Should a good horror story have some romance too?

Question

You think that a good horror story should have a main romantic story inside or the romance should be secondary and limited?

Answer 1

I think that a good horror story has a central plot line other than just plain horror. It has mystery and stuff like that. I don't think that romance in a horror story would affect it terribly but the dangers of putting romance in a horror story is when it becomes to cheesy or distracting. It might blur the horror story. But then, having purely horror would be very monotonous so maybe a romantic story with horror in it would be good as long as it wouldn't be the typical horror story with horribly drawn out romance or overused romantic story

Answer 2

As long as it ups the "scare" factor which is the one thing horror must have to distinguish it from other genres. If a deep love for the protagonist or protagonist's love interest makes the reader more involved and thus feel more fear for them when the "horror" element is introduced, go for it. Also, as long as the writer doesn't have a romance story goal (a happy ever after with the love interest) or outcome (happy ever after), horror should always end in some form or loss or death--often literal.

Answer 3

I think most horror stories are better without romance unless it adds to the horror in some way, otherwise I think it takes the edge off it.

Answer 4

Most of the time the romance element detracts from or destroys the overall story. I avoid horror and thriller novels that promise a blatant romance story.

Answer 5

No a good horror story should never have romance because it distractes people from the true story.

Answer 6

maybe a limited one, but dont let it dominate the whole book