May 17, 2006

I never wanted to be turned into the freak of the week

Quick poll:

I set out to write a Lovecraftian children's horror novel. What I've written so far could not possibly be published as a novel for children.

No matter what I decide to do, a major rewrite is necessary.

Knowing only this, please leave a comment choosing one of the following two options:

1/ Re-write it as a grown-up horror novel
2/ Re-write it as a children's horror novel

I'll probably ignore the poll results, but it'd be interesting to know what people think. And no, I won't tell you anything else about it at this stage.

Posted by pearce at May 17, 2006 12:49 PM
Comments

option 2. and don't molly-coddle. children can handle a good bit of fear and blood.

Posted by: scott a at May 17, 2006 2:13 PM

Definatly option 2 - and I will echo Scott in saying that don't dumb it down, kids love a good fright and they're more resilliant than we expect.

Posted by: Scott C at May 17, 2006 2:59 PM

...option 2.

Although it'll be a tough sell, not to kids, but to publishers.

Option 2 anyway.

Posted by: morgue at May 17, 2006 9:47 PM

I too choose option two. Then I might understand it.

Posted by: James McM at May 18, 2006 11:42 AM

option 2. i am *so* over grown up books.

Posted by: homeperm at May 19, 2006 12:13 PM

Option non: ignore false binaries! Write a children's adult's horror novel. Or an adult's children's horror novel.

Watership Down (the film) got a G rating because it was an animated film about rabbits. Duh! Now *that* was a children's adult's horror movie. Or an adult's children's horror movie. Jesus.

Posted by: Andrew at May 20, 2006 10:01 AM