What is dark fantasy?
Genre definitions are one of the hardest things to nail down as an author. But, in my opinion, it's the most deceptively difficult part of marketing your story. Some writers struggle to feel like they fit anywhere, which is its own can of worms.
But the thing that affects everyone is PERCEPTION.
You can write the most textbook definition of a certain subgenre and still lose readers because not everyone is using the same basis. There are hundreds of listicles trying to pin down genre requirements and failing because perception comes from experience — both on the part of the writer and the reader. We'll never get anywhere trying to account for everyone's definitions.
So instead, here's MY definition for dark fantasy. It won't fit everyone. It won't look at every possible factor. But I hope it's helpful!
Starting Point:
Wikipedia says:"Dark fantasy or fantasy horror is a subgenre of literary, artistic, and cinematic fantasy works that incorporates elements of horror fiction."
While horror is a genre "intended to disturb, frighten, or scare an audience." Still pretty vague. People are individuals and have very different opinions on these things. So let's start where we can: in the subgenres of horror.
So which horror tropes do I write?
Body Horror
Almost never. I am a little baby with a low tolerance for gore. While violence exists in my writing, body horror likely does not.
Cosmic Horror
High possibility. The idea of an incomprehensible power is very in-line with my interests. While I don't always lean in, it's often in the background.
Gothic Horror
Where possible! Ambiance, slow tension, suspense. I love it all! Though be warned: "Gothic" has been closely tied to romantic motifs through the years. While romance can exist in my work, it's not centered.
Psychological Horror
Not yet as a focal point, but I'm not against it. This feels like a center piece to me, if that makes sense. The story would be marketed as such.
Apocalypse Horror
I'll let you in on a secret... I don't like world-shattering stakes. They can be done well, but it's rarely my vibe. What I do love is stories about societies in a post-post apocalypse where society has started to recover.
Survival Horror
Isolated locations, overwhelming odds, life or death stakes... Count me in. Most of my stories feature one or two primary locations and people trapped there, whether by force or their own choices.
COMMON TRIGGERS I DON'T WRITE
my non-exhaustive list focused on horror tropes
child abuse
graphic death
human trafficking
mutilation
pregnancy horror
rape / coercion
sexual assault
starvation
suffocation
torture
This is to say nothing inherently wrong with writing any of these nor any author who chooses to do so.
We are individuals. Everyone has their own reasoning and their limits. I simply know mine.
I encourage other authors to provide similar lists if it suits them.