What Makes a Horror Writer?

Psychologists says we (humans) like to be scared (in controlled environments, like horror movies) because it gives us some power over our fears, which we don't really have. Ok, I can see that. So that's why people read horror, but why write it? And what makes a good writer?

Well, I for one, can say I've learned from experience. Literally. Back before cutting on yourself was cool it used to be a red flag to doctors of abuse. I used to slice open the inside of my legs and under my arms so no one would notice what a freak I was. It was some way of trying to get the hurt inside to come to the outside. It never worked, not really. But it was all I had. Then there was piercing and tattooing, which was more attractive and socially more acceptable, but, still, only mildly effective. Somehow writing, becoming someone else and yet laying it all out there at the same time, was like vomiting up my past in some way I didn't have to swallow it down again. Of course, it didn't go away forever. It never does. But when my fingers hit the kets it's someone else's life, for a little while, and that is freedom. And when I read it, it's art, and that's pride. Neither of which I get much of otherwise.

Does that make me a good writer? That's up to you, the readers. I do think the best horror writers (Poe being among the finest in my book) are those who understand horror the best and one only understands horror by having met it, face to face.

Or by spending the entire afternoon with my dad, either way, they're interchangeable...