What is the 'bram stoker award for best long fiction' all about?

The Bram Stoker Award for Novel is a significant accolade within the horror genre. It serves as a benchmark for excellence in horror novels. This award not only commemorates Bram Stoker's contribution to horror literature through his famous work 'Dracula' but also encourages new and established authors to explore the darker aspects of human nature and the unknown in their writing. It has a long - standing history of highlighting novels that are able to send shivers down readers' spines, whether through complex characters, spine - chilling plots, or unique horror concepts.

Among the past winners of the Bram Stoker Award for Best Long Fiction are Thomas Ligotti. His works are filled with a sense of existential dread and are highly regarded in the horror community. Shirley Jackson, too, is a notable winner. Her novels and long stories are known for their ability to create a sense of unease and mystery. Additionally, Joe Hill has also won this award. His works often blend elements of the traditional and the contemporary in horror, making for engaging long - form horror stories.

The Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel is highly significant. It's an award that recognizes outstanding new talent in the horror genre. Winning it can launch an author's career, giving them more visibility and credibility in the field. It also helps to bring attention to new and exciting voices in horror writing.

One characteristic is their ability to create a sense of unease and fear. For example, they often have well - developed and menacing antagonists. In 'Carrion Comfort', the characters with special powers who use them for evil create a constant threat.

The best Bram Stoker award - winning novels usually have strong narrative arcs. They build up tension gradually and then release it in a satisfying way. Their settings are often very vivid. In 'The Silence of the Lambs', the various locations like the prison cell of Hannibal Lecter are described in such a way that it feels like you're there. Also, they're not afraid to explore dark and taboo topics, which makes them stand out and often gives the reader a lot to think about.

Well, another good Bram Stoker novel is The Jewel of Seven Stars. It combines elements of the supernatural and mystery. The story builds suspense as it revolves around an ancient Egyptian mummy and the secrets it holds.

'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis is also among them. It offers a disturbing look into the mind of a serial killer. The novel uses a first - person narrative which gives readers an uncomfortably close look at the protagonist's thoughts and actions. It was controversial but also a significant work in the horror genre and thus won the award.

Some past winners include Victor LaValle. His winning work was well - received, and he has continued to make a name for himself in the horror genre. Another winner was Laird Barron. His unique take on horror in his debut novel led to him receiving the award.

One of the well - known best Bram Stoker award - winning novels is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It's a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the mind of a brilliant and terrifying serial killer. Another is 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis, which offers a disturbing and satirical look at the excesses of the 1980s consumer culture through the eyes of a psychotic killer. 'Carrion Comfort' by Dan Simmons is also great. It combines elements of horror, science fiction, and the supernatural in a complex and engaging story.

Some other works could be from various horror - themed graphic novels. However, without extensive research, it's hard to name specific ones off - hand. But generally, works that combine great horror elements, engaging characters, and high - quality art have a chance of winning. For example, if a graphic novel has a really creepy atmosphere, like a haunted house setting with a mystery to solve and the art is detailed enough to bring out the horror, it could be in the running for the Bram Stoker Award for Best Graphic Novel.