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.
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.
One of the classic Lovecraftian fiction books is 'The Call of Cthulhu'. It's famous for its cosmic horror elements. 'At the Mountains of Madness' is also a must - read. It describes the exploration in Antarctica and the discovery of things that should not be known. And then there's 'The Dunwich Horror'. This book has a unique horror concept with its story of an abnormal family in Dunwich.
Another feature is the insignificance of humanity. In Lovecraftian science fiction, humans are usually just tiny specks in the grand scheme of the cosmos. Our knowledge and power are dwarfed by the incomprehensible forces at play, and our attempts to understand or control these forces often lead to our downfall.
In most cases, you're allowed. However, you need to be mindful of respecting copyrights if you draw inspiration from existing Lovecraftian works. Also, make sure your content adheres to the rules and guidelines of the platform or publisher you plan to showcase it on.
I think posting on established literary websites that focus on the horror genre would be a good start. Sites like HorrorTree.com or Creepypasta.com might be suitable. You could also consider reaching out to smaller indie publishing houses that specialize in horror and see if they have any submission opportunities for your Lovecraftian fiction.
It has had a great impact. For starters, it popularized the idea of ancient and malevolent forces that have been around for eons. This has seeped into modern horror movies, books, and games. It also influenced the way horror stories are told, with a build - up of an oppressive atmosphere rather than just jump scares. Writers now often create scenarios where the characters are faced with something that makes them question their place in the universe, just like in Lovecraftian fiction.
Howard Phillips Lovecraft himself is the most well - known. His works such as 'The Call of Cthulhu' are considered classics in the genre. He created the Cthulhu Mythos which has been a major influence on subsequent works.