Children’s book writers and illustrators have SCBWI, authors of romance books join The Romance Writers of America, mystery writers belong to The Mystery Writers of America and, thanks to author Robert R. McCammon’s vision, horror fiction writers can become members of the Horror Writers Association.
History of HWA, the Horror Writers Association
The idea for an organization devoted to those who work in the horror fiction genre was first floated in 1984 in an interview McCammon gave to Publisher’s Weekly. According to the Horror Writers Association website, McCammon “expressed his desire for a professional organization specifically geared to the needs of fellow writers of fear.” McCammon recognized a niche and over time, as the organization took root and then flourished, that niche was filled.
Well known horror author Dean Koontz was named the first president of the Horror Writer’s Association and soon the organization boasted as members the brightest and best writers in the field of horror fiction; authors like Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Clive Barker and Peter Straub to name just a handful. Each year, at its national conference, the HWA names the winner of the Bram Stoker Awards, presented annually for superior achievements in horror writing.
Horror Writers Organizations World Wide
The Horror Writers Association is by far the largest and most well recognized group dedicated to horror writers but there are other less well known, smaller organizations as well. A partial overview includes:
- The Southern Horror Writers Association: According to their website, The Southern Horror Writers Association’s goal is, “to lend a hand to the fresh voices in the field of suspense thrillers and the supernatural.” One way they fulfill this goal is through their horror publication, Southern Gravediggers Magazine, which is open for submissions.
- The Australian Horror Writers Association: Incorporated in 2005, this organization “aims to become the first point of reference for writers and fans of the dark side of literature in Australia.”
- Garden State Horror Writers: Located in New Jersey, the GSHW describes itself as “a mult-genre writers group catering to the needs of writers from all walks of life." Among other things, the association sponsors short story contests and workshops, and publishes a monthly newsletter titled The New Jersey Graveline.
- Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers: Based in Michigan, this organization lives up to its motto “Don’t be Afraid, be Terrrified.” They offer to members a newsletter, The Ghostwriter, a magazine open to submissions, Ghostlight Magazine, and numerous events like an annual Halloween fundraiser.
- Adamastor Writers Guild: Its website describes the guild as “dedicated to improving the quality of fantasy, science fiction, and horror writing in Cape Town and the rest of South Africa.”
This is a small sampling of the societies, guilds, organizations and clubs devoted to all aspects of the horror fiction genre. Whether the budding writer fancies himself the next Stephen King or Anne Rice, with a few mouse clicks he can find the perfect writers group for him.
