by Laura Crum
Not
too long ago I read a very gripping story about a “horse wreck”. I was riveted
to the page (or screen), as was everyone else, judging by the comments. When I
was done, I shook my head. Why is it we all like these horror stories?
Anybody
remember that scene where the truck hits the horse and rider at the beginning
of “The Horse Whisperer”? That scene hooked readers on the book. Same
principle. People are drawn to the horrifying. Why do we stare as we pass
traffic accidents? Why do we have an insatiable love for “thrillers” that
feature everything from serial killers to national disasters to pedophiles? Why
do we just love to read about the horrors that have happened to others?
Whatever the reason is, a great many authors have totally cleaned up exploiting
this principle.
Now,
I have a confession to make. I cannot write this kind of thing. Though my books
are mysteries, most of the actual violence either happens “offscreen” or is not
“graphically described”. Has this helped with my success as a mystery author?
No, I can’t say that it has. Does it make me a better writer than those who
stoop to using that kneejerk, keep-em-on-the-edge-of-their-seats horror reflex?
Not really. I’m not particularly admiring of that device, but I admit that it
can be well done. The truth is I’m just repulsed at the thought of writing this
stuff.
I
don’t want to write of some of the dreadful things I’ve seen happen in the
horse world, of the panic and pain and blood and grief. I don’t want to go into
an intimate description of the darkness of doomed horses, though I try to
describe their plight in a way that lets a reader see the true picture. I just
don’t force the reader to stare hard. Does this make me a wimp? Maybe.
I
guess I could tell horse stories of the training wrecks I’ve seen, and I have
done this occasionally. But I do it to make a point, not to get the reader
gripped by the violence of the situation. Those of us who have been in the
horse biz a long time have seen many violent things involving horses. They do
make gripping stories. But for me, that cheap knee jerk reaction of feeling
gripped by the horror of it all always leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I’d
rather read writing that told a simpler, cleaner tale.
I’m
not advocating dodging reality—those of you who have read my books know that I
directly confront the issue of mortality—both for us and our horses. But I
don’t spend a lot of time wallowing in violent images. No doubt my books would
be more popular if I did, judging by what sells. This just isn’t a path I chose
to follow. Nor did I care to create a “super human” persona who can conquer in
all sorts of outlandish situations—another thing that sells. I tried to keep my
protagonist believable and based most of her experiences on things I have
actually done.
So
the next time I start reading a book or a blog post where it seems to me the
writer is just jerking my “horror reflex” with her violent/dark stories, I’m
going to close that book, and/or click on the little “X” in the corner. Cause
life is too short to spend my time hooked on horror. How about you? Do you love
those violent stories we see everywhere? Or are you, like me, a bit repulsed by
them?
