I know so many horror authors. I don’t know how they do it, because I don’t like to be scared. I can’t watch scary movies. I don’t read horror novels. Although I’ll admit I've read many of Steven King’s books and seen those movies too. But I think my favorite of his was 11/22/63 about the Kennedy assassination. A blend of historical fiction, speculative time travel, and suspense. The series was amazing. I never got scared watching it either.
The first novel I ever wrote had a very dark character. I spent hours thinking like an obsessed serial killer and how I would get away with murder. I researched common personality traits and how childhood events shaped daily actions. I worried that my internet search history would get me in trouble if any of my close friends became a victim. When a friend read the finished manuscript and told me she didn’t like how dark the character was, I thanked her. It meant I did a good job. It also showed me that I didn’t really like doing that kind of writing.
I get more satisfaction from writing something that makes someone smile than from making them scared. That’s the beauty of writing. Different authors have different skills. The great thing is that readers can find something that suits their mood.
Decorating my house for Halloween puts me in a good mood. I do use goblins and skeletons and things that look kinda scary. But I have fun with it. My human skeleton looks like he’s climbing up a column to get away from the skeleton dog, cat, and T-Rex. Yes, I found a skeleton T-Rex, and it made me laugh, so I use it.
So, no, horror writing is not for me. But I do like putting characters in compromising situations and thinking of ways for them to show dark humor. For me, it’s not scary. Just amusing. And I know I have a warped sense of humor. Writing is a great outlet for it.