| Writing horror stories that can immerse your | | | | rejection. |
| readers completely and make them relive the | | | | - Create characters that almost jump off the |
| terror is something that most writers in this genre | | | | page, this means learning about those characters |
| are trying to achieve. It’s not always easy | | | | inside and out before writing the story. Make sure |
| though and a poorly written horror story can be | | | | they are 3 dimensional and include characteristics |
| almost comedic in comparison. The writer has to | | | | that will tie in naturally with your story. |
| establish a creative and solid foundation to their | | | | - Consider where to create suspense for the |
| story first which means knowing the plot inside | | | | reader. |
| and out and then weave the suspenseful | | | | - To write horror, it is always useful to consider |
| elements into that existing plot. Writing horror | | | | what frightens you on an individual level. If it |
| may not be the easiest genre to write in, but it | | | | frightens you, then it equally could scare the |
| can certainly be an exciting and captivating one | | | | reader. |
| and a lesson in writing and building suspense. | | | | - Remember that horror does not have to be |
| | | | | gory; fear can be escalated in a number of ways, |
| When writing horror, it is important that the | | | | in fact, sometimes it is what the writer |
| writer knows the direction of the story as many | | | | doesn’t say but merely hints at that will begin |
| writers begin their stories without a clear sense of | | | | to unnerve the reader. Let their imaginations |
| direction and this can lead to a confusing plot with | | | | work. |
| a myriad of limitless possibilities. If the writer | | | | - Consider your word count and then work out |
| becomes confused, then it is quite certain that | | | | just where the story needs to starts. A novel |
| the reader will be too. It is important that the | | | | should have an exciting opening but can build up |
| reader finds it easy to read the story irrespective | | | | the horror and suspense naturally. A short story |
| of whether it’s a short story or a novel. Why | | | | has to be written in an entirely different way. |
| make it hard on the reason to immerse them in | | | | - Create a title that intrigues and draws the |
| the plot line? | | | | reader in. |
| If the thought of writing horror is a compelling | | | | |
| one, then make sure that you adhere to the | | | | Building an overall plan regarding your story can |
| following points: | | | | help save time in the long run. It certainly helps to |
| - Consider the plot carefully and make it as original | | | | prevent the writer from meandering within the |
| as possible. | | | | plot and be able to confidently move the plot |
| - Understand what ‘you’ are trying to get | | | | forward. Don’t forget that for horror stories, |
| across to your readers and don’t waffle. | | | | the pace of the story is extremely important as |
| - Think about word count. Assuming you would | | | | the reader must be carried into the story from |
| like to get your work published, it is important to | | | | beginning through to end and their attention must |
| research the publication you are likely to submit | | | | be held by your carefully crafted words. So, when |
| to. Sending 5000 words to a publisher whose | | | | writing horror successfully - think, plan and learn |
| requirements are for stories with a 2000 word | | | | to write instinctively for maximum effect. |
| maximum word count is bound to end in a | | | | |