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Writing Bloody- J Horror

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I am a complete J-Horror novice, but as a horror writer I’m always researching the craft of writing. Finding out how others write and reading their advice helps to make you a better writer. So when we began talking about J-Horror, the first thing I did was research what the heck that meant. Now? I want to know what the differences and similarities are in writing.

There are quite a few posts coming up this month by my friends who know a lot about J-Horror, so stay tuned for more fun! For now, here’s my simple take on J-Horror writing vs. Western novels…

Traditional Folklore and Culture

Many J-Horror novels and movies are based on folklore or stories told; typically they involve ghosts and beings that can be called to you by repeating a saying.

Action/Reaction

This sounds so simple, but nothing is ever as simple as it seems. J-Horror plots become twisted and complex, but for the most part the entire plot is based around a character doing something and what happens because of this. There isn’t always a moral end to the story or a crazy twist.

Four Act Plot Structure

Unlike the three act plot structure of Western novels (exposition, rising action, resolution), J-Horror sticks to one that has four acts (intro., development, twist, conclusion). This type of plot is called, Kishōtenketsu.

References
https://www.tofugu.com/japan/japanese-horror-structure/
http://mythicscribes.com
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-act_structure
http://idn.wakuwakujapan.tv/en/special/j-horror
  • secorerica
    July 6, 2016

    I’m in the same place, but will start with these resources. Thanks!

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