Horror Aficionados discussion

Hi, i have 6 extreme horror short stories published and am nearly finished with my first full length novel. It centers around child abduction and torture (no sexual content at all) but am now concerned that it may be too extreme. What are peoples opinions? Is anything off limits with extreme horror? This question does not apply to the book mentioned above. Thanks

I think that’s the point of extreme horror

I would just say to keep an eye on obscenity laws wherever you are, and the specific rules for whatever media you're using to sell your books. But in terms of readership, just make it clear what kind of thing you're selling, and you should be fine. Everyone has their own personal off limits things, but as Terri said, extreme horror is about pushing the limits.

Thanks for replying.
Thats pretty much what i thought but just wanted to check

The more gore and extreme, the better.

BUT.........

I know I will draw a line at animal cruelty / death, especial if it is a pet. do whatever you want with the people.... turn them in to BBQ, hang their entrails on a cloths line, force them to watch Friends on a never ending loop, whateves, but don't kill that pet dog / cat / bunny / fish / *fill in the blank* .... I have even stopped reading and gotten rid of the book if it has too much animal death in it.

Ami wrote: "The more gore and extreme, the better.

BUT.........

I know I will draw a line at animal cruelty / death, especial if it is a pet. do whatever you want with the people.... turn them in to BBQ, ha..."

Likewise!

I'm a firm supporter of free speech, so I think nothing should be off-limits, but the more extreme you get, the more people you'll lose, and you do have to keep an eye on obscenity charges.
I'm currently working on a novel; a dog dies in the first chapter, twin baby boys in the third. The deaths are "off-screen", but I know a lot of people won't like it.

I think so long as you do a controversial subject with ambiguity, sincerity, and respect you should at the very least be heard.

If you have to think about it more than once than perhaps you shouldn't "go there". If I write something whether it's a crazy horrific moment in a book or just a juicy statement on social media if I second guess it then I don't hit enter or submit. Its not just that I'm afraid of getting in trouble or upsetting people but let's be honest..society has become way too PG and PC so sometimes we stop ourselves or don't write that over the top line simply just to not step on people's toes.

Ami wrote: "The more gore and extreme, the better.

BUT.........

I know I will draw a line at animal cruelty / death, especial if it is a pet. do whatever you want with the people.... turn them in to BBQ, ha..."

Amen sister!

I agree regarding animal cruelty, that is way off limits for me. I guess we are all different and what some would find acceptable others wouldn't. Thanks for taking the time to reply