Writing the Unknown: Patrick Beason’s Approach to Cryptid Horror
Cryptid horror is one of those unique storytelling genres that dances on the edge of reality and the supernatural. When you hear the word cryptid, images of Bigfoot lurking in the woods or the Loch Ness Monster swimming beneath dark waters might spring to mind. But for Patrick Beason, cryptid horror is more than just spooky creatures — it’s about exploring fear, mystery, and the limits of human understanding.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Patrick Beason’s distinctive approach to writing cryptid horror, why his stories resonate so strongly with readers, and how he breathes life into legends that keep us awake at night.
Introduction to Patrick Beason
Patrick Beason has become a recognizable name in the realm of horror literature, especially for readers who crave tales of cryptids and the mysterious creatures that haunt the shadows. His stories are known for their eerie atmosphere, complex characters, and terrifying yet oddly believable monsters.
But Beason isn’t just about scares. He invites readers to question the unknown. What if the legends are true? What if the things we dismiss as myths are actually waiting just beyond the tree line?
The Allure of Cryptid Horror
Why are we so fascinated by cryptids? It’s the same reason we can’t look away from a campfire story about a creature lurking in the woods.
Cryptid horror thrives because it taps into primal fears:
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The fear of the dark
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The fear of being hunted
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The fear of the unknown
Beason understands this deeply. His writing is like a flashlight in the forest — it shows you just enough to terrify you while leaving the rest cloaked in mystery.
Patrick Beason’s Writing Philosophy
Beason’s philosophy can be summed up in one idea: the unknown is scarier than the known.
Instead of showing his monsters right away, he lets readers’ imaginations do the heavy lifting. This mirrors the way our brains work in real life — when we hear a strange noise in the night, our mind immediately jumps to the worst possible explanation.
For Beason, writing cryptid horror isn’t about creating gore or cheap jump scares. It’s about building a slow-burn tension that pays off with a gut-punch of fear.
Research: Unearthing Legends and Myths
One of the most impressive aspects of Beason’s process is his deep research. He doesn’t simply invent cryptids out of thin air. Instead, he dives into:
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Ancient folklore
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Regional myths
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Eyewitness accounts
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Unexplained disappearances
This research gives his stories a layer of authenticity, making readers wonder, Could this really happen?
For example, when Beason writes about a swamp-dwelling creature, he references real historical events and local legends from that region. This attention to detail grounds his stories in reality.
Building Believable Cryptids
A monster is only as terrifying as it is believable.
Beason approaches cryptid creation almost like a wildlife biologist, asking questions such as:
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What does it eat?
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How does it hide?
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Why hasn’t it been discovered yet?
By answering these questions, Beason crafts creatures that feel like they could actually exist. Readers don’t just feel scared — they feel unsettled, as if they might stumble across these creatures on a camping trip.
The Role of Setting in Beason’s Stories
Imagine being lost in a dense forest at night. The silence is broken only by the rustle of unseen movement. That’s the type of setting Beason thrives in.
His locations aren’t just backdrops; they are characters in themselves.
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Forests become mazes of danger.
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Swamps feel alive with hidden threats.
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Abandoned towns whisper of past horrors.
The setting amplifies the fear and mystery, making readers feel like they’re part of the story.
Crafting Characters to Face the Unknown
Beason’s characters aren’t superheroes or fearless monster hunters. They are ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances.
This makes the horror more relatable. When readers see characters reacting with realistic fear and doubt, it’s easier to imagine themselves in those same terrifying situations.
Beason often explores themes of:
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Family bonds
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Survival instincts
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Human vulnerability
These emotional layers make his stories more than just creature features — they become explorations of the human spirit.
Balancing Fear and Suspense
Too much fear too soon can desensitize readers. Beason carefully balances fear and suspense, like a skilled chef seasoning a dish.
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Suspense builds as hints of the creature emerge — a footprint here, a guttural growl there.
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Fear spikes when the creature finally reveals itself in a dramatic climax.
This pacing keeps readers on edge, flipping pages late into the night.
Realism vs. Fantasy: Walking the Fine Line
Beason’s stories feel realistic because he knows how to walk the fine line between fact and fiction.
He uses real-world science and history to support his fantastical elements. For instance, he might explain a cryptid’s existence through rare mutations or undiscovered ecosystems.
This approach gives readers a thrilling sense of, Maybe this could really happen…
Why Patrick Beason’s Stories Stand Out
In a crowded horror market, Beason’s work stands out because of:
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Authenticity in his research and world-building.
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Relatable characters facing unbelievable terror.
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A unique focus on cryptids, which remains a niche yet beloved horror subgenre.
While many horror writers rely on ghosts, vampires, or zombies, Beason brings fresh monsters to the table.
Influence of Folklore and Real-World Encounters
Folklore is the lifeblood of cryptid horror. Beason takes inspiration from:
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Native legends
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Historical sightings
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Campfire stories passed down through generations
By weaving these elements into his narratives, he taps into collective cultural fears, making his stories feel timeless and universal.
The Emotional Core of Cryptid Horror
At its heart, cryptid horror isn’t just about the monsters — it’s about how people react to them.
Beason often explores emotional themes like:
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Grief and loss
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Courage in the face of terror
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The fragility of the human mind
These emotional undercurrents make his work resonate on a deeper level, leaving readers thinking long after they’ve turned the last page.
Lessons Writers Can Learn from Patrick Beason
Aspiring writers can take several key lessons from Beason’s approach:
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Do your research. Real-world myths and history add depth.
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Create believable monsters. Give them biology and behavior.
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Develop strong characters. Horror is scarier when readers care.
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Pace your scares. Build suspense before delivering fear.
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Stay true to the unknown. Sometimes, mystery is more powerful than answers.
The Future of Cryptid Horror Writing
Cryptid horror is gaining popularity thanks to streaming shows, podcasts, and books. Beason’s work is at the forefront of this trend.
As audiences crave fresh, innovative scares, cryptid horror could become a dominant subgenre in modern storytelling. With writers like Beason leading the charge, the future of this genre looks both terrifying and exciting.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Patrick Beason’s approach to cryptid horror blends research, imagination, and emotional depth to create stories that stick with readers. His tales remind us of an unsettling truth: there’s so much we don’t know about the world around us.
