A short guide to writing horror
The horror genre has long been a favourite among readers and writers who appreciate the art of instilling fear and suspense. This genre depends on evoking strong emotional responses from readers, forcing them to confront their deepest fears and anxieties. In this article, we will explore the conventions and obligatory scenes of the horror genre and provide guidance on when it might be the right choice for your story.
What is the horror genre?
Horror stories are meant to evoke fear, dread, and unease in readers. They often feature supernatural or psychological elements and delve into the darker aspects of human nature. By confronting mortality, the unknown, and the macabre, the horror genre can include anything from ghost stories to psychological thrillers, with the primary goal of eliciting fear in the audience.
The horror genre is one of the external content genres, which focuses on the external conflicts and events that drive the story. Understanding the external content genre helps you develop stories that meet reader expectations and deliver a satisfying experience.
When to choose the horror genre
If your story idea revolves around themes of fear and suspense and you want to engage readers with chilling, adrenaline-pumping moments, the horror genre may be a suitable choice. Horror stories can be versatile, incorporating elements of mystery, suspense, or fantasy, and can be set in various locations and time periods. Additionally, the horror genre can be an excellent choice for exploring deep-seated human fears, anxieties, and taboos.
Conventions of the horror genre
Adhering to these conventions will help you create an effective horror story:
- Atmosphere and setting: Establish a dark, unsettling atmosphere and setting to create a sense of unease and anticipation.
- Fear of the unknown: Exploit the fear of the unknown, leaving some aspects of the story mysterious and unexplained.
- Strong, flawed characters: Develop well-rounded characters with believable flaws and vulnerabilities, making them more relatable to readers.
- Pacing and suspense: Skillfully manipulate pacing and suspense, gradually building tension to maintain reader engagement.
- Unpredictability: Utilize plot twists and turns, keeping readers guessing about the story's outcome.
Obligatory scenes of the horror genre
Incorporate these essential scenes to craft a successful horror story:
- Introduction to the threat: Introduce the source of fear or evil that will drive the story, creating a sense of impending doom.
- Encounter with the unknown: Place characters in situations where they must confront the unknown, heightening fear and suspense.
- Moments of escalating tension: Include scenes that gradually escalate the tension, making readers increasingly uneasy.
- Climactic confrontation: Create a climactic scene in which characters face the ultimate threat or evil, culminating in a moment of high suspense or fear.
- Resolution and aftermath: Resolve the story by revealing the consequences of the climactic confrontation and demonstrating how the characters' world has changed.
Tips for writing horror
To craft a gripping horror story, consider the following:
- Drawing inspiration from personal fears: Identify your own fears and anxieties to create a story that resonates with readers on a personal level.
- Balancing description and dialogue: Strive for a balance between vivid descriptions that evoke fear and engaging dialogue that propels the story forward.
- Utilizing foreshadowing and misdirection: Employ foreshadowing and misdirection to keep readers on their toes, enhancing suspense and unpredictability.
- Ensuring continuity and consistency: Pay attention to detail, ensuring that your story remains consistent and logical within the context of its world.
Understanding the classic horror story elements and scenes is the first step to writing an exceptional horror that will creep your readers out to their core. Dive deep into the twisted human mind and come up with something that will keep your readers up at night.
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References
- Coyne, Shawn. 2015. The Story Grid. New York, NY: Black Irish Entertainment.
