One characteristic is the use of a sense of dread. In new Lovecraftian fiction, the unknown is always lurking. It creates an atmosphere where the characters, and by extension the readers, feel that there are things out there that should not be known. The lore is often complex and draws from Lovecraft's original ideas of ancient, sleeping gods and the thin veil between our world and theirs. Another aspect is the psychological impact on the characters. They are often driven to madness by the things they encounter.
Laird Barron is also among them. His writing in the Lovecraftian vein often delves deep into the primordial fears of humanity. He crafts stories that are filled with a sense of dread and a feeling that there are things lurking just beyond our perception, waiting to break through into our world.
Some well - known works in Lovecraftian fiction often include those that blend cosmic horror elements. For example, 'The Ballad of Black Tom' by Victor LaValle is a great piece. It takes the Lovecraftian themes and gives them a new and interesting twist, exploring race and horror in a unique way.
Alison Littlewood is a popular author in new Lovecraftian fiction. She writes stories that are rich in atmosphere and often deal with the idea of things that are not what they seem. Her works can be very immersive, taking readers into a world filled with mystery and horror. John Langan is another one. He has a talent for crafting complex and multi - layered stories that draw on Lovecraftian concepts. His writing often makes the readers question their understanding of reality and the unknown.
Lovecraftian fiction is all about exploring the terrifying and the incomprehensible. It typically involves ancient, powerful beings that are indifferent to humanity, and stories often emphasize the insignificance and vulnerability of humans. The writing style is often dense and evokes a sense of unease and mystery.
Lovecraftian detective fiction often combines elements of mystery and the supernatural. It typically has a detective figure who is faced with inexplicable and often terrifying phenomena. The settings are usually dark and moody, like the gloomy towns or isolated mansions in Lovecraft's works. The stories may involve ancient, unknowable entities that defy normal understanding, and the detective's journey is as much about facing the psychological horror of the unknown as it is about solving the case.
The key elements include cosmic horror. It often involves entities that are so alien and powerful that they are beyond human comprehension. For example, Cthulhu, a monstrous being. Another element is the use of archaic and eldritch settings like ancient, decaying cities or desolate landscapes. Also, a sense of the insignificance of humanity in the face of the vast and unknowable cosmos.
To write Lovecraftian fiction well, focus on creating a sense of cosmic horror and the unknown. Build a creepy atmosphere and introduce ancient, powerful entities.
Another great work is 'The Call of Cthulhu'. This story introduced the infamous Cthulhu entity. It weaves a tale of cults, strange dreams, and the impending doom that Cthulhu's awakening would bring. It's full of that signature Lovecraftian sense of cosmic horror that makes you feel small and insignificant in the face of the unknown.
In modern lovecraftian fiction, the use of archaic and esoteric language can be a key element. It gives a sense of something old and mysterious. Then there are the themes of decay and entropy. Things are often falling apart, whether it's a physical place like a crumbling town or the mental state of the characters. The idea of an indifferent universe is also there. The cosmic entities or forces in the stories don't care about humans. They exist on a different scale and with different motives, if they can be called motives at all. And the use of mystery and the slow revelation of terrifying secrets are hallmarks of this type of fiction.