Introduction
There are horror authors, good horror authors, and then there is Brian Keene. In the world of horror literature, he is considered a rock star. His works have been described as equal parts terrifying, thrilling, and thought-provoking, and his dedicated fan base spans across the globe. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the legacy of Brian Keene and explore why he is considered one of horror fiction’s favorite authors.
Early Life and Influences
Brian Keene was born on September 22, 1967, in Pennsylvania. Growing up, he was heavily influenced by the horror films and TV shows of the 70s and 80s, like Night of the Living Dead and Tales from the Darkside. In his teenage years, he discovered the works of Stephen King, H.P. Lovecraft, and Clive Barker, which further fueled his passion for horror.
Keene credits his father and grandfather for instilling a love of storytelling in him from an early age, as both of them were great storytellers in their own right. His grandfather would often tell him ghost stories, which Keene says had a significant impact on his writing style.
Career and Popular Works
Brian Keene’s writing career began in the early 90s when he started publishing short stories in horror anthologies and magazines. His first novel, The Rising, was published in 2003 and became an instant classic in the zombie genre. It tells the story of a father who must protect his son from a world overrun by the undead. The book was nominated for several awards, and the sequel, City of the Dead, was released in 2005.
Other popular works by Keene include Ghoul, Dead Sea, The Complex, and Dark Hollow. His writing style is known for being fast-paced, gritty, and unapologetically brutal. He often tackles taboo topics like addiction, mental illness, and sexual abuse in his books, shining a light on some of society’s most uncomfortable issues.
Impact on Horror Literature
Brian Keene’s impact on the horror genre cannot be overstated. He has been described as a master of the genre, and his books have inspired countless other horror authors. Keene is known for pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in horror literature. His works often feature extreme violence, gore, and taboo subject matter, which has earned him both adoration and criticism from readers and critics alike.
Keene’s influence can be seen in the works of other horror authors like Joe Hill, Paul Tremblay, and Nick Cutter. He has also contributed significantly to the zombie sub-genre, with his books The Rising and City of the Dead becoming classics in the genre.
Personal Life and Hobbies
Brian Keene is a self-described workaholic, and he spends most of his time writing and promoting his books. However, he also has a love for music, and he has released several albums with his band, The Lawnmowers. He is also an avid comic book collector and has a significant collection of rare and vintage comics.
In his personal life, Keene is married with two children, and he is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. He has been open about his struggles with depression and addiction and has used his platform to encourage others to seek help and support.
FAQs
Q: What is Brian Keene’s most famous book?
A: Brian Keene’s most famous book is The Rising, which is considered a classic in the zombie genre.
Q: What sets Brian Keene apart from other horror authors?
A: Brian Keene is known for pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in horror literature. His books often feature extreme violence, gore, and taboo subject matter, which has earned him both adoration and criticism from readers and critics alike.
Q: What is Brian Keene’s writing style?
A: Brian Keene’s writing style is known for being fast-paced, gritty, and unapologetically brutal. He often tackles taboo topics like addiction, mental illness, and sexual abuse in his books, shining a light on some of society’s most uncomfortable issues.
Q: What inspired Brian Keene to become a horror author?
A: Brian Keene was heavily influenced by horror films and TV shows of the 70s and 80s, as well as the works of Stephen King, H.P. Lovecraft, and Clive Barker.
Q: How has Brian Keene influenced the horror genre?
A: Brian Keene has been described as a master of the horror genre, and his books have inspired countless other horror authors. He is known for pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in horror literature and has contributed significantly to the zombie sub-genre.
Q: What are some common themes in Brian Keene’s books?
A: Brian Keene often tackles taboo topics like addiction, mental illness, and sexual abuse in his books, shining a light on some of society’s most uncomfortable issues.
Q: Does Brian Keene have any hobbies outside of writing?
A: Brian Keene is a music lover and has released several albums with his band, The Lawnmowers. He is also an avid comic book collector and has a significant collection of rare and vintage comics.
Conclusion
Brian Keene’s legacy in the horror genre is impressive, to say the least. He has written multiple critically acclaimed novels that have left a lasting impact on the genre and influenced countless horror authors. His willingness to tackle taboo topics and push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in horror literature has earned him both praise and criticism. However, there is no denying his impact on the genre and the influence he has had on fellow horror authors. Whether you’re a seasoned horror fan or a newcomer to the genre, Brian Keene’s works are a must-read.