CREATIVE WRITING: WOMEN IN HORROR FICTION

“Men are simpler than you imagine, my sweet child. But what goes on in the twisted tortuous minds of women would baffle anyone. Did you know, you did not look a bit like yourself just now? You had quite a different expression on your face.”
-Daphne du Maurier, Rebecca

In this class, we will read great works by women writers in the horror genre. Readings will range from early 19th century ghost stories, to Daphne du Maurier, whose work was the basis for Hitchcock films The Birds and Rebecca, to lesser-known writers like Clemence Housman, suffragist and author of werewolf fantasy. We may read the 17th century Child Ballad 243, known as The Daemon Lover or The House Carpenter, and Shirley Jackson’s short story adaptation. We will also explore modern writers in the genre such as Carmen Maria Machado. In fun, experimental writing exercises, we will try our hand at writing stories of our own (this part is optional, so feel free to join the class whether or not you’re interested in writing).