Why Scary Stories?
One Classically Educated Children’s Book Author On Why He Writes Scary Stories (and Maybe Even Why You Should Read Them To Your Children)
Writer ND Wilson -- who was educated at Logos School in Moscow, Idaho -- is the author of the Outlaws of Time, Ashtown Burials and 100 Cupboards series, Hello Ninja, Leepike Ridge, Notes from the Tilt-A-Whirl, and other good stuff we recommend. Several years ago, he wrote a piece for The Atlantic on his work and especially on the battle of darkness and light you’ll find in it. From the piece:
I’m not interested in stories that sear terrifying images or monsters or villains into young minds—enough of those exist in the real world, and plenty of others will grow in children’s imaginations without any help. I am interested in telling stories that help prepare living characters for tearing those monsters down.
I don’t write horror. But I do write stories about terrified sheltered kids and fatherless kids and kids with the ghosts of abuse in their pasts. Those kids encounter horrors—witches and swamp monsters, black magical doors and undying villains, mad scientists and giant cheese-loving snapping turtles. Those kids feel real pain, described in real ways. They feel real loss. They learn that the truest victory comes from standing in the right place and doing the right thing against all odds, even if doing the right thing means losing everything. Even if doing the right thing means death. My characters live in worlds that are fundamentally beautiful and magical, just like ours, in worlds that are broken and brutal, just like ours. And, when characters live courageously and sacrificially, good will ultimately triumph over evil.
I’m not trying to con kids into optimism or false confidence. I really believe this stuff. My view of violence and victory in children’s stories hinges entirely on my faith. Samson lost his eyes and died … but he has new eyes in the resurrection. Israel was enslaved in Egypt, but God sent a wizard far more powerful than Gandalf to save His people. Christ took the world’s darkness on his shoulders and died in agony. But then … Easter.
In the end, good wins. Always.