Tananarive Due

Writing Horror That Kills

Thursday, Dec 18, 2025, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

This course will examine how to create effective horror fiction—prose and scripts—by amplifying characterization and theme in addition to “horror” scares. The instructor will discuss why horror is so effective in healing trauma and confronting social issues. The instructor will also break down break down horror films and stories with strong themes and characters, with particular attention to how to interweave true-life trauma, character histories and impactful themes to amplify traditional horror premises, i.e. hauntings, demons, zombies and monsters.

Required Reading (in Reader):

“Rumpus Room” (Tananarive Due) – included in reader with The Wishing Pool: Stories.(Page 132)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ja5FUos4xLAla2f3ABkwLWHSuH9x-IrI/view?usp=drive_link