It's Alive: Bringing Your Nightmares to Life (The Dream Weaver Books on Writing Fiction Book 2)

Writing, of almost any kind, is a solitary pursuit. And yet, except for the hardest of hardcore hermits, most writers benefit from sharing thoughts, ideas, experiences, and drinks with other writers at conventions or readings. Invitations to partake in such panels, workshops, and brainstorming sessions are usually limited to a small handful of big names, and even if you're just a fan in the crowd, you have a limited amount of time to ask your favorite writer your most burning questions (if you want to be respectful of their time)."It's Alive: Bringing your Nightmares to Life" isn't quite as good as meeting Ramsey Campbell for a fireside chat in Liverpool, or hanging out with Horror Master Clive Barker at his home in Beverly Hills, but for those who want inspiration, practical advice, and hell, just the sense of camaraderie that comes with meeting with like minds, "It's Alive" foots the bill. It's not quite as good as the first book in the series, "Where Nightmares come from," but that one was a peerless work on the craft, and a frankly impossible act to follow.Standouts in this volume include Ramsey Campbell's essay (once again) on conveying horror (a terror-centric variation on the old "show, don't tell theme") as well as F. Paul Wilson's masterful mini-course on characterization in close third person. The big surprise for me was Paul Moore's "Sell your script, Keep your Soul," about how to make a living without sealing a Faustian bargain in order to get your screenplay turned into a movie. I found it by far the most compelling piece in the book, and considering I'm not a screenwriter and have no desire to try my hand at the form, I suppose that's saying something.That balance between the practical and creative in Moore's "Sell your Script" pretty much encapsulates what's best about "It's Alive." With the market being as glutted as it is, and self-publishing and the on-demand revolutions amping up the level of white noise, it's more important than ever to remember that being professional in one's dealings, and consistent in their craft, is just as important as finding inspiration or following one's passion. All in all "adequate, very adequate," if I may quote Vincent Prince as Matthew Hopkins in "Witchfinder General." With some illustrations.

I bought the first Where Nightmares Come From and really enjoyed it, so I had high hopes for the sequel and I'm happy to say, it did not disappoint! It's mostly a collection of stories and essays from some of he biggest names in horror on how they do what they do. Most of the stories are very informative, but I was surprised at how entertaining they were. I recommend the book if you're interested in writing or the creative process. Or if you're just interested in hearing what some of the best writers in the industry have to say about their craft. Fun and educational. Highly recommended.

There's a lot to be said for books about writing. And this is one of the books that does it right. The collection of essays, articles, and interviews give a variety of approaches to different aspects of genre writing. While it does leave you wanting more, what is there is amazing and very helpful.

As soon as I was able to read IT"S ALIVE I jumped right in. It is prefect for anyone that is interested in writing with articles by Joe and Kasey Lansdale, Elizabeth Massie, Christopher Golden, F. Paul Wilson and so many more. My favorite so far is Jonathan Maberry's. A must have!

It's always good to hear from others peers in your chosen genre. In this case horror. It provides plenty of insight for beginners. If you've been around the track a few times, I'd say you've heard it all before. More for authors, tho there is a chapter for screenwriters, it's never enough.

Chock full of advice, this book is both entertaining and intriguing. Bring your notepad, you’ll wanna take notes.

Amazing essays from wonderful authors. You can't miss this content. Thanks for putting this book together.

Great book. Lots of writing lessons. I’m proud to be in it having interviewed Clive Barker.