“Wood’s scholarship is solid, her thinking is rich and her writing is deeply engaging and entertaining. The Horror Aesthetic is a must read for writers and teachers of horror, writing, and literature.”

Kate Maruyama, author of The Collective, Bleak Houses, and Harrowgate.

“Horror Aesthetic is an insightful exploration of the shadows that lurk within the human mind and in the horror genre. With a keen eye, L. Marie Wood delves into the heart of darkness, revealing the tremendous contributions of Black writers in the field. Her essays are a stark, unflinching examination of why horror is a necessary, powerful imaginative and creative force and how it reflects and informs our society and our unpacked, unhealed traumas. Wood offers perspectives on familiar frights and speculates on possible futures. This is a book not only for casual fans of horror but for those who study it as well. Illuminating and revelatory, Wood has offered an important new volume in a growing area of exploration.”

Sheree Renée Thomas, Three-time World Fantasy Award winner and author of Nine Bar Blues: Stories from an Ancient Future, Sleeping Under the Tree of Life, editor of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, and associate editor of Obsidian

“A thoughtful and engrossing examination of horror fiction’s enduring popularity and place in society. Absolutely essential reading for fans and scholars alike.”

Brian Keene, Bestselling author

“L. Marie Wood’s knowledge of all things horror is broad and wide—as is her love for the genre. Her powerful essays in The Horror Aesthetic combine scholarship with both wisdom and heart to shine a light on how horror works and, more importantly, why it matters. A terrific addition to any horror-lover’s bookshelf!”
        

    Wendy N. Wagner, editor-in-chief at nightmare magazine, author of Girl in the Creek and The Deer Kings.

“A manual. A grimoire. A sharp deconstruction. L. Marie Wood is a brilliant academic, and this collection of essays—short, focused, enlightening—is her best work yet. A must for those interested in the genre and an invaluable document about race and horror. Read it.”

Gabino Iglesias, author of House of Bone and Rain

“L. Marie Wood gifted the world with a one book, MFA specializing in horror with her foundational non-fiction work, About Horror: The Study and Craft. With the publication of The Horror Aesthetic: Essays from the Dark Corners of the Genre, she provides necessary continuing education for writers beyond the initial stages of learning the craft of horror, as well as for fans of the genre who are interested in the history and evolution of horror genre elements. These insightful essays fill the void many writers experience while working towards developing their own writing brand and voice. The works also introduce thought-provoking prompts for examining nuance within the genre. Wood speaks directly to the gamut of creatives in this purgatorial stage between learning the craft and leaning into ones’ unique, direct contributions to the genre. Astute, relatable, and well-cited, The Horror Aesthetic: Essays from the Dark Corners of the Genre shows Wood’s voice will remain one of those most necessary in shaping and growing horror well into the genre’s future.”

RJ Joseph, author of Hell Hath No Sorrow like a Woman Haunted

“A master class in the Horror genre from one of its finest scholars and practitioners.”

Tim Waggoner, author of Writing in the Dark