Horror is a genre that attracts with its ability to frighten and confront our biggest fears. Of course, any book that motivates us to think is a good piece of writing, but the horror genre isn’t just thought-provoking – it touches our minds, invades us, and, for some reason, makes us emotionally aroused. And even though creating horror stories might seem like an easy task because all you allegedly need is brutal murders and bloodthirsty monsters, it couldn’t be further from the truth. Literary works written in the horror genre should adhere to a particular structure and be based on proper research, just like any fiction. You must admit that it takes quite a mastery to scare someone out of their mind using just written words.
If you dream of becoming a horror writer, but you are not sure where to start, or you are just about to delve into the creation of your debut novel, don’t forget to make a writing plan beforehand. It will help you overcome writer’s block and convey your concept clearly and artfully. Every writing enthusiast knows that it is too easy to get carried away when composing a story, especially such a thrilling piece as a horror story. So, hopefully, the tips given below will come in handy to each aspiring horror author.
Figure out Your Main Character
Above all, work on the description of the main character – not only their physical appearance but also character traits, motivation, and purpose. Remember that your horror novel’s hero is its heart and the guide, which will lead the readers through the whole story. Depending on whether you write in the first person or third person POV (point of view), the protagonist may also act as a narrator. In case you still haven’t decided on it yet, write in both POVs (at least a small passage), and you will immediately understand which way is more comfortable or more natural for you.
The lead character of your horror novel is the one your readers will worry about. They will become passionate fans to route for him or her as they fight and contend with whatever horrors you expose them to throughout your story. Your audience will continue to read to see if your main character succeeds in achieving their goal. The latter can consist of any event, from just having to stay alive, trying to get to a specific place by hell or high water, protecting their friends or family, or a particular precious item.
Experienced authors and proofreaders at Sharp Essay (https://sharpessay.com/) say that it is of utmost importance for the writer to get acquainted with individual details of their protagonist’s profile. More precisely, you are only required to have an approximate idea of who they are and what they are doing in your horror story, and what they should achieve by the end of it.
Bear in Mind Your Intended Readers
Put yourself in the readers’ shoes and reflect on what emotions they would like to experience when reading your work. Horror is a genuinely robust genre, as such literary works vary from psychological thrillers to sci-fi novels or stories involving supernatural creatures. The goal of your written creation may differ as well – to petrify your readers, to intrigue them, or to gross them out. Keep in mind that horror is more than just writing about awful, terrifying events; it represents art that should be taken seriously. Even by choosing a length of a sentence, you can affect the audience’s reaction. Thus, you can create tension by resorting to long sentences to heighten the suspense. Use short phrases to make them feel as if they are in danger, too, as if someone – or something – is chasing them as well! Combine different paces of narration, make your audience wait impatient, and fear what will happen next. Be sure to present readers with an in-depth description of the environment to let them immerse themselves in your story. Play with all of their senses, from sight to smell.
Know What You Write About
By analogy with other types of writing, it is always best to write about something you know. It also applies to horror fiction. Indeed, it is highly unlikely that you have ever met a vampire or lived in a haunted house, but you don’t need that kind of experience. Once again, appeal to the senses. We all know what feel, disgust, or stress feels like. Some people suffer from various phobias, and you may apply it when composing your novel, simultaneously providing your readers with an adrenaline rush. Draw inspiration from real-life horrors. For example, check with crime news reports. According to certified authors from Assignment Partner, the use of relatable themes can potentially make your horror story feel much more realistic – and even scarier that way.
Resort to Plot Twists
Who doesn’t enjoy a good plot twist? Such writer’s tricks often captivate the minds of the readers, encouraging them to keep on reading. For instance, when the lead character turns out to be not someone who they pretended to be, like the real antagonist or a dead person. Both authors and their audiences appreciate a plot full of twists and turns. However, it is quite a challenge to come up with a thrilling horror twist. Writing specialists advise preventing storytelling aberration when striving to invent jaw-dropping twists. Don’t try too hard, and a perfect plot twist will come to your mind at the most appropriate moment.
By sketching out several of your ideas concerning your main character, their place of residence, character, and appearance, you will assist yourself with writing scenes around them and their life. Understanding how you wish your readers to feel when reading your book will help you establish your writing style. These notes put down on paper will undeniably come in handy whenever you experience a creative crisis. Keep on adding and altering some details after consulting with your loved ones and checking if your horror story had the expected effect on them.
Creating horror fiction worth reading is as tricky as writing a top-quality essay. Nevertheless, in the second case, online Write-Essay-For-Me helpers will always come to your rescue.