A Shockingly Brief and Informal History of the Horror Writers Association
By Stanley Wiater
As with most great ideas, the concept for a horror writers
association originated in the fevered imagination of one individual
-- in this instance, one Robert R. McCammon. In an interview with
Publisher's Weekly in 1984, the author (who had already
published six horror novels) first publicly expressed his desire
for a professional organization specifically geared to the needs of
fellow writers of fear. At that point, however, his decidedly
colorful name for the then nonexistent organization was "HOWL"
(Horror/Occult Writers League.) Even so, reasoned McCammon, mystery
writers had their professional organizations, as did science
fiction writers. Wasn't it past time that the equally honorable
genre of terror, shock, and the supernatural be formally
recognized?
Perhaps more than anyone, McCammon was himself shocked at the
subsequent -- and often sincere -- interest from the media to his
remarks, including The New York Times and The Washington Post. Then
the B. Dalton and Waldenbooks chains wanted to know more. Horror
writers began to hear the HOWL and wrote McCammon to ask where to
sign up--though it had always been his intent to first survey every
writer he could contact before ever making a formal announcement
about the proposed organization. Nevertheless, McCammon was deluged
with still more letters of support from writers, editors, and
scholars both stateside and overseas ... my own enthusiastic
response as a self-styled "horror journalist" included.
Before long, McCammon enlisted the support of two colleagues
from Texas who were instrumental in bringing the concept of HOWL
snarling into reality: author Joe R. Lansdale and his wife, Karen.
They in turn sent out a formal letter of invitation to some 177
writers, of whom 88 subsequently responded with suggestions or a
willingness to join.
Working by phone and letter with McCammon, the trio committed
themselves to the insane task of creating what they believed could
be a nationally -- perhaps even internationally recognized
-- writers organization. Thanks primarily to Karen's unflagging
energy, they then drew up the constitution and bylaws, formulated
mailing lists, took out ads, issued press releases; whatever it
took to insure that HOWL would be (hopefully) immediately
recognized as a professional writers organization, not "a
fan club" for side-show horror buffs.
Other new volunteers contributed in numerous ways, most notably
in the production and content of the early newsletters. We took our
organization seriously -- right from the bloody start. And why not?
Stephen King and Peter Straub, among others, were becoming
increasingly known as "brand name writers." For the first time
"Horror" was being labeled as a separate category in most
bookstores. The entire field was riding a growing wave of
popularity in the Eighties; it was only logical that those of us
exploring this increasingly recognized genre would desire to have
our own legitimate organization.
The goals of HOWL were stated simply and directly in the
preamble to the constitution and bylaws: "Be it known that the
Horror and Occult Writers League is a non-profit organization of
professional writers of fiction and non-fiction pertaining to or
inspired by the traditions, legends, development, and history of
horror and occult. It's members are together for their mutual
benefit in an earnest effort to further a more widespread
publicity, promotion, distribution, readership and appreciation of
the literature of horror and occult."
The lack of high profile authors like King was one of the
stumbling blocks early on, even as the organization was searching
for recognition by its peers precisely among those most
successfully working in our genre. (Dean Koontz and Robert Bloch
were among the very first to respond favorably to the concept and
to volunteer their aid and reputations.) Regardless, new members
from all across the country -- and overseas -- were being added to
the growing roster. And it was obvious from the burgeoning
newsletters that, for many writers, editors, and critics, the
fledgling organization was being taken quite seriously.
Unfortunately, the "Horror/Occult Writers League" was not being
taken as seriously by some colleagues...as well as much of the
mainstream media. (If I can easily poke gentle fun at the acronym
"HOWL," just think how anyone less than sympathetic would describe
the virtually unknown group -- and its membership.)
Nevertheless, history was made when the first formal meeting
took place on November 3, 1985, at the World Fantasy Convention
held in Tucson, Arizona. (Subsequent meetings have taken place at
both the World Fantasy Convention and the World Horror Convention
ever since.) A total of no more than two dozen people attended that
fateful meeting, lead informally by founder Robert R. McCammon, and
Joe and Karen Lansdale. Of course, there were literally hundreds of
writers, agents, and other professionals at the convention.
Dare I say it, there yours truly took note of the small number
of the faithful in attendance that glorious Sunday morning. And so
made a brief yet heartfelt speech imploring those present to change
the name from the undeniably memorable "HOWL" to, say, the "Horror
Writers of America." With the obvious intent to bring our name
recognition to the public more in line with such well established
groups as the Mystery Writers of America and the Science Fiction
Writers of America. By unanimous vote, this small suggestion was
approved.
After that initial gathering, others were inspired to make our
new organization a truly viable-and far more visible -- one.
McCammon then formed a steering committee with Melissa Mia Hall and
Joe R. Lansdale in order to be successful in (as described in an
open letter to members) "the toughest part of putting the HWA
together -- the trial by paperwork, if you will -- and after these
hurdles are overcome with your help and support, we'll have a
stronger organization that will benefit authors in our field for
generations to come."
Dated July of 1986, Volume 1, Number 1 of the official
newsletter appeared. Entitled "Our Glass" (after a famous medieval
statue in which a corpse is admiring itself in a pocket glass), the
professionally printed first issue was a total of eight pages in
length. It featured timely news items, a letters page, a market
report, the first ballot for the formal election of officers, and
brief interviews with artist Phil Parks and founder Robert R.
McCammon. Only two issues appeared with this title, even as a
search was launched for a permanent logo for the organization.
(While the admiring corpse was suggested as one possibility, the
logo would ultimately be a tastefully stylized haunted house.)
Later that year, early supporter Dean Koontz was chosen as the
organization's first president. In a statement to the membership,
Koontz declared his belief that the HWA could "add dignity and
publicity to the field, as well as giving horror fiction a focus."
Koontz further suggested an annual anthology to be composed of
contributions from the membership ranks. (The first of several such
anthologies to subsequently appear would be Under the Fang,
edited by Robert R. McCammon.)
Through the volunteered help of legal counsel Sheldon R.
Jaffery, the HWA was legally incorporated in March of 1987. The
initial board of trustees was also in place, which included at that
time McCammon, Lansdale, and Koontz. The HWA was formally on its
way, anxious and ready to make its unique voice heard.
Koontz was instrumental in furthering the idea that the Horror
Writers of America was a serious organization for writers, and damn
well should be taken seriously by all concerned. Before he left
office, there were some 300 members. With many of them are among
the most popular and respected authors in the business. (As most
everyone is aware, the most recognized horror authors in the world
have since become members, including Ray Bradbury, Stephen King,
Peter Straub, Clive Barker, Richard Matheson, Ramsey Campbell.)
Indeed, Koontz's considerable contributions to the newsletter alone
would help any writer thrive, no matter what the genre.
It was also under Koontz's administration that the formation of
an annual award for "Superior Achievement" was initiated. At the
time, Koontz was chief among those who believed the award be named
after a famous -- and deceased -- writer. His short list of dead-on
recommendations: Mary Shelley, Edgar Allan Poe, H.P. Lovecraft --
and Bram Stoker. The membership ultimately voted on the "Bram
Stoker Award," to be issued in the form of a magnificently wrought
haunted house designed by Stephen Kirk.
Charles L. Grant ably succeeded Koontz as president (as he would
be succeeded by such acclaimed authors as Chelsea Quinn Yarbro,
Craig Shaw Gardner, Dennis Etchison, Lawrence Watt-Evans, Brian
Lumley, Janet Berliner, S.P. Somtow, Richard Laymon, David Niall
Wilson, and Joseph Nassise). In 1988, the first Annual Bram Stoker
Awards Banquet and Business Meeting took place in New York City.
Since then, the officers have attempted to satisfy both the West
Coast and East Coast members by swapping coasts from time to
time.
In 1993, to further involve its international membership, the
name of the organization was changed once again, from the "Horror
Writers of America" to the "Horror Writers Association." Whatever
the name, the horror genre it proudly champions continues to be
further recognized and increasingly appreciated as we approach the
millennium.
Just as the HWA continues to flourish -- and be taken seriously
-- by both publishers and the public alike.
If I may close on a personal note, its been my singular pleasure
to be a dues-paying member from the earliest origins of the
Association. My highest honor in the literary field has undoubtedly
been to win the Bram Stoker Award in 1991. Without the Horror
Writers Association, it's difficult to say where the career of at
least one writer might have ended up. In fact, one might be sorely
tempted to say it's too damn frightening to even contemplate...
This article originally appeared in Writing Horror: A
Handbook by the Horror Writers Association, edited by Mort
Castle. Copyright © 1996 by ShadoWind, Inc. Used with
Permission.
All photographs on this page were provided courtesy of Hunter Goatley at www.robertmccammon.com. Copyright © by Hunter Goatley. Used with
Permission.
HWA Statistics as of 10/01/06
- MEMBERSHIP:
HWA currently has 426 members in four categories:
Lifetime: 14
Active: 240
Associate: 26
Affiliate: 146
- HWA'S PRESIDENTS:
Deborah LeBlanc: 2006-
Gary Braunbeck: 2005-2006
Joseph Nassise: 2002-2005
David Niall Wilson: 2001-2002
Richard Laymon: 2000-2001
S.P. Somtow: 1998-2000
Janet Berliner: 1997-1998
Brian Lumley: 1996-1997
Lawrence Watt-Evans: 1994-1996
Dennis Etchison: 1992-1994
Craig Shaw Gardner: 1990-1992
Chelsea Quinn Yarbro: 1988-1990
Charles L. Grant: 1987-1988
Dean R. Koontz: 1986-1987
- INCORPORATION:
Ohio, March 6, 1987, 501(c)(6) nonprofit
