Why Dark Fiction is the Need of the Hour

Dark Fiction! The name of the genre itself reeks of tragedy, sorrow, grief and despair. Horrible tales that reveal the side of human nature that many would not venture into willingly. Stories belonging to this genre don’t give the reader the satisfaction of a happy ending but let me ask you – Is it really that bad? Haven’t books such as Fight Club, Room, Sharp Objects, The Road and Geek Love scarred your conscience (in a good way, I hope)? Although dark fiction doesn’t provide the kind of catharsis that most readers seek, it does have substantial weight to it. Quite honestly, substance is what fiction these days lack.

What is Dark Fiction?
Dark Fiction by definition means fiction which contains horrific elements such as fear, death and the sinister side of human nature. Most of these stories are nihilistic and do not end well for the protagonist. Although not commercialized like romance and crime fiction, it deals with important aspects of the human experience that we often neglect. It begs us to ask the question – Why doesn’t dark fiction sell as well as its counterparts? The answer is quite simple.

Why doesn’t Dark Fiction sell?
Most readers use fiction as a means of escape from reality. Reading is their sacred time where the harsh realities of life can’t touch them. It’s no wonder that genres such as romance and erotica sell so much (and so well). Ask yourself – did 50 Shades of Grey have any substance which made it the hit it was? The answer is no! When I was writing short stories and poems on my blog, I noticed that the ones which had much darker themes did not get the traction I thought they would despite rigorous marketing. Although they spoke of conscience and had much truth to them, they did not sell. On the other hand, stories with light-hearted content and happy endings seemed to do a lot better than I had expected. It made me think if we as humans were willing to venture deep into the catacombs of our conscience and examine that twisted little side of us that we keep hidden and mask with a smile. Do “happy endings” really mean that much?

Why Turn to Dark Fiction?

Truth
Although a nice story with a good plot and a happy ending gives that joyous satisfaction, what it doesn’t give you is the truth! That pretty little escape into fantasy might be appeasing but does it really make you think? Does it make you question who you are? Does it appeal to the darker side of your conscience? Dark fiction doesn’t provide you warm refuge. Instead, it takes you to the edge of reality and throws you from it. It keeps you on your toes. It keeps you grounded. It reminds you that death is the only truth this world has to offer. It tells you that there is more to reality than the eyes can perceive. It doesn’t give you flowery dreams but instead it exposes you to the truth… the truth that we are living in a Nightmare.

Impression
When was the last time a romantic novel lingered in your conscience or made you question any reality of your life? Themes based around love and positivity often create false notions which can be detrimental to the individual. Let’s face it, getting teary eyed and sobbing over an emotional passage is momentary but the burden of analyzing a thought helps you grow. That is why when I began writing my book, which I self-published this year, I wanted to break away from that nasty chain of happy endings where all the characters hold hands and walk into the sunset. Those sorts of stories are growing old and barely carry the weight to leave an impression. Darker themes on the other hand linger in your head long after you’ve finished reading them. It’s a different kind of catharsis.

Knowledge
The beauty of tragedy warms the soul in a twisted way. It makes you think, it makes you wonder if you possess any of those traits. More so, dark fiction exposes you to the harsh realities of life and reveals things you did not know existed. For many people I personally know, Dissociative Identity Disorder was an alien term till they read Fight Club. Ever wondered what goes on in the head of a lunatic? Ever wondered what a schizophrenic sees? Ever wondered why a few people take that extra step and voluntarily turn psychotic? Dark fiction will tell you.

Nightmare

I still remember talking to so many people about wanting to become a published author and no one really thought I could do it. No one took me seriously enough to the point where I was looked down upon, I was ridiculed and my writing skills were passed off as a joke. There were a few who said I didn’t have what it takes. There were those who kept telling me to stall it because publishing a book is an expensive affair. Then there were family members who constantly told me that I couldn’t write or what I am doing is shit. They said it would amount to nothing and I’d be better off doing a regular job and earning money like everyone else. I came across publishers who told me my content was too dark and I had to tone it down a bit or else they wouldn’t want to work with me. They guaranteed me that no one would want to publish my work. I spent days in turmoil and sickening sadness stemming from rejection, dismay and disappointment but I never stopped. I didn’t shatter and break down. I never stopped writing because writing is all I have. It is my life. It means everything to me. So I didn’t quit. In fact, I was far from it because I believed in myself.

Today, I stand before you, a published author. I have published this book online and I’ve done it free of cost – from the editing to the book cover and in doing so, I have beaten the system. I have beaten each and every one of those people who said I couldn’t do it. I’ve beaten the people who didn’t believe in me, all the naysayers, all the publishers who rejected my work, all the people close to me who pushed me down… I have beaten all of you. I have stomped you under my oppressive boot and I will continue doing so in the months to come. I made my dream come true on my own. There wasn’t anyone holding my hand and showing me the way. There definitely wasn’t any support till I had to prove my potential. I had nothing and no one. It was all me. Trust me when I say this, I am not stopping here. My next book titled – Void is scheduled to release in May-June.

If anyone wants to review my book, feel free to inbox me and we’ll take it ahead from there or you could buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Nightmare-Shayne-Colac…/…/B06Y2HN9W6/

Let the #Nightmare begin!