Do you feel like writing a horror story, but are unsure of how to begin? If so, check out the following 5 tips for writing horror:
1. Get Some Inspiration
As a guide, you should read a few good horror books and watch a few horror movies. The more variety you refer to, the better the story will form in your mind. Trust me, it really does work! Think of any supernatural incidents you could include that would leave the reader feeling tense and excited to turn the pages.
2. Make Notes
To streamline your thoughts list down the outline and the end result of the story. The notes should include the eerie situations underlying all of the horror scenes, how a horrific character (say a goblin or a Dracula or some evil monster) is introduced into the story, and the way this character gets involved in the lives of normal people.
3. First Draft
Focus on the end result always. If you deviate, then the tension will break and your efforts will come to a standstill.
Interest, suspense, tension and the anticipation to jump to the next page are essential to any horror story. If you get that formula right, then your story recipe will be accepted by all!
The excitement of writing horror lies in the effects created. So, each character, each dialogue, each action should be detailed out very well. Try not to over express the splash of blood and the intensity of screams. Repeated action/expressions will bore anyone.
One tip is to delay the open disclosure of your goblin or ghost. This mysterious character should be scaring the reader from the dark. The longer time you take to introduce this main horror, the person will be inclined to keep turning pages fast.
Add life and emotion to all the characters and naturally you will soon find them right in front of you. The reader should literally visualize the scenes. Try sitting all alone in a dark place and reading your draft copy. Does it bring shivers down your spine?
4. Introduction and Conclusion
Remember the first impression is the impression that lasts the longest. So, once you have written the whole story, shoot ideas to increase the thrill and tension of the introduction page.
How is that possible? Give a hidden but profound description of the type or crimes this horrific figure does, its weird habits and mannerisms and what trail marks it leaves after a scary crime.
Next is the last and final conclusion page. Just like a good food dish should be able to leave the tastes on your palates, you have to make sure the conclusion leaves an imprint of curiosity, suspense and anxiety in the reader’s mind.
5. Final Draft
Yes, finally you have finished the big job! But no, the work is not perfect. Don’t worry, it never will be in one go.
Take a break for about a day. Come back and start reading everything once again. Edit the mistakes, and add expressions to elevate the horror feel a bit more, if you think it would help.
Repeat this about three times. Re-editing improves the ‘scary and creepy’ effect in your horror story. During the last editing session, sit once again in a quiet atmosphere and as you read, feel your heart beat increasing, and your hands and feet sweat!
Image credit: PSVitaWallpapers on flickr and reproduced under Creative Commons 2.0[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://writingtipsoasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Teena.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Teena Abraham is an enthusiastic blogger and professional article writer who loves to write and share vital knowledge on any su+bject under the sky. Identifying her passion for blogging and freelancing, presently she focuses on writing eBooks, writing tips and advice on a variety of topics. Creative, multidisciplinary, strives to perfection and an eye for details is how her loved ones would describe Teena. An optimistic and dedicated person who does her best to make sure that her research will make a substantial difference for someone else in this world.[/author_info] [/author]