best writers of short horror stories

Edgar Allan Poe is one of the best. His stories like 'The Tell - Tale Heart' are masterpieces. The way he builds suspense and delves into the darker aspects of the human psyche is truly remarkable.

There are several great ones. Stephen King is still a force to be reckoned with, and Shirley Jackson's work is highly regarded. Also, Paul Tremblay has made a name for himself in recent years.

One key factor is the ability to create atmosphere. For example, Poe's use of detailed descriptions in a confined space in 'The Cask of Amontillado' sets a really spooky mood.

Alice Munro is considered one of the best short - story writers. Her stories are often set in small - town Canada and deal with themes like family, love, and the passage of time. 'Runaway' is a well - known story that shows her skill in creating complex characters. Raymond Carver is also a great. His minimalist style in short stories, like 'Cathedral', manages to say a great deal with few words, focusing on the essence of human experiences. And Jorge Luis Borges, with his mind - bending and highly imaginative short stories, such as 'The Garden of Forking Paths', is truly a master of the form.

One of the top short story writers is O. Henry. He is famous for his surprise endings. In stories like 'The Gift of the Magi', the plot twists at the end are quite unexpected. Then there's Nathaniel Hawthorne. His short stories, like 'Young Goodman Brown', explore themes of sin, guilt, and morality in a very engaging way.

Many 20th - century horror writers' short stories are masterpieces. For example, H.P. Lovecraft's works often feature otherworldly and indescribable horrors. His use of cosmic horror makes readers feel small and insignificant in the face of the unknown. Another great writer is Shirley Jackson. Her short story 'The Lottery' is a classic, which shows the dark side of human nature in a seemingly ordinary small - town setting. These short stories not only aim to scare but also make people think about deeper things like society and human nature.

The best short story writers are masters of economy. They can say a lot in just a few words. For example, they create vivid characters quickly. They also have a strong sense of plot. Their stories usually have a clear arc, starting with an inciting incident, building up tension, and leading to a satisfying conclusion, often with a twist.

One of the most prominent is H.P. Lovecraft. His short stories introduced the concept of cosmic horror. Then there's Shirley Jackson. Her works often had a unique take on human nature in horror. And of course, Edgar Allan Poe, though he was from an earlier part of the 19th century, his influence carried on into the 20th century for horror short stories.

Well, there are many great short - story writers. One is Anton Chekhov. His short stories are known for their deep exploration of human nature. For example, in 'The Lady with the Dog', he vividly depicts the complex emotions of love and moral dilemmas. Another is O. Henry. His stories often have unexpected endings, like in 'The Gift of the Magi' where the couple's selfless love is shown in a very touching and ironic way. And then there's Edgar Allan Poe. His works are full of mystery and horror elements, such as 'The Tell - Tale Heart'.

Mo Yan is one of the well - known contemporary Chinese short - story writers. His works often blend rich cultural elements with unique storytelling techniques. Another is Yu Hua. His short stories are known for their vivid portrayal of human nature in different historical periods. Also, Su Tong has created many excellent short stories with a strong sense of the times and unique aesthetic styles.