Writers of Fear: How History and Beliefs Shape Horror Stories

Horror stories often draw from deep wells of history and belief. This is the focus of an upcoming exhibit at the American Writers Museum in Chicago. The exhibit, titled "American Prophets: Writers, Religion and Culture, " opens on November 21. It explores how these elements shape the work of horror writers. The museum recently hosted a panel at the University of Chicago Divinity School. Three award-winning horror authors shared their experiences and inspirations. Matt Ruff, Tananarive Due, and Juan Martinez were the featured authors. Each brought a unique perspective to the discussion. Matt Ruff, known for "Lovecraft Country, " shared his journey. He originally wrote the story as a TV series but turned it into a novel. His inspiration came from "The X-Files, " but with a twist. Instead of white FBI agents, he focused on a Black family in the 1950s. The story revolves around a travel agency and a fictional guidebook called "The Safe Negro Travel Guide. " This guidebook was inspired by the real "Negro Motorist Green Book, " which listed safe places for African American travelers during the Jim Crow era. Ruff's story contrasts paranormal horror with the everyday horrors of racism. One character, Atticus, navigates both the supernatural and the realities of life in the Jim Crow era. TV producers initially rejected Ruff's pitch, saying viewers wouldn't want to discuss racism weekly. This led him to turn the story into a novel. Juan Martinez, author of "Extended Stay, " found inspiration in his own life. As a teenager, he faced a serious illness that left him bedridden for a year. During this time, he turned to horror books for comfort. He found that horror provided a safe way to deal with difficult emotions. Martinez now teaches creative writing at Northwestern University. He is working on his second horror novel, continuing to explore the genre's unique storytelling techniques. Tananarive Due, author of "The Good House, " also looks to the past for inspiration. Her novel tells the story of Angela, who discovers her family's tragic losses. Angela's journey involves understanding her grandmother's "healing magic" and the traditions of vodou. Due's work highlights the dangers of hubris and the importance of understanding one's roots. The American Writers Museum will host several events leading up to the exhibit's opening. These include author discussions and a "Houses of Horror" museum tour on Halloween. The exhibit promises to be a fascinating look at how history, belief, and culture shape the world of horror writing.