James Herbert: 6 Facts About the British Horror Writer
James Herbert was a pioneering British horror writer whose novels have left an indelible mark on the genre. From his chilling debut, The Rats, to his exploration of the supernatural in Haunted, Herbert’s storytelling captivated readers worldwide. Here are six intriguing facts about this master of horror:
1. His First Novel, The Rats, Was Rejected Multiple Times
Herbert’s debut novel, The Rats, about mutant rats terrorizing London, was initially rejected by numerous publishers who deemed it too gruesome and disturbing. When it was finally published in 1974, it became a huge success, selling over 100,000 copies in its first three weeks. The book’s graphic horror and social commentary marked Herbert as a bold new voice in the genre and led to two sequels, Lair and Domain.
2. He Was a Trained Artist and Designer
Before becoming a writer, Herbert studied graphic design, painting, and photography at Hornsey College of Art in London. He worked in advertising as an art director, which honed his skills in storytelling and capturing an audience’s attention.
3. He Wrote His First Drafts by Hand in Jumbo Pads
James Herbert had a unique approach to his writing process; he would draft his novels by hand in large, jumbo-sized pads before typing them up. This old-school method allowed him to connect deeply with his storytelling, and he felt it helped him stay grounded and focused. The tactile nature of writing longhand gave Herbert a sense of control over his work, and it’s a testament to his dedication that he crafted some of his most terrifying tales this way.
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4. Herbert Designed Some of His Book Covers
Leveraging his artistic skills, Herbert took an active role in designing the covers for several of his novels. This involvement ensured that the visual representation of his books aligned closely with the themes and tones of his stories, providing readers with a cohesive aesthetic experience.
5. He Was Honored with an OBE
In 2010, James Herbert was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to literature. This prestigious recognition highlighted his significant contributions to the literary world and his influence on the horror genre.
6. A cowboy comic ignited his love for writing
As a boy, James Herbert found inspiration in the American comic Casey Ruggles, which he discovered on the market stalls of Petticoat Lane. “That’s where I learned to write,” he once said. “For a cowboy comic, it was incredible.” Herbert was so moved by it that he wrote his only fan letter ever, at age 30, to its writer and artist, Warren Tufts.
There you have it – 6 facts about British horror writer James Herbert!
