How To Write A Scary Story

By georgelthomas on 8 Oct 2024 • ( 0 )

Hi everyone! How are you all?

October is upon us, which means it’s spooky season and time to get into the spirit of things! For many people, including me, that means breaking out the old horror films and reading some scary stories.

I love a good scare or even just that feeling of being a little creeped out (hello, Poltergeist, I’m talking to you), and there’s almost nothing better than inducing those feelings in someone else. I’ve much enjoyed the look on the faces of some of my readers when they get to the creepy parts of some of my stories; it gives me such a thrill to know I’ve managed to send even the tiniest shiver down their spines.

If you’re feeling inspired to write your own scary story, here are a few tips to help you get started.

How to Write a Scary Story

Choose an Unsettling Location
A good scary story needs a creepy setting to set the tone and give the reader a sense of unease. Think about places that might usually be safe but could quickly become dangerous, like a deserted cabin in the woods or an abandoned amusement park. Alternatively, you could go for a more fantastical setting, like a haunted castle or a dark and spooky forest. Whichever route you choose, ensure your setting is well-imagined and vividly described.

Create Believable Characters
If you want your readers to care about what happens to your characters, they need to be believable and relatable. Give your characters names, backstories, personalities, and motives. The more fleshed-out your characters are, the easier it will be for your readers to invest in their story. Also, think about the ‘scaries’ you’re going to use. Is it a monster fest? A ghost story? For best results, be creative and come up with a unique ‘horror’ of your own. or put a twist on a classic.

Start with a Bang
The first few paragraphs — if not sentences — of your story are essential in hooking your readers and keeping them reading throughout. Start with an exciting scene or introduce an enigmatic character from the start to pique your readers’ interest. Remember, you only have a single opportunity to make any sort of impression — so make the most of it and make it a good one!

Build Suspense Slowly
A good horror story takes its time building up suspense before revealing the scares. Gradually increase the tension and foreshadow scares to come so they’ll be all the more impactful when they happen.

End on a High Note
Just like how you want to start strong, you also want to end on a memorable note that will leave your reader thinking long after they finish the story. Stick the landing by wrapping up any loose ends and delivering a satisfying conclusion that will send chills down your reader’s spine.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to writing a scary story that will keep your readers glued to the page! Happy writing — and happy spooky season!

As ever, thank you for reading my post!

Until next time,

George