In any writing genre it is important to have a distinct, clear voice. This is especially true in horror, where the desired effect the writer wishes to produce in the reader is greatly dependent upon setting a specific mood. Both Poe and Lovecraft had exceptionally distinct voices and their works are remembered 79 years after the death of Lovecraft and 167 after the death of Poe.

Today I am just toying with posting from my iPhone.

As you know, I like to delve into the history and development of the horror genre.  I believe the greatest and most influential writers of horror since its origins as gothic literature are Poe, Lovecraft, King, and Barker. I think of these as the four horsemen of horror.  I think the reasons for my selections are obvious (if you are familiar with the works of each) and today I have little time to expound on the reasons behind each, so I will leave it at that.  I hope to write more on this topic at a later date

No, I haven’t read many of current horror writers. I am woefully behind in that.  I definitely want to read Ramsey Campbell and Neil Gaiman at the first opportunity,  but my reading list is quite extensive and, with my current schedule,  I find it hard to sit down for very long.