04-28-2008, 01:05 AM
After months and months of thinking about this definition, I think that there are still "horror gothic" romances being written, such as Laurell Hamilton's Anita Blake books. But those are pretty graphic romances and may not be to everyone's tastes. And they are pretty bloody.
In general, I think horror gothic is different than horror in that it is very much a mood piece. Setting, atmosphere, history, can all play a role. A horror novel can just involve an axe-wielding maniac or serial killer and little else.
Horror gothic is more psychological and character-driven too. There is often a mystery involved. Horror gothic is also less sadistic although there may be other, non-physical horrors involved.
In general, I think horror gothic is different than horror in that it is very much a mood piece. Setting, atmosphere, history, can all play a role. A horror novel can just involve an axe-wielding maniac or serial killer and little else.
Horror gothic is more psychological and character-driven too. There is often a mystery involved. Horror gothic is also less sadistic although there may be other, non-physical horrors involved.