About Shadows & Ink: Mastering the Art of Horror Writing and Publishing
From the Bram Stoker-award-winning editor, publisher, and CEO of Crystal Lake Entertainment…
Dive into the dark and thrilling world of horror writing with Shadows & Ink, a comprehensive guide designed to transform your chilling tales into masterpieces that captivate and terrify. Authored by a seasoned and award-winning publisher/editor in the genre, this book is your gateway to crafting stories that linger in the minds and nightmares of your audience.
Shadows & Ink is more than just a writing manual. It’s a call to the storytellers who dare to explore the shadowy realms of horror and dark fiction. Whether you’re a budding writer or a seasoned author, this book is crafted to serve your creative spirit with the tools, techniques, and insights needed to bring your most haunting narratives to life.
Shadows & Ink contains contributions by Graham Masterton, Scott Nicholson, Lucy A. Snyder, Lisa Morton, Elizabeth Massie, and other genre veterans.
In this book, you’ll discover the intricate layers that form the foundation of horror writing. From the history and sub-genres of horror to the key elements that make a story genuinely terrifying, Shadows & Ink covers it all.
Delve into advanced techniques like Red Herrings, Chekhov’s Gun, Foreshadowing, and the art of the MacGuffin. Explore the nuances of crafting an unreliable narrator, mastering plotting devices, and the effective use of Jump Scares in literature.
But Shadows & Ink goes beyond the basics. It guides you through the art of character development, creating multi-dimensional characters that resonate with readers. Learn how to build tension-filled settings and atmospheres, and master the use of descriptions and metaphors to paint a vivid picture of terror.
Shadows & Ink also addresses the writer’s life, discussing the ups and downs of being an author. It provides practical advice on establishing a writing foundation, branding, marketing, and promotion. Learn the ins and outs of social media, book launches, time management, and building a support system.
This book is not just about writing. It’s about creating a career in the horror genre. It discusses ethical considerations, responsible storytelling, and healthy writing habits. Shadows & Ink is your companion in the journey of writing horror, offering a blend of practical advice, inspirational guidance, and industry insights.
Shadows & Ink is a movement that goes beyond just a book. It includes a podcast and Heartbeat community for horror authors. Shadows & Ink is about finding your voice, embracing your calling as a horror writer, and crafting stories that not only entertain but resonate with the deepest fears and fascinations of your readers.
Grab your copy today and step into the thrilling world of horror writing!
Buy The Book Here
Learn More About The Author
Joe Mynhardt stands as a paragon in the horror literary world, a Bram Stoker Award-winning South African publisher, editor, and mentor with over a decade of experience. As the founder and CEO of Crystal Lake Entertainment, Joe has transformed a humble 2012 startup into a multifaceted Intellectual Property powerhouse. Under his visionary leadership, Crystal Lake Publishing has become just one of the many thriving divisions of his company.
With a track record of working with and publishing works by luminaries such as Neil Gaiman, Clive Barker, Stephen King, Charlaine Harris, Ramsey Campbell, John Connolly, Jack Ketchum, Jonathan Maberry, Christopher Golden, Graham Masterton, Damien Angelica Walters, Adam Nevill, Lisa Morton, Elizabeth Massie, Joe R. Lansdale, Edward Lee, Paul Tremblay, and Wes Craven, Joe is the quintessential mentor for aspiring horror authors. His deep industry insights and extensive network place him in a unique position to guide both new and seasoned writers in the genre.
Joe’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering author careers is at the heart of Crystal Lake Entertainment’s ethos. His approach is not just about publishing books; it’s about building a community, sharing knowledge, and being a beacon of friendship and guidance in the often intimidating world of horror writing.
Since leaving his day job in 2016 to focus full-time on his passion, Joe has also excelled as a work-from-home dad, a role he embraced in 2018. His daughter, Cayleigh, named after his childhood influences Bruce Lee and Stan Lee, is a testament to his belief in the power of storytelling across all mediums. Joe’s love for great narratives extends beyond literature, encompassing comics, games, film, and television, with favorites ranging from Poe, Doyle, and Lovecraft to King, Connolly, and Gaiman.
Joe Mynhardt isn’t just a figure in the horror industry—he’s a driving force behind it, leading a successful online business that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of publishing. Discover more about Joe’s journey on Facebook or Patreon, where he continues to inspire and lead the next generation of horror storytellers.