How To Write Horror

Have you ever read a book that makes you fear your own shadow? Have you read through words that are so intense that the hair on your back stands up? Wouldn't you love to write a book that makes other people feel the exact same way?  Grab a pen and start writing something so scary that you will even scare yourself. 

1. Write about what scares you: You cannot produce a good horror book or short story if you are not willing to confront your own fears. You must be willing to dig deep down inside of yourself. You also have to force yourself to daydream and imagine yourself in a scary situation. If you allow yourself to be the main character, then you will make that character appear more real because you are pouring your fears, anxiety and emotions into her.

2. Study the craft: If you have the desire and drive to write horror, then you should have the passion to read horror stories and watch horror movies. Do not bother trying to write a horror novel or short story if you do not like to read horror stories. Reading is the foundation of good writing. From reading other horrors and other books, you will develop yourself as a writer in substance and style. By reading other horror stories, you are not stealing their ideas. Also, if you want to read a very well written book that will help you get more acquainted with horror writing, Stephen King's On Writing it great. It is also a great idea to talk to other aspiring and experienced horror writers. You can chat and make fellow horror writer friends at sites like Horror Writers Workshop.
3. Timing and pacing: Some horror writers have been successful by creating their own timing in a horror novel, rather than following the typical rules. The typical rules, however, are great ones to follow. A great way to start your horror novel is to jump right into suspense. Do not have the scariest scene be in the beginning; you have to build u to it. Just begin with something that will grab the reader's attention.

   Take the time necessary to establish creepy moods and capture the fright of your story's surroundings and scenarios.  Many writers want to rush through descriptions in the hope that fast pace is always the goal.  But while fast-paced storytelling is great at times, you have to slow down to savor the horror of quieter moments as well.  Without the slower parts, the quicker moments would not be so explosive.

   Also, through the story, you want to tease your readers. Put in scary scenes that end up not being so scary after all. Give your readers the feeling that something scary is coming, then when they least expect it, spring on the scariest climax of the story. Before the climax, it is also a good idea to describe how scary the monster or villain.

4. Avoid horror clichés: A black cat lurking in an alleyway. A strange noise coming from the dark woods surrounding a campfire. The high school quarterback and head cheerleader smooching in a convertible when suddenly a monster rips her head off. All of these scenarios instantly conjure up memories because they are a few of the obvious horror clichés. Explore original ways to create horror in your story. Maybe your scenes will involve classic horror elements done with a unique twist, or maybe the scenarios do not resemble past horror at all.
5. Write realistically: What makes horror stories so scary is how real they seem. Even though majority of horror is fiction, it still has to seem like it could actually happen. For starter horror writers, write about your own town and life situations. Then add in a fear, such as a murderer or ghost. Starting with a real place, person, or even situation will make your horror story sound real right away.
6. Writing habits: While writing a horror story, you will lose some of your emotional momentum if you take days off in between writing. It is crucial to stay in touch with your characters and keep the intensity high by writing everyday.

   You may also discover that you write horror better when you are in the middle of being afraid. Try writing in your musty basement or squeaky attic. Or write at night when all is quiet. That should heighten your horror writing.

Horror writing takes time, practice, and some imagination. Remember, the best way to know if your novel will scare your readers is if you are scared writing it.