and with the intent to educate.
Who are your favorite horror/dark/strange fiction authors? Which stories/novels of these authors do you most resonate with?
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Some of my favorite authors include:
Harlan Ellison. Not only was he a genius writer, the man himself was greatly entertaining. I highly recommend the documentary, "Dreams With Sharp Teeth", for folks wanting to know more about him, or to check out some of his many interviews on YouTube.
Some of my favorite stories from Ellison include: "'Repent, Harlequin!' said the Ticktockman", "I Have No Mouth, And I Must Scream" and "A Boy and His Dog".
Jack Ketchum. His novel, "The Girl Next Door", is perhaps the most disturbing book I've ever read. Yet one just can't help themselves from turning the pages. The book dares you to continue reading, and you just can't pass up that dare. His novel, "Red", is also heartfelt and fantastic.
Joe Lansdale. I've not read even close to all of his work, but the few that I have read, have had a tremendous impact upon me. "High Cotton: Selected Tales" and "Edge of Dark Water" are both amazing books.
Neil Gaiman. "Smoke and Mirrors" and "The Ocean at the End of the Lane" are two favorites of mine.
Stephen King. Like many of us, he got me when I was young. "Pet Sematary" influenced me greatly as a teenager, and I ended up reading it a few times. Some other favorites of mine include his short story collections, "Night Shift", "Four After Midnight", and "After Sunset". As for novels, "Salem's Lot", "The Shining", "Duma Key", and "11/22/63" are very memorable. Of course, he's so prolific, that this list could be extended a few pages...
HP Lovecraft. He had his limitations as a writer, but there's no doubting that he wrote stories which are timeless and eerie and cosmic. "The Rats in the Walls" is currently my favorite story of his.
Edgar Allan Poe. Simply, Poe is the man, and America is a better place just for him having been in it (Yes, I've just said that). Such stories as, "The Black Cat", "The Cask of Amontillado", "The Tell-Tale Heart", "The Case of the Rue Morgue" present dark visual worlds which the reader is likely not to forget.
Joe Hill. "Horns" and "NOS4A2" are spectacular, as is "Strange Weather: Four Short Novels". Joe is one hell of a great writer and I always pay attention when he has a new book out.
Ray Bradbury. The man wrote prose that was eloquent and poetic and nothing short of beautiful. "The Martian Chroncles" and "Something Wicked This Way Comes" are personal favorites of mine.
I'll stop there! But I could on, and on, and on.
