: Re: What are the Criteria that Distinguish a Thriller from Horror? The criteria that come to mind are not exclusive to horror novels, so I'm a little confused and annoyed (annoyed because I find
(This is better now that it's been edited...)
It may sound odd, but I think the main criterion is how the story treats death.
If death is one possible threat among many (being captured, being tortured, the macguffin falling to the enemy, blackmail, heartbreak, public exposure, humiliation, political scandal, strategic losses, military losses, code being broken, plague being released), I'd call it a thriller.
If death or near-fatal injury is the main threat (nurse threatening to chop off feet, having to cut off your hand to get out of a bear trap, running through the woods to get away from chainsaw-wielding maniac, serial killer, rabid dog trying to break into car, psychotic supernatural clown drowning you in sewer), I'd call it horror.
More posts by @Carla500
: If you're concerned about too many accidents, then try to find a way to add some purpose to some of them. 1) It's doubtful that you can find a way for a comet to land in someone's garden
: Many of the original Grimm and Andersen fairytales had tragic elements in their endings. The Little Mermaid got legs, but every step felt like walking on broken glass, and she doesn't win
Terms of Use Privacy policy Contact About Cancellation policy © selfpublishingguru.com2024 All Rights reserved.