creepy forest description creative writing

35 Words to Describe a Forest Well in a Novel

By: Author Hiuyan Lam

Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories Vocabulary Boosters

A huge part of writing a novel is using the best words to describe various settings to bring your story to life. If you have a scene set in a forest, your words to describe a forest must reflect everything the characters (if any) can see or feel, or should paint a vivid picture of the setting.

But that’s easier said than done, isn’t it? Everyone gets stuck sometimes and finding the best words to describe the simplest of things can take some time.

In this post, we’re going to focus on a popular scene that can be tricky to describe for some: the forest. Here are 35 of the best words to describe a forest well in a novel:

6 words for a forest at night (black forest)

  Scenes take place in the forest at night for various reasons. Perhaps you want to create suspense or mystery.   A forest at night can also be used to create drama or romance. However, if you don’t have the best words to describe a forest at night, your delivery is sure to fall flat.   Here are 6 words to describe a forest at night:  

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6 words to describe a forest in winter (white forest)

  Forests in winter are truly a sight to behold, especially when they are blanketed by a cover of white snow. A white forest may be used to portray purity or light.   A white forest may also be used to portray isolation or emptiness. Here are 6 words to describe a forest based on what you wish to portray:  

6 words to describe a forest in spring (green forest)

  During spring, the forest is at its busiest with creatures roaming about, and plants sprouting their blossoms. It is a period of rebirth and regrowth that may be used to set a specific mood or contrast a less favorable circumstance.   Whatever the case may be, here are 6 words to describe a forest in spring:  

20+ of the Best Words to Describe Night in a Story

6 words about the Amazon rainforest

  The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest and contains an infinite number of green trees of various shades and sizes. It is also one of the most diverse biomes on the planet.   Here are some words to describe a forest that will help you to paint an accurate picture of the Amazon rainforest.  

6 words to convey the atmosphere of a mysterious/deep forest

  When describing a forest to an audience, you will need words to describe more than just the trees.   You also need to pay attention to the atmosphere, especially if it is mysterious or deep.   Here are some words to describe a forest based on its atmosphere  

5 words for the sounds of a forest

  Lastly, using sounds will paint the ultimate picture in your readers’ heads.   Here are 5 words to describe a forest based on the sounds one may hear:  

25 of the Best Words to Describe a Bad and Toxic Relationship

  When using these words to describe a forest, ensure they complement the scene you are trying to set, rather than adding a bunch of words to fill the page, otherwise, it may be confusing for your reader.   Picture it in your head before finding the appropriate words.  

Writing Nestling

How To Describe A Forest In A Story (10 Best Tips)

In the heart of storytelling, the art of describing a forest transcends mere words; it is a symphony of sensory engagement that beckons readers into a realm of enchantment.

A forest, with its ancient tapestry of towering trees, hidden clearings, and elusive wildlife, holds the potential to be more than just a setting—it can be a character, a catalyst, and a living, breathing entity within the narrative.

Mastering the craft of forest description requires an alchemical blend of vivid imagery, tactile sensations, and the delicate balance of emotions.

Join me on a journey through the literary underbrush as we unravel the secrets of how to paint a forest with words, creating an immersive experience that transports readers into the very heart of nature’s embrace.

Table of Contents

How To Describe A Forest In A Story

Sure, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to describe a forest in a story:

Observation

Begin by observing the forest closely. Take note of its overall appearance, including the types of trees, the density of vegetation, and the presence of any undergrowth.

Sensory Details

Engage the reader’s senses by describing the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of the forest. Use vivid language to create a sensory experience for the reader.

Visual Description

Start with the visual elements of the forest. Describe the towering trees, the dappling sunlight filtering through the canopy, and the play of shadows on the forest floor.

Describe the sounds of the forest, such as the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, the buzzing of insects, and the occasional creaking of branches in the wind.

Explore the scents of the forest, including the earthy smell of damp soil, the fragrance of pine needles, the sweetness of wildflowers, and the musky odor of decaying vegetation.

Texture and Touch

Capture the tactile sensations of the forest, such as the rough bark of trees, the softness of moss-covered rocks, and the coolness of shaded pathways.

Emotional Response

Convey the emotional impact of the forest on the characters or narrator. Describe feelings of awe, tranquility, solitude, or unease inspired by the forest environment.

Symbolism and Metaphor

Use the forest as a symbol or metaphor to enhance the thematic depth of your story. Explore concepts like growth, renewal, mystery, or the cycle of life and death.

Character Interaction

Show how characters interact with the forest environment. Describe their movements through the trees, their reactions to its beauty or dangers, and the way they connect with nature.

Overall Atmosphere

Finally, convey the overall atmosphere of the forest. Is it a place of sanctuary and refuge, or does it harbor hidden dangers and mysteries? Use descriptive language to evoke the mood and tone of the forest setting.

By following these steps , you can effectively describe a forest in your story and immerse your readers in its rich and vibrant world.

Setting the Scene

In the enchanting realm of narrative, where words dance like fireflies in the dusk, setting the scene becomes an artistry of captivating strokes and vivid hues.

Imagine a canvas unfurling before your mind’s eye, a tapestry woven with the essence of anticipation and wonder.

As the curtain of imagination rises, the stage is meticulously crafted – a symphony of rustling leaves, a ballet of dappled sunlight filtering through the ancient canopy, and the whispered secrets of the wind weaving through towering trees. Here, time is but a transient spectator, enraptured by the choreography of nature’s opulence.

In this orchestration of sensory delights, the scene is not merely set; it is an invitation to wander, explore, and lose oneself in the immersive tapestry of a world waiting to be discovered.

Establishing the forest as a central element in the story

In the heart of my narrative, the forest emerges as more than just a backdrop; it is a living, breathing character, pulsating with its own heartbeat and secrets.

Its towering trees, ancient sentinels cloaked in emerald hues, whisper tales of forgotten epochs, and its sprawling underbrush teems with the untold stories of flora and fauna.

This sylvan sanctuary serves as the silent witness to the protagonist’s journey, offering solace, challenges, and the veiled wisdom of the wild.

The forest becomes a protagonist in its own right, shaping the narrative with its enigmatic allure and influencing the characters’ destinies.

It is not merely a setting but a realm where the very essence of the story unfolds, a realm where the characters are tested, transformed, and ultimately find a profound connection with the untamed spirit of nature. In this tale, the forest is not just a picturesque backdrop—it is the beating heart that propels the story forward with its mysterious rhythm.

Sensory Imagery

Embarking on the journey of sensory imagery is akin to unlocking a treasure trove of sensations that lie dormant within the pages of a story.

As words weave a tapestry of perception, the reader is not merely an observer but a participant in a symphony of senses. Picture the fragrance of nostalgia wafting through the narrative, the taste of bittersweet memories lingering on the tongue of imagination, and the visual kaleidoscope painted with the vivid brushstrokes of descriptive prowess.

With each sentence, the reader is invited to feel the soft caress of a gentle breeze, hear the melodic rustle of autumn leaves, and taste the intoxicating aroma of a moonlit forest.

Sensory imagery is not just a tool; it is an alchemy that transmutes the ordinary into the extraordinary, rendering the reader not just an audience but a willing captive of an immersive experience where every sensation is a note in the grand symphony of storytelling.

Tactile Experiences

In the palpable tapestry of storytelling, tactile experiences emerge as the loom upon which emotions are intricately woven.

The words become the weaver’s shuttle, threading through the fabric of imagination, leaving behind a tactile trail of sensations that dance upon the reader’s fingertips.

Texture, warmth, and the subtle shiver of anticipation become the protagonist, inviting readers to run their literary fingers across the coarse bark of an ancient tree, feel the silkiness of moonlit dew on a protagonist’s skin, or trace the edges of a weathered journal, worn by time.

Tactile experiences in a narrative are not mere descriptions; they are portals into a realm where readers don’t just see or hear, but they touch, and in that touch, they forge an intimate connection with the very essence of the story, where every sensation is a chapter waiting to be explored.

Emotional Impact

In the alchemy of storytelling, the emotional impact is the elixir that turns words into an unforgettable experience.

It’s the silent conductor orchestrating a symphony of heartbeats, seamlessly weaving the ethereal thread of empathy between the narrative and the reader. Each sentence becomes a resonating chord, vibrating with the raw intensity of joy, sorrow, and everything in between.

It’s the cathartic release that leaves a lingering echo, an indelible mark on the soul. Imagine words as keys unlocking the floodgates of sentiment, inviting readers to navigate the labyrinth of emotions with characters as guides.

The emotional impact is not just a byproduct; it’s the heartbeat of the story, a pulsating force that transcends the written word, creating a visceral connection where stories cease to be just tales and become transformative experiences etched into the very fabric of the reader’s heart.

Time and Season

In the grand tapestry of storytelling, time and season emerge as celestial weavers, gracefully threading the narrative with the hues of temporal magic.

Each moment is a fleeting symphony, a dance between the pendulum of past and future, painting the story with the brushstrokes of chronicles.

Seasons, like chapters, unfold in a kaleidoscopic display – the vibrant exuberance of spring, the sultry embrace of summer, the melancholic hues of autumn, and the hushed whispers of winter’s tale.

Time becomes a silent architect, constructing the very architecture of the plot, leaving readers to traverse its corridors and alcoves. It’s not just a backdrop; it’s the relentless heartbeat, a metronome guiding the rhythm of the narrative.

Together, time and season are the alchemists, transforming stories into timeless odysseys where the ticking clock and changing seasons are not just witnesses but active participants in the symphony of existence.

In the vast expanse of literary creation, symbolism and metaphor emerge as the elusive artisans, casting spells that transcend the mundane and elevate prose to the realm of enchantment.

Words become vessels, carrying hidden meanings like treasures in a mystic labyrinth. Symbols are the cryptic whispers, speaking in the silent language of archetypes, while metaphors are the alchemists, transmuting the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Each carefully chosen image is a puzzle piece, inviting readers to decode the layers of meaning woven into the narrative tapestry.

It’s a dance of ideas, where a rose isn’t just a flower, but a harbinger of passion, and a storm becomes a metaphorical tempest echoing the turmoil within.

Symbolism and metaphor are the keys to unlocking the door to a world where every word is a riddle, inviting readers to embark on a journey of intellectual unraveling, where the story isn’t just read but deciphered in a dance of linguistic sorcery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about How to Describe a Forest in a Story

How can i make my forest description stand out in a story.

To make your forest description memorable, engage multiple senses. Describe not just the visual aspects but also the sounds, scents, and textures. Create a vivid tapestry that allows readers to feel the heartbeat of the forest.

What role does personification play in describing a forest?

Personification breathes life into the forest, transforming it from a mere backdrop to a dynamic character. Attribute human-like qualities to elements like trees or the wind to add depth and resonance to your description.

How do I balance detail without overwhelming the reader in a forest description?

Choose key details that contribute to the mood and atmosphere. Focus on significant elements that evoke emotions or propel the narrative forward, allowing readers to fill in the gaps with their imagination.

Can metaphors and symbolism enhance a forest description?

Absolutely! Metaphors and symbolism add layers of meaning, turning the forest into a metaphorical landscape that reflects the themes and emotions of your story. Use them thoughtfully to enrich your description.

Should I consider the time of day and seasons when describing a forest?

Yes, the time of day and seasons greatly impact the forest’s ambiance. Describing the interplay of sunlight through leaves or the crunch of autumn leaves underfoot adds richness and authenticity to your portrayal.

How can I evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue in my forest description?

Utilize the unknown to create intrigue. Mention hidden paths, ancient ruins, or unusual flora and fauna. Embrace the mysterious elements to captivate readers’ curiosity and invite them to explore your forest’s secrets.

Is it important to connect the forest description with the overall theme of the story?

Absolutely. Ensure that your forest description aligns with the themes and emotions of your narrative. The forest should not exist in isolation but contribute meaningfully to the overall story arc.

How do I avoid clichés when describing a forest?

Challenge yourself to find unique perspectives and details. Move beyond typical descriptions and explore lesser-known aspects of a forest. Injecting your personal observations and experiences will make your portrayal more authentic and fresh.

In the realm of storytelling, the art of describing a forest serves as a gateway to an enchanting world where words become the brushstrokes painting the canvas of imagination.

As we conclude our journey through the foliage of literary description, remember that a forest is not merely a backdrop but a living, breathing entity that can shape the very essence of your narrative.

Balancing sensory engagement, weaving in metaphors and symbolism, and embracing the mystical allure of the unknown, you transform the forest into a dynamic character within your story .

So, as you embark on the exploration of your narrative woodland, let your words sway like branches in the wind and your descriptions bloom like the vibrant flora under the forest canopy, creating an immersive experience that lingers in the hearts of your readers long after they’ve ventured beyond the last page.

The art of describing a forest is an ever-evolving dance between the tangible and the ethereal, inviting storytellers to embrace the magic hidden within the leaves and shadows, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape.

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How to Describe a Magical Forest

By Isobel Coughlan

Do you need some thoughts on how to describe a magical forest? Get some inspiration from the following 10 words and examples!

1. Mysterious

Something strange and not understood .

“Emma weaved between the trees, but she still didn’t understand what was causing the magic in the mysterious forest.”

“The forest was simply mysterious . No one understood why it attracted magical creatures.”

How it Adds Description

“Mysterious” shows that the forest’s magical powers or ambiance are not completely understood. This might make your character very curious about the setting, as they want to uncover the truth behind the magical “mystery.” This could lead to adventures in the forest as your character explores.

Something or somewhere that’s full of activity or conversation because of something exciting .

“The magical forest was always buzzing thanks to its inhabitants. There was always a new spell being crafted between the trees.”

“As Johnny entered the forest, he realized it was buzzing with energy. He’d never seen such a magical place in his life.”

If you want to describe the feeling of the forest’s magic or the general presence of magical energy, you can use the word “buzzing.” This verb shows that the magic is so potent that it’s very noticeable when compared to non-magical locations. This might excite characters, but some may also find it scary, especially if they don’t understand it.

3. Enchanting

Somewhere very attractive or charming .

“The enchanting forest beckoned witches into the trees. You didn’t have to be an expert to understand that it was a magical place.”

“Eli found the forest enchanting . He couldn’t stop staring at the glowing trees and sparkling grass.”

“Enchanting” can be used to show that your fictional forest is very aesthetically attractive. This may reinforce why your character likes the place, and some might be in awe of the forest’s  “enchanting” appearance. Some characters might even get drawn in by the forest’s “enchanting” nature, even if the forest is filled with dark magic.

Somewhere very strange and odd.

“Alex thought the forest was more bizarre than attractive. He didn’t feel comfortable being surrounded by magic.”

“The wizard dreamed of the bizarre forest every night. He was certain that the magical place was calling his name.”

If you want to show that your magical forest has a strange side, you can use “bizarre.” This adjective shows that there’s something different or odd about the forest, and this might put your character on edge. They might not be able to relax in the forest until they know why it seems so “bizarre.”

5. Wonderful

Somewhere that’s pleasant and extremely good.

“Tinkerbell gasped when she flew into the wonderful forest. She felt so at home in the magical trees.”

“Peter thought the magical forest was truly wonderful . He decided he would return again next year.”

You can show how positive and likable your forest is through “wonderful.” This adjective shows that your character enjoys being in the forest, and this could lead to their mood being better or more exciting when in the forest.

6. Impressive

Something that impresses you due to size, skill, or degree.

“The fairy king knew his magical forest was impressive , and he used it to his advantage.”

“Edna tried to deny it, but her facial expression gave away the fact that she thought the forest was impressive .”

A magical forest is a very unique setting, and due to its rarity, many non-magical characters might find it “impressive.” This shows that it’s something out of the ordinary, and it might stop some characters in their tracks, especially if they’ve never seen anything magical before.

7. Powerful

Something that can influence events or control people.

“As soon as Geena stepped into the powerful forest, its magic took over her senses. For a second, she didn’t even know who she was anymore.”

“The forest was so powerful that Juan could feel its magic in his bones for months after his visit.”

If your fictional forest is home to particularly potent magic, you can call it “powerful.” This adjective shows that the magical forest has the ability to influence visitors, which might make some characters apprehensive about visiting. However, some curious characters might make a point of visiting the “powerful” forest to see the forest’s potent magic in person.

8. Majestic

Something very dignified and beautiful.

“All of the trees in the majestic forest were pearly white and glittered in the sun.”

“The elven queen enjoyed spending her afternoons practicing her spells in the majestic forest.”

A “majestic” magical forest might be more dignified or noble than other places, and therefore, upper-class or royal characters might gravitate to it. Poorer characters might dream of experiencing the “majestic” forest, and they might try to build their own magic skills or build their finances in order to be allowed in.

9. Formidable

Something that’s so powerful that it makes people scared or frightened.

“Kaleb was unsure about traveling through the formidable forest. He’d heard too many stories of wizards and dark magic in its grounds.”

“The formidable forest scared the peasants as the local witches practiced their hexes amidst the magical trees.”

“Formidable” shows that the magical forest might not be filled with good magic, and therefore, some characters are scared to enter. This could be because they fear the unknown, or maybe they’re scared of being hurt or cursed by the forest’s dark magic.

10. Shadowy

A place that’s filled with shadows or is very dark.

“The grand high witch lived amongst the tall trees in the shadowy forest.”

“Bella’s fear of magic came from the strange sounds that came from the shadowy forest. She could always hear cults chanting in tongues despite the thick vegetation.”

If you want to portray your magical forest as a dark place filled with evil magic, you can use “shadowy.” This adjective paints a gloomy image of the setting, and it shows your reader that the location looks different from typical forests. Characters may refuse to enter the “shadowy” forest because it’s too dark and hard to navigate.

How to Describe a Ghost in Writing (Tips, Words, Examples)

Writing about the supernatural, and especially ghosts, is a common problem for many writers.

It requires a lot of creativity, an extensive vocabulary, and a good sense of mood and atmosphere.

Here’s how to describe a ghost in writing:

Describe a ghost in writing by using sensory details, creating an atmosphere, conveying the ghost’s personality, using metaphors and similes, and employing vivid language. Reflect the ghost’s character through its appearance, movements, voice, and interaction with the environment.

This article will provide you with all the necessary tools to make your ghostly descriptions spine-chillingly good.

21 Tips for Describing Ghosts in Writing

Table of Contents

Here are 21 tips to get you started with describing ghosts in writing.

Tip 1: Use Sensory Details

Using sensory details in your descriptions will make your ghost seem more real to your readers.

Try to engage all five senses – sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.

Even though ghosts are traditionally intangible, their presence can still evoke sensory reactions in your characters.

For example, the sight of the ghost might be chilling, their voice might echo eerily, or their presence might cause a cold draft.

Engaging the senses of your readers will allow them to immerse themselves in the story more completely.

If your reader can almost feel the chill of the ghost’s presence or the echo of its voice, they are more likely to be affected by the scene and feel the intended emotions.

Tip 2: Use Metaphors and Similes

Metaphors and similes are effective literary tools when it comes to describing ghosts.

They can help make abstract or intangible qualities more understandable and vivid.

For instance, you might say that a ghost’s voice is like a “whisper on the wind,” or that its presence is “as cold as a winter’s night.”

These types of comparisons can not only make your descriptions more vivid.

But they can also help to create a certain mood or atmosphere.

For example, comparing a ghost’s appearance to a “drifting cloud” could suggest a more ethereal, peaceful presence, while likening it to “a shadow in the corner of your eye” might evoke a more unsettling, menacing atmosphere.

Tip 3: Show, Don’t Tell

One of the oldest principles of writing is “show, don’t tell.”

This means instead of telling your reader that a character is scared of the ghost, show the character’s fear through their actions, words, and feelings.

This applies to describing your ghost as well.

Show its eeriness through its actions, its effect on the environment, and the reactions of other characters.

Showing instead of telling creates a more engaging and immersive story.

It gives your readers the chance to interpret the character’s emotions themselves based on the cues you provide.

This makes for a more interactive and fulfilling reading experience.

Tip 4: Use Strong, Evocative Language

When describing a ghost, use strong, evocative language to create a powerful image in your reader’s mind.

This can include adjectives like haunting, ethereal, ghostly, or spectral, or verbs like hover, drift, fade, or glide.

Using this kind of language not only helps to create a vivid picture of the ghost, but it also helps to set the tone of the scene.

The right words can make your ghost seem eerie, menacing, sad, or mysterious, depending on what you’re aiming for.

Tip 5: Describe the Ghost’s Appearance

How does your ghost look? Is it transparent or solid?

Does it have a clear human form, or is it more of a shapeless mist? Does it wear clothes, and if so, from what era?

These are all important details that will help your reader visualize the ghost.

Remember to use sensory details and strong, evocative language when describing the ghost’s appearance.

Also consider how the ghost’s appearance might reflect its personality or backstory.

For example, a ghost who was a soldier in life might still wear their uniform, while a ghost who died tragically young might appear as a child.

Tip 6: Describe the Ghost’s Behavior

Ghosts often have specific behaviors or patterns they follow, like haunting a particular room or appearing at a certain time.

Describing these behaviors can help make your ghost seem more real and add to the creepiness of your story.

Think about why your ghost might behave the way it does.

Maybe it’s trapped in a loop, repeating the events leading up to its death.

Or maybe it’s trying to communicate something to the living characters.

This can add depth and complexity to your ghost, making it more than just a scary apparition.

Tip 7: Convey the Ghost’s Personality

Just like any character in your story, your ghost should have a distinct personality.

Is it vengeful, sad, friendly, or perhaps mischievous?

This will dictate how it interacts with the living characters and what kind of atmosphere its presence creates.

A ghost’s personality can be revealed through its actions, its dialogue, its appearance, and its effect on the environment.

For example, a vengeful ghost might create an oppressive, menacing atmosphere, while a sad ghost might cause a feeling of melancholy to descend on the scene.

Tip 8: Use Symbolism

Ghosts often symbolize something, like a character’s guilt or a past event that still haunts them.

Using symbolism in your ghost description can add a deeper layer of meaning to your story.

Symbolism can be conveyed through the ghost’s appearance, behavior, or the circumstances of its death.

For example, a ghost that always appears in a mirror might symbolize a character’s struggle with self-image or identity.

Tip 9: Describe the Ghost’s Death

The circumstances of a ghost’s death often play a big role in its behavior and appearance.

Did it die a violent death, or did it die peacefully in its sleep? This can influence whether your ghost is vengeful and frightening, or sad and peaceful.

Describing the ghost’s death can also provide important backstory and add depth to your ghost.

This could be revealed slowly throughout the story, keeping your readers hooked and wanting to find out more.

Tip 10: Convey the Ghost’s Motivation

What does your ghost want?

Is it seeking revenge, trying to communicate a message, or does it just want to be left alone?

Understanding and conveying your ghost’s motivation can make it more than just a spooky specter – it becomes a character in its own right.

A ghost’s motivation can be conveyed through its actions, its dialogue, or even its effect on the environment.

For example, a ghost seeking revenge might torment the living characters, while a ghost trying to communicate might cause strange phenomena like flickering lights or mysteriously moving objects.

Tip 11: Describe the Ghost’s Influence on the Environment

Ghosts often have a noticeable effect on their surroundings, like causing a drop in temperature, creating an eerie silence, or causing lights to flicker.

Describing these effects can make your ghost seem more real and add to the creepiness of the scene.

This also allows you to engage your reader’s senses.

For example, describing the chill that descends on a room when a ghost appears, or the way the lights dim and flicker, can make the reader feel like they’re experiencing the ghost’s presence themselves.

Tip 12: Keep Your Ghost Mysterious

One of the most intriguing things about ghosts is their mystery.

Avoid giving too much away about your ghost too soon. Keep your readers guessing about the ghost’s identity, its backstory, and its motivations.

Mystery can be maintained by revealing details about the ghost slowly and sporadically throughout the story.

This also creates suspense and keeps your readers hooked, as they’ll want to keep reading to find out more about the ghost.

Tip 13: Describe the Characters’ Reactions

The way your characters react to the ghost can say a lot about the ghost itself.

Are they terrified, fascinated, or perhaps even sympathetic?

This can give your readers clues about the nature of the ghost and how they should feel about it.

Remember to show, don’t tell, when describing your characters’ reactions.

Don’t just tell the readers that your character is scared – show them by describing the character’s actions, thoughts, and feelings.

Tip 14: Play with Lighting and Shadows

Lighting and shadows can greatly enhance your ghost descriptions.

A ghost appearing in the dead of night is scarier than one appearing in broad daylight.

Describing how the ghost interacts with light and shadows can make your scenes more atmospheric and vivid.

This also allows you to create striking visual imagery.

For example, describing how the ghost’s form casts no shadow, or how it seems to absorb the light around it, can create an eerie and unsettling image.

Tip 15: Use Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing the ghost’s appearance can create suspense and anticipation.

This could be subtle hints like a sudden drop in temperature, a feeling of being watched, or a pet acting strangely.

Foreshadowing gives your readers a sense of foreboding and makes them anticipate the ghost’s appearance, which can make the actual appearance even scarier.

It’s like the calm before the storm, making the storm itself feel more intense.

Tip 16: Utilize Setting and Atmosphere

The setting and atmosphere in which your ghost appears can greatly enhance your description.

A haunted house, a lonely graveyard, or a creepy forest are all perfect settings for a ghost.

The atmosphere can be created through the weather, the time of day, the state of the surroundings, and the reactions of the characters.

A stormy night, a room that’s fallen into disrepair, or a character who’s all alone can all contribute to a spooky atmosphere.

Tip 17: Experiment with Different Perspectives

Try describing your ghost from different perspectives.

How does the ghost appear to different characters? How does the ghost see itself?

This can add depth and complexity to your ghost and make your story more interesting.

Seeing the ghost from different perspectives can also reveal different aspects of the ghost.

For example, one character might see the ghost as a scary apparition, while another might see it as a sad remnant of the past.

Tip 18: Make Use of Silence and Sound

Silence can be just as spooky as sound when it comes to describing a ghost.

The sudden absence of sound can create a sense of unease and anticipation.

On the other hand, unexpected sounds like a soft whisper or a sudden wail can startle the reader and make the ghost seem more real.

You can also describe the sounds associated with the ghost’s presence, like the creaking of floorboards, the rustling of curtains, or the eerie silence that descends upon a room when it appears.

Tip 19: Use Contrast for Effect

Contrasting the ghost with its surroundings can make it stand out and seem more supernatural.

If the scene is warm and cozy, the ghost might appear cold and eerie. If the scene is noisy and chaotic, the ghost might appear in a moment of eerie silence.

Contrast can also be used in the ghost’s appearance.

For example, a ghost dressed in a bright, cheerful outfit might seem more out of place and eerie in a dreary, haunted house.

Tip 20: Be Consistent

Be consistent in your descriptions of the ghost.

If the ghost is described as transparent in one scene, it shouldn’t be solid in the next unless there’s a reason for the change.

Consistency helps maintain the reader’s suspension of disbelief and makes the ghost seem more real.

Consistency also applies to the ghost’s behavior, abilities, and weaknesses.

If the ghost can pass through walls, it shouldn’t be blocked by a closed door in a later scene.

If it’s unaffected by physical objects, a character shouldn’t be able to hit it with a baseball bat.

Tip 21: Remember the Ghost’s Backstory

The ghost’s backstory is an important part of its character.

It can explain why the ghost acts the way it does, why it appears the way it does, and what it wants.

This can add depth to the ghost and make it more than just a spooky apparition.

Remembering the ghost’s backstory can also help you be more consistent in your descriptions.

For example, if the ghost died in a fire, it might avoid fireplaces or get agitated when a character lights a match.

Here is a video I made about how to describe a ghost in writing:

How to Describe a Scary Ghost in Writing

When describing a scary ghost, focus on creating a sense of unease and terror.

Use strong, evocative language and appeal to the reader’s senses.

The ghost might appear as a shadowy figure with piercing eyes, or as a spectral figure in tattered clothes.

Its presence might be accompanied by a drop in temperature, an oppressive silence, or a feeling of being watched.

Descriptions of the ghost’s actions can also add to the fear factor. For instance, the ghost might move in an unsettling manner, or it might suddenly appear or disappear without warning.

The ghost’s behavior can also contribute to the fear factor.

It might engage in menacing activities, like tormenting the living characters or causing disturbing phenomena like slamming doors or flickering lights.

Remember to show the characters’ reactions to increase the fear factor. Their terror can amplify the reader’s own fear.

How to Describe a Friendly Ghost in Writing

A friendly ghost is usually less eerie and more comforting or quirky.

Its appearance might be less intimidating – perhaps it’s translucent and glows softly, or maybe it appears just like a normal human, only slightly out of place.

Its movements might be more gentle and less sudden, like a soft fluttering rather than a sudden apparition.

The ghost’s behavior can indicate its friendly nature.

It might be helpful towards the living characters, guiding them or protecting them.

It might even have a sense of humor, causing harmless pranks instead of scary phenomena. Remember to show the characters’ reactions to the ghost.

If they’re not afraid of the ghost and instead come to see it as a friend or ally, the reader will too.

How to Describe a Ghost’s Movement

Ghosts typically move in ways that are unlike the living, adding to their eerie nature.

They might float or glide instead of walking, or move through walls and other solid objects.

They might appear or disappear suddenly, or move without making a sound.

Their movements might also be strangely slow or fast, or they might remain still and unmoving in a way that living creatures can’t.

When describing a ghost’s movement, use sensory details and strong, evocative language.

For example, a ghost might “drift like a cloud of mist,” or “move with an uncanny stillness.” Their movements might cause a “cold draft,” or be accompanied by a “faint, eerie whisper.”

How to Describe a Ghost’s Voice

A ghost’s voice is usually different from a living person’s voice, adding to the ghost’s otherworldliness.

It might echo or sound far away, or it might be whispery or chilling.

It might even sound hollow or emotionless, or it might carry the emotions the ghost felt at the time of its death.

When describing a ghost’s voice, rely on concrete details and resonate language.

For example, a ghost’s voice might “echo through the room like a cold wind,” or be “as quiet as a sigh.”

It might “sound like it’s coming from a great distance,” or be “filled with an ancient sorrow.”

50 Words to Describe a Ghost in Writing

Here is a list of words to describe a ghost in writing:

• Translucent
• Transparent
• Apparitional
• Otherworldly
• Specter-like
• Apparition-like

Phrases to Describe a Ghost in Writing

Consider these phrases to describe a ghost in writing:

• “Like a shadow in the corner of your eye.”
• “A chill wind that passes through you.”
• “A presence that you feel more than see.”
• “An echo of a life once lived.”
• “A figure that’s there one moment and gone the next.”
• “As silent as the grave.”
• “An unsettling stillness.”
• “Eyes that glow with an otherworldly light.”
• “A voice as cold as the grave.”
• “A figure that seems to absorb the light around it.”

How to Introduce a Ghost in Writing

Introducing a ghost in your story should be done in a way that builds anticipation and suspense.

Start by foreshadowing its appearance with subtle hints, like a sudden drop in temperature, a feeling of being watched, or a pet acting strangely.

When you’re ready to introduce the ghost, do it in a way that engages the reader’s senses.

Describe the ghost’s appearance, the way it moves, the sound of its voice.

Show the characters’ reactions to increase the emotional impact.

Remember to keep some mystery about the ghost. Don’t reveal everything about it at once.

Instead, reveal its backstory, its motivations, and its nature slowly, throughout the story. This keeps your readers interested and engaged, wanting to find out more about the ghost.

Final Thoughts: How to Describe a Ghost in Writing

When writing ghost stories, I’ve always found it helpful to connect the ghost to the plot, theme, and problem of the story.

In this way, the ghost grows organically from your story instead of seemingly dropped in as a whim.

Related posts:

• How to Describe a Scary Clown in Writing (130 Words + Tips)
• How To Describe a Panic Attack in Writing (Ultimate Guide)
• 55 Best Demonic Words for Fiction (Meanings & Examples)
• How To Write a Funeral Scene (Ultimate Guide + 20 Examples)

Write that Scene

May your writing spirit live on forever

How to Write a Forest Scene

A. write more about the trees and greenery. give the reader insight to the location and the weather..

B. Write about the animals and the life that exist in this Forest. You can even make up your own and/ or it could be humans that live in the forest.

•  Orangutans spend most of their time in the forest canopy where they feed on leaves, figs and other fruit, bark, nuts, and insects. Large trees of the old-growth forests support woody vines that serve as aerial ladders, enabling the animals to move about, build their nests, and forage for food.
• The largest of all primates, the gorilla. Too large and clumsy to move about in the forest canopy, the gorilla lives on the forest floor where it forages for a variety of plant materials.
• The jaguar. Its endangered status is the result of hunting and habitat loss.
• The Puerto Rican parrot (Amazona vittata), a medium-sized, green bird with blue wing feathers
• Below the canopy the waters are filled with fish life. Kelp bass find the middle of the kelp forest to be a good hunting area, while Sheephead, a boldly colored fish, like to feed on the larger invertebrates that live among the kelp stipes and tend to hang out towards the bottom of the forest.
• Insects (morpho butterfly, Julia butterfly, Monarch butterfly, and millions of other insects) mammals (jaguar, ocelot, didelphid opossums, sloth, howler monkey, spider monkey, capybara, many bats, marmosets, procyonids, peccaries)
• Birds (quetzal, macaw, tinamous, curassows, hoatzins, hummingbirds, eagles, ovenbirds, antbirds, flycatchers, puffbirds, toucans, jacamars, tanagers, tapirs, troupials, honeycreepers, cardinal grosbeaks, xenops) reptiles (anaconda, caiman, iguanas, lizards, microteiid lizards, boas, and coral snakes), amphibians (poison arrow frog, etc.)
• Fish (electric eel, piranha), and millions of other animals.Australia – mammals (tree kangaroo, rat kangaroo, yellow-footed Antechinus, Giant White-tailed Uromys, opossums, bandicoot, echidna, duck-billed platypus, sugar glider, red legged pademelon)
• Reptiles (frilled lizard, carpet python, Green Tree Snake, Spotted Tree Monitor, Eastern Water Dragon, Boyd’s Forest Dragon, Northern Leaf Tailed Gecko)
• Amphibians (Giant Tree frog, Striped marsh frog, Northern Barred frog, Dainty Green Tree frog), and millions of other animals.Southeast Asia –
• mammals (tarsiers, orangutans, Siamangs, gibbons, colobine monkeys, tigers, tree shrews, binturong, moonrats, most flying foxes, colugos, bamboo rats, Oriental dormice)
• birds (tree swifts, leafbirds, fairy bluebirds, fantails, whistlers, flowerpeckers, wood swallows)
• insects (Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing butterfly, Goliath Birdwing butterfly, Saturn Butterfly) to name a few.West Africa –
• mammals (antelopes, bonobo, chimpanzee, gorilla, Mandrill, scaly-tailed squirrels, otter shrews, duikers, okapi, hippopotamus, Cercopithecus monkeys, bushbabies, pygmy hippo, duiker)
• birds (Congo peafowl, African Gray Parrot) to name a few.

C. Describe how these things have a connection to the story and to the overall plot. Give hint to how they will be a part of the journey.

I. What about the animals and the forest is important to the story and to the character? How are they a vital allie to the trail and the path of the rain forest?

I I. Ultimately how are these things good? Give signs and behavior patterns that will differentiate them from good and evil. Or keep it a mystery to enhance the dynamics of your story.

I I I. Use ideologies, metaphors, and similes to create an experience your character is having. How they connect with the forest atmosphere and the creatures who dwell inside this area.

 A. Why is your character there in the first place and how long do they plan on staying? Their journey can all the sudden become extended or shortened by anything.

I.  Think of all the things you might find in a dark forest and make them experience it.

• Insects in the mouth and eyes
• Branches in the face and tearing at clothes
• Tripping over roots and rocks
• Feet crunching on dirt, snapping twigs
• His/her own gasping breath in the silence
• Sounds of creatures pursuing him
• Howling of wolves in the distance
• Owls hooting in the night

I I. Explain their thoughts, the worries, even ultimately telling the reader what’s at stake for the character.

I I I. Do they meet someone along the way? Is there a barrier or path they cannot take or overcome? Or do they find a great shortcut? Is a shortcut even safe?

B. Is there anything out of the usual? Does it become too much for the character to handle to where they will need someone or something to help them? Maybe it’s the animals and life that live in the forest or the forest itself.

I. Is there magic involved? Are there a new philosophies or new rules that doesn’t pertain to our own world, involved? If so, who is controlling this? Does the character have an idea who might be behind these doing?

I I. Does the character actively call out loud for someone or something to help them? Does anyone come to their aid? Is it magical or ordinary? Where has this person or being been all that time? Was this all a test to begin with?

I I I. Must the character return the favor somehow or is it given for free? Does the character somehow speak to this thing or person or are they dumbfounded? Do they just accept what happened or begin to question the place they’re in? Does this mean they’re about to escape or try to at least?

C. Show some relief of the problem or a solution that is at a near distance. Give the reader hope for the character.

I. How are they coping with these sudden changes and surprises? Are they able to take a break at all and stop to get some air from what is going on?

I I.  If s/he’s running to vent because she heard something emotionally traumatizing and they’re running away from the impact it has on them, then s/he would be tripping and stumbling not out of fear but out of anxiety to get away.

If s/he’s running through the woods because it’s a pass time and they enjoy it, then you select words and thoughts and structure your sentences to give a peaceful tone (or whatever emotion you’re aiming for).

I I I. What talents skills or abilities does the character have the makes them seem not so hopeless?      

 A. Show how the forest becomes an aide to the character and/or the character becomes an aide/savior to the forest.

I. Can the animals speak English, can the character all the sudden communicate with the animals, or do they have to find a creative way to speak with each other?

I I. Maybe the trees sway in the wind and gives direction to the character on where to go, what if something randomly falls down as a way to direct the character to a specific path? You can use sound, you can use smell, you can use all the human senses. Be creative.

B. Is there any magic that is in the place? How about the connection between the scenery and the character? How does it strengthen them or how does it weaken them?

I. What type of Magic? Is it something that can be learned? Is it something that can be avoided or counteracted? Does the magic bring anything alive or keeps things dead? Does the magic prevent the forest from doing anything or allows it to do more than what it once could?

I I. Does the character softly walk through the forest to avoid from causing any harm? Does the character do anything weird to the forest such as pray to it or use the trees leaves as clothing? Why are they acting this way?

I I I. How about the forest? Does the forest do anything out of character to gain the character’s interest? Does it offer the character anything?

C. Are there hints in the forest that the character can only see and their enemy cannot? How does the forest communicate with the character? How does the character communicate with the forest?

I. Why can the character see these hints and the enemy cannot? How do they know that these are going to protect them? What has the forest done that makes the character believe it’s okay to to follow unknowingly or even listen to?

I I. How desperate does they forest become? Will they go to great lengths to protect the character? Or will the character go through great lengths to protect the forest? Where does this bond come from and how does it help the character easily flow through the forest?

I I I. Or maybe the forest is silent. Maybe the forest has no magic or is on no one side. If so, how does the character use the forest as they please?

A. Add some drama, some danger, what is breaking… what is causing Mayhem? How is the character mentally handling it and what might be their demise?

I. Give details about the great enemy. What is the character learning thus far? Who are their allies? At what point in their Journey are they at and how close are they to finishing?

I I. Are there any swamps, quicksand, spiders, snakes, or otherwise that wouldn’t necessarily be in another land? How much harder is it to journey through the forest than it is somewhere else?

I I I. Do they get injured, do they somehow make a mistake that they cannot take back? Has the forest abandoned them? Have the animals abandoned them? Have they abandoned themselves and their will to live?

B. If the enemy is directed towards the forest, then how does the forest cope with it and what is it doing to protect itself? How is the character helping to protect the forest if at all?

I. Why is this evil thing having a war with the forest? Does the character understand why? Is it a being? Is it nature? Is it a Mystic being? Is it the forest itself that’s their own enemy?

I I. Do the branches hit and sway? Do the leaves fall down from the branches to the ground as a way of surrender? Do the animals bite, bark growl? Do trees fall down? Do trees move as if they had feet?

C. Put a bit of focus on the enemy; the danger. How do they look? what are they doing? how does it seem for them to be in this Forest? what threats are they saying? what weapons do they have? how many people are on the enemy army? How much more powerful is this threat?

I. How does the face look? How powerful is this evil? How weak are they; what is their weak link? How long has the war/battle been going on?

I I. Where did this enemy come from? How evil are they or do they have some kindness to them? Is it never ending or does it have a downfall? Is it hurting itself by battling the forest or the character? Or is battling the forest or the character making it stronger?

I I I. If the character or the forest is battling themselves, then describe the pain they are inflicting on itself through the eyes of who is watching. How much longer until the end is near? In other words, is it hopeless to help?

 A. Is everything complete, is everything at peace, how does the character feel?

I. What are the goodbyes like? What actions do they take to make sure they are thanking the forest and that the forest understands what they’re saying?

I I. How much has the character contributed? Where does the health of the character and the forest lie? Are they both to thank for a good ending? Who’s to blame for a bad ending? Is there any animosity between the character and the forest? Remember, the animals are considered to be part of the forest.

I I I. Is there any gifts exchanged? Are there any songs sang? Is there a promise of return?

B. How about if the threat is still alive? how has the character left the threat or if they decide to stay how are they keeping the threat at bay?

I. Is threat gone away for a while? Is it sure to return? Will the character return before the threat returns but with more weapons or people to battle?

I I. If the character stayed, what are they doing in order to protect the forest? How much do they have to sacrifice to keep the forest in good shape? Is the forest doing anything to thank them or to protect the character in return? Is this a completely selfless act?

I I I. Vice versa. What must the forest do in order to continue to protect the character? How’s the character thanking the forest?

C. Let the reader know who’s in charge, whether it’s the character the forest or the enemy at the end of the scene. Let them know where it should start the next time you begin this scene. If it is finished then make sure you bring out the person you want to bring out on top. But not without consequence; there must be signs of a battle.

I. Who left the battle? Who had the most battle scars? Who showed signs of fear? And how did they show these signs if they weren’t human?

I I. Is there a prophecy? Were there hostile words exchanged? Was there a time when the character or the forest felt like they failed or were about to lose? Is this a false win?

I I I. Is there peace at the end of the scene? Or is there a lot to be desired? What is the last thing that the character remembers about the forest or sees?

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215+ ‘Forest’ Writing Prompts

Enchanted Forest Adventure

Create a story about a day in an enchanted forest filled with magical creatures.

Jungle Journey

Create a story about a journey through a jungle and the animals you encounter.

In the Path of the Unknown

Imagine you are standing at the edge of a vast, mysterious forest that symbolizes your life’s uncertainties.

Wandering Through a Magic Forest

Imagine you have suddenly found yourself in a fantasy forest filled with mythical and magical creatures.

Green Refuge

Write about a favorite natural place and how it makes you feel.

Dialogue with a Winter Hare

Write a conversation between you and a winter hare in the depths of a snow-covered forest.

Winter Camping Expedition

Narrate your hypothetical experience of a winter camping trip in a snowy forest.

Love Among Feathers

Write a story where a couple of birds are celebrating Valentine’s Day in their own unique way.

Spirit of the Woods

Write about a spirit that lives in the forest who can control time, but not their own destiny.

Nature’s Symphony

Imagine you are in a forest. Write about the sounds you hear, how they make you feel and why.

Woodland Adventure

Write about a magical day you spent exploring a forest.

Expedition into the Lost Jungle City

Craft an exploration tale centered around a lost city hidden in the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

The Enchanted Forest

Craft a story about a journey through an enchanted forest, filled with magical beings and unusual plants.

Woodland Slumber

Describe a deep winter in a forest from the viewpoint of a hibernating animal.

Icebound Echoes

Imagine a campfire story about a group of friends who hear eerie voices echoing through the frozen forest at night.

Sunny Vacation Escapades

Write about your dream holiday in the sunny weather.

Love in the Time of Elves

Imagine the Valentine’s day in an Elven kingdom.

The Heart-Shaped Forest

Describe a magical heart-shaped forest where love is said to spring anew.

Tricking the Forest Spirit

Write a narrative about a humble villager who tricks a mischievous forest spirit to save their village.

The Wandering Woods

In a fictional narrative, describe a forest that moves and changes locations with the seasons.

The Forest’s Symphony

Describe the sounds of a forest from dawn to dusk and how these create a symphony.

Woodland Whispers

Write a poem using the perspective of a tree in an old-growth forest.

Wilderness Survival Adventure

Imagine you’re lost in a forest with only a compass and a backpack. How do you survive?

Forest Visionary

Imagine you’re an artist or a poet, trying to capture the essence of spring in a thriving thicket.

Spring Mystery

Mystery has unfolded in the spring forest and you’re the detective. What happened and how will you solve it?

Fauna & Flora Relations

Write about relationships and interactions among various animals and plants occurring within a spring thicket.

Life of a Tree

Write a narrative from the perspective of a tree experiencing spring in the forest.

Forest Awakening

Describe waking up in a thriving forest after a long winter sleep.

Tree House Secret Code

Write about kids discovering a secret code in an old tree house.

Appreciation for Nature

Write about a time when you felt a deep connection to nature and describe its immense beauty and peace.

Mysterious Forest

Write a story about a journey into a mysterious forest and the unexpected discoveries made therein.

Haunted Forest Whispers

Your tale is woven around a dense, creepy forest believed to be haunted by an evil witch.

Peaceful Morning Hikes

Talk about an early morning summer hike and the serene moments with nature.

Equinox Enchantment

Create a magical story where the March Equinox is an essential day for the creatures of the forests.

The Forest of Forgotten Dreams

Create an allegorical drama story set in a forest, which symbolizes forgotten dreams and aspirations.

Into the Forgotten Forest

Consider the tales and inhabitants of a magical forest in a distant land.

Sherwood Forest’s Last Hope

Write about a medieval superhero living in Sherwood Forest, taking a page from the stories of Robin Hood.

Describe a haunting journey through a forest in late Fall.

Sanctuaries in Nature

Choose a quiet place in nature that you find spiritually inspiring and describe it in detail.

Unseen Angles

Narrate Snow White’s story from the perspective of an unexpected character, like an animal in the forest or one of the hunter’s arrows.

Nature’s Orchestra

Describe a walk in the forest using only sounds you hear.

Cabin in the Woods

Develop a story centered around a secluded cabin in a dense and unfamiliar forest.

Winter Wonderland Love

Illustrate an intimate, shared moment between two lovers in a secluded, snow-covered forest cabin.

Graceful Autumn

Describe an autumn evening picnic in a forest with friends.

Autumn Leaves

Create a story about an autumn leaf’s journey from its tree to the forest floor.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Swapped Roles

Write a scenario where the lovers in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ exchange their roles.

Chatting With a Reindeer

Compose a fun, creative dialogue between you and a reindeer.

Snow White’s December

Imagine Snow White is celebrating December holidays, write how she would decorate her home with the dwarfs.

Jingle Bells and Dragons Tales

Create a story that weaves traditional Christmas symbols or stories with elements of high fantasy.

Witch of the Wasted Woods

Explore a tale about a witch who uses her necromantic powers to rule over a forest of undead creatures.

The Sound of Solitude

Describe the sounds of a serene, fall forest as dusk falls.

Enigma Of The Enchanted Forest

Write about the time you found a secret door in the forest during your summer escapade.

My Secret Sanctuary

Reflect on a natural place where you feel calm and safe.

Gifts Of Nature

Describe a natural landscape or phenomena that genuinely awes you and makes you feel grateful.

Cursed Forest Expedition

A scientist stumbles upon a secluded forest that houses a terrifying curse.

Lost in the Magical Forest

Imagine a child who gets lost in a magical forest and encounters various magical beings.

Describe a magical expedition through an enchanted forest, incorporating new vocabulary learned this week.

Park from a Bug’s Perspective

Describe what a day at the park might look like from a small bug’s point of view.

Empathy For Nature

Write a story where you are a tree in a forest.

Wilderness as a Metaphor

Think of a personal challenge or problem you’re facing. Frame it as a wilderness expedition.

The Land I Call Home

Describe your personal connection to a particular wilderness area.

Heart of the Inferno

Imagine that you are a forest fire, spreading through woodlands. What are your thoughts?

Guardian of the Forest

Imagine you’re a guardian spirit of a forest. Write a poem about a day in your life.

Whispering Forest

Look at a picture of a dense forest and write a story about it.

Magical Adventures in the Forest

Imagine you’re in a picture of a lush forest and describe a magical adventure that unfolds.

Seasonal Wanderer

Write about the changes you observe in your favorite outdoor spot over different seasons.

3. The Fairy Forest Adventure

Imagine you discover a secret path in the woods leading to a fairy kingdom, write about your adventure.

Autumn Fairy’s Adventure

Imagine you’re a fairy who lives in a tree which changes color during October.

Dormant Nature

Describe a forest’s transition as it prepares for winter in November.

Forest Changing Colors

Write about a walk in the woods during fall, focusing on the changing colors of the leaves.

Letter to the Forest

Write a letter to a forest, expressing how much it means to you.

Write about morning sunrise in a forest from the perspective of an animal that lives there.

A Day as a Tree

Imagine yourself as a tree in a forest. Write a journal entry about a typical day.

Forest Preservation or Utilization

Write about the trade-off between preserving forests and utilizing them for resources.

The Frostbitten Fable

Narrate the life of a tree and the various inhabitants it shelters during the harsh winter.

Write a story about a mythic creature who’s appointed as the guardian of a forest and protects it against evil forces.

The Never-Returning Explorers

Write about a group of explorers who ventured into a mysterious forest known to have a history of ominous abductions.

Unsung Bloom

Write a review for a fictional spring concert held in a forest.

From Pulp to Paper

You have been assigned the task of cutting down trees in a forest to make paper, despite knowing the harmful effects. Explore your feelings, decisions and potential alternatives.

Red Riding Hood: Protecting the Planet

Rewrite the tale of Little Red Riding Hood with an environmental conservation twist.

Among Falling Leaves

Imagine standing in a quiet November forest, watching as leaves drop slowly around you. Write about what thoughts and feelings this scene evokes.

A foreboding forest whispers cryptic clues to its secrets; write about brave explorers dictating and deciphering these clandestine murmurs.

Enchanted Forest Retreat

You find a magical treehouse in a forest near your home. What happens next?

A Snowy Quest

Imagine embarking on a quest through a snow-blanketed forest on a cold winter night.

Footprints in the Snow

Remember a winter walk you took, and describe what you came across.

The Singing Forest

Write a story set in a world with enchanted forests that sing enchanting melodies, but the music holds a secret.

Lost within the Green Maze

Imagine being lost in the forest, describe your feelings, encounters, and how you find your way out.

Describe an adventure through an enchanted forest, bringing to life the various creatures and landscapes you encounter.

October’s Forest Stage

Craft a tale set in an October forest with the vibrant fall foliage as a backdrop.

Sailing to Serenity

Imagine a peaceful and serene place where you find tranquility and write a story centered around this place.

The Tale of Two Lands

Imagine two different lands separated by a thick, magical forest. One land is always sunny while the other is covered in snow all year round. Write a story about a character that must travel between these two lands.

Helicopter Down

Describe a scenario where your character is part of a helicopter crash in a dense forest and must survive.

Journey Through Fantastical Worlds

Imagine your inner child’s journey through a magical, fantastical, or even alien world.

Magical Forest Adventure

Imagine you’ve stumbled into a magical forest filled with strange creatures and enchanted items. Write about your thrilling journey.

The Last Tree on Earth

Imagine you are the last tree on Earth and write your story.

Nature’s Refuge

Write about a time when nature provided you with a safe haven or a peaceful retreat.

Deep in the Faerie Forest

Create a tale centered around the Irish mythological idea of the Faerie ring, and what happens when your character stumbles upon one.

Tormented Forest Spirits

A group of tourists habitually has fun disrespecting cultural norms during a forest trip, unknowingly angering the vengeful forest spirits described in local folklore.

Lurking in the Depths of Thornwood

Write a tale about an ancient, cursed forest, Thornwood, and the lost explorers who dared to venture into it.

Whispers of the Forest

Craft a tale where trees can communicate in their special language, revealing ancient secrets of the forest.

How to get a grade 9 in GCSE English creative writing…

• January 29, 2024

A common mistake students make is TELLING the examiner how a character feels (e.g. ‘Johnny was scared) instead of SHOWING how they feel through descriptive language. 

But here’s the other thing…

Examiners aren’t looking for a really really interesting story – IN FACT – the boring storylines often perform best!

But a boring storyline – doesn’t mean a boring description.

And an interesting description – comes from SHOWING not TELLING. 

Because showing how the character feels – is much more engaging to read,

And this – is what helps students stand out to the examiner so they can reach a grade 9!

But what do we mean by showing instead of telling? How does this look in practice?

Let’s take a look at an example – where the plot of the story is the main character being chased through a haunted forest.

Here’s what a grade 9 answer would include 

Table of Contents

The key components of a grade 9 creative writing answer.

Picture your character being chased through a haunted forest. Instead of just saying they are scared (i.e. telling the examiner how they feel), let’s use simple yet effective techniques to bring the setting to life.

i. Descriptive Words…

 Using describing words to paint a picture of the eerie forest is one way you can show the character’s fear. 

Instead of saying ‘Johnny is scared’ – talk about the overbearing trees, or a spooky house in the distance, or describe the darkness within the forest etc.

These help paint a picture in the examiner’s mind – something which they are looking for from grade 9 students!

ii. Action Words… 

Focus on what Johnny does that shows they are scared. 

Describe HOW he runs away from something he sees in the forest, or the look on his face when he hears a noise, or the scream he makes when he sees something move! 

It doesn’t just have to be these – but anything that SHOWS the examiner what is going on in a descriptive and exciting way… 

Rather than just TELLING them this happened…then this…then this – because that’s just boring!

iii. Sensory Details… 

Engage the reader’s senses. 

For example – describe the sounds of a crow, the wind in the trees, or how the surroundings affect Johnny’s body as he runs. 

These details make the story more exciting. Essentially – they are the icing on the cake! 

They build on everything from before, and actually start to make the setting dynamic and alive.

Why Showing is Better Than Telling

Remember – this concept doesn’t just apply to being chased in a forest…

It goes for ANY storyline in creative writing.

If your character is relaxing on a beach – SHOW the examiner HOW they are relaxed – don’t just tell them that the character is relaxed!

If your character is playing football – SHOW the examiner HOW they feel while playing – don’t just tell them that the character is playing…

You get the idea!

Because rather than simply stating the character’s emotions – ‘Josh was happy to be playing football’ – showing allows us to explain why they feel a certain way – ‘The sun was beating down on the pitch, Josh had just scored a great goal and his massive grin let everyone know how happy he was as he wheeled away in celebration’ – I’m sure you can see which one is better!

Here are 2 more rules to keep in mind when doing this:

• Engaging the Examiner: 80% of the time – show the examiner instead of just telling – you won’t always be able to do it which is why we say 80%

But anything less than that and you run the risk of a much lower grade!

• Create a Memorable Scene: 

The scene itself doesn’t have to be very special or interesting – but you need to make it sound interesting.

It can be as simple as…someone’s house, garden, your local town, a forest, a beach etc. 

But you need to bring the place to life using all the points we mentioned above – in order to make an otherwise boring place, extremely interesting!

Let’s recap on what we mean by ‘descriptive language’

To further understand the importance of descriptive language, let’s break down the elements that contribute to creating an immersive scene…

• Visual : what can be seen that adds to how the character feels (e.g. the big trees representing fear, or the scorching sun representing happiness)
• Action : What is the character doing that shows how they feel (e.g. running away = scared, dancing = happy etc.)
• Sound : Engage the examiner’s ears with a description of sounds (e.g. the rustling of the trees, the cheering of a crowd, the loud traffic etc.)
• Sense : Talk about how the setting affects the characters body (e.g. shivering = cold, goosebumps = excited or scared), what can the character smell? Etc. 

Mastering the Craft of Creative Writing

Remember…

Creative writing in GCSE English isn’t about coming up with the most interesting storyline. 

They’re not looking for you to come up with the next Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings in your exam!

They just want you to pick a boring storyline – and make it interesting for the examiner to read!

Exactly how we did above with Johnny being chased in the forest.

Because is being chased in the forest a new, or really exciting idea? Not really. 

But can we make it interesting to read? Of course!

So if you’re a student currently struggling with creative writing – make sure to read through this again so you’ve understood it all!

And if you’re a parent – make sure to forward this to your child so they can see what it takes to reach a grade 9!

And Lastly, if you wanted to attend a free, live grade 9 secrets MasterClass (for parents and students) where we’ll be going through other revision methods that helped over 400 of our students reach a grade 9…

Just click here to learn more: https://jpwtutors.com/register-grade-9-secrets-org

I hope this helps and hopefully we’ll see you soon in one of our free classes!

• Jacob Williams

Jacob Williams is the founder of JPW Academy and the creator of the English Excellence method, which helped over 400 students reach a grade 9 last year. After graduating from Oxford and teaching at a private school, he made a commitment to help as many students as possible reach top grades. He has published a revision guide, Mastering Macbeth, which is a #1 Amazon bestseller.

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25+ Ghost Story Prompts

Need a scary ghost story to tell over the campfire? Today we bring over 25 ghost story prompts to inspire you to write your own paranormal short story or novel.

A ghost story is a type of horror story that emphasises the theme of the supernatural, apparitions, and otherworldly ghost-like creatures. Generally revolving around death, hauntings or the afterlife. This genre often has an uncanny air about it, producing feelings of fear, dread, and the unfamiliar. A ghost story is one of the oldest forms of literature and can be found in all cultures.

If you’re looking for some new ideas for your next ghost story, these 25+ paranormal story prompts are perfect for writers of all levels. You might also find this ghost name generator useful.

The spookiest time of year is here, and that means it’s time for ghost stories! Whether you’re writing a ghost story for Halloween , a seasonal short story , or even a standalone novel, these ghost story prompts are a great place to start:

• A young woman moves into an old house and finds herself in a terrifying situation with her new roommate, a ghost. The only way to escape is to get out of the house alive.
• A man is haunted by his past and must face the demons that come back to haunt him.
• A group of college students decide to spend their summer vacation in a cabin in the woods. But what starts as a fun vacation turns deadly when they realize that the woods aren’t quite as safe as they thought.
• Use this story starter for a ghost story: The first time I saw it, I was only six. It was night and I was playing in my granddad’s garden when I heard this weird sound coming from the forest. I followed the sound and found myself in the middle of a circle of tall trees. It was so dark that I could barely see my hands in front of me. Suddenly, something grabbed my leg.
• A woman is haunted by the ghosts of her ancestors, but she must learn to accept her fate and embrace the spirits before they are all gone forever.
• An orphaned boy is taken in by a family of ghosts after his parents die in a fire. They teach him how to use his supernatural abilities to help people in need. But soon the boy starts using these powers for evil.
• A group of teenagers visit their favourite haunted house during the Halloween season, but they never make it home again.
• A couple gets married on Halloween night and discovers that their marriage is cursed. They must solve the mystery of the ghost bride to break the curse.
• A boy finds a box of his grandfather’s old slides in the attic, and when he goes back to school, he starts seeing his grandfather’s ghost everywhere.
• A man hears strange sounds coming from his attic, and he’s determined to find out what they are. He sneaks up to the attic to investigate, but when he does, he stumbles upon something much more frightening than he could have imagined.
• An abandoned mansion on a lonely island is rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of a pirate who was hung for his crimes. A group of friends decide to spend the night in the mansion, and they quickly learn that there’s more than one kind of ghost in the house.
• A family moves back into their old family home where their son died years ago. The father becomes obsessed with finding out who killed his son. He believes he knows who the murderer is but no one will believe him.
• A man is tormented by a ghostly hitchhiker. He is forced to take them on a road trip until they reach their final destination…a mysterious abandoned town.
• A family moves into an old Victorian home, where the previous owner mysteriously disappeared after getting locked in one of the rooms. Now the family is trapped inside by a malevolent entity.
• A man is on his way home from work when he is attacked by a group of ghosts. He manages to escape, but now he has a few more problems than he started with.
• Use this story starter for a ghost story: I woke up in the middle of the night, and I felt a cold hand touching my face. I tried to scream, but my voice wouldn’t come out. Then, I felt a sharp pain in my neck.
• My father told me about his experience while we were driving home. He said he saw a dead girl walking towards him just after I was born, but when he got closer, she disappeared. He thought if was imagining things at the time.
• My father used to scare me at night. One time he came into my bedroom and woke me up, telling me to come downstairs. He took me to the living room, and there he told me that a ghost had put a curse on me.
• It was the most beautiful cemetery ever. People would come from far away just to walk through the grounds. There was a rumour about a ghost that roamed the graveyard at night.
• A teenage girl is forced to spend her summer with her grandmother who believes she can communicate with ghosts.
• A young woman moves into an apartment next door to an old house where she hears a woman screaming and sees a little girl standing in the window.
• A woman hears a baby crying in her house, but she can’t find it. She keeps hearing it crying in another room, so she goes to check on it. When she opens the door, there is no baby there. But then, the door slams shut and locks itself.
• A girl is staying at her grandmother’s house with her family for the night. She is sleeping in her grandmother’s bed, but she can’t get comfortable. Every time she falls asleep, she wakes up to see her dead grandmother sitting on the edge of her bed.
• A woman is walking down a deserted road when she sees a figure standing in front of her. It turns out to be an old man in a top hat, holding a cane. He says to her, “Hello, young lady. My name is John Marley. I am a spirit from the other side.”
• One night, a mother wakes up to hear her son crying in their room. When she goes into his room, he is not there. She looks everywhere for him and calls out his name. The only answer she gets is a terrible scream that echoes throughout the house.
• In a small village, there lived a woman who was very lonely. Her husband had passed away and she was left all alone with her two sons. The boys were grown and had families of their own. The woman was so lonely that she began talking to herself. “I’m all alone,” she said to no one in particular. “I’m all alone.” And then she hears a voice.
• There was once a man who lived by the beach. He loved the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. One day, he decided to go for a walk on the beach and ended up drowning. When he died, he came back as a ghost. Every night, he would come back to the place where he drowned, and stand there.
• There was once a little girl who loved to play hide and seek. One day, while playing, she got separated from her family. She found a tree stump and went behind it, but when she peeked around the edge, she saw that no one was there. The stump began to move, and suddenly the girl felt herself being lifted off the ground and into the air. As she looked at the tree stump, she noticed that it had eyes. The eyes were staring right at her. Then, before she could scream, the tree stump opened its mouth.

For more spooky ideas, check out this list of over 110 horror story ideas .

How do you write a ghost story?

The basic structure of a ghost story includes an opening sequence that presents the reader with a situation that seems normal but is actually supernatural in nature. The protagonist then encounters the ghost and experiences events that are often strange and frightening, leading up to a climax where the ghost is defeated or disappears. Writing a ghost story is the same as writing a horror story . Before you start writing you need a good ghost story plot idea, like the list above. Both ghost stories and horror stories have a set of characters, a spooky setting, an opening, a middle part and a dramatic ending. 

What is the shortest ghost story?

The shortest ghost story is just two sentences long. It was written by Frederic Brown in 1948. The story reads: “The last man on Earth sat alone in a room. There was a knock on the door …” Just by reading these two sentences, we can imagine a scary situation. There are two key themes used here, the fear of loneliness and the surprise element at the end. Both these are important themes in ghost stories.

What makes a ghost story scary?

Ghost stories are typically scary as they focus on death and going into the unknown. But the key to a scary ghost story is fear. It is important to make the reader feel uneasy or frightened. Here are some key elements of a good ghost story:

• An encounter with a ghost or spirit
• A supernatural force that can be both good and evil
• Sense of dread
• The feeling of being watched or followed
• Feeling helpless
• Being lonely or lost

Just like all stories, a ghost story must include these basic elements of a story : Characters, Setting, Plot, Conflict and Resolution.

How do you finish a ghost story?

Most ghost stories end with the haunting being explained away as something natural. This explanation can be a spiritual one (the ghost was a real person who died), or it can be a psychological one (the ghost was a product of the protagonist’s mind). The ghost story can also end with no explanation at all. Some ghost stories don’t even bother to give an explanation for the haunting, but let the reader figure it out themselves.

Did you find this list of over 25 ghost story prompts useful? Let us know in the comments below! 

Marty the wizard is the master of Imagine Forest. When he's not reading a ton of books or writing some of his own tales, he loves to be surrounded by the magical creatures that live in Imagine Forest. While living in his tree house he has devoted his time to helping children around the world with their writing skills and creativity.

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WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®

Helping writers become bestselling authors

Setting Description Entry: Haunted House (inside)

May 23, 2009 by BECCA PUGLISI

Sight Dust, cobwebs, sheets on furniture, broken tables, chairs, windows, lamps, peeling wallpaper, gaps in the floorboards, holes in the walls, flickering lights (if there’s electricity) chandelier with broken strings of crystals, broken glass on the floor, spiders, cockroaches, rust, mildew, ripped curtains, shadows, gloomy staircases, old portraits & paintings, cracked…

footsteps on the stair, creaking doors, window shutters rattling on the outside, wind scattering/rustling paper through a broken window gap, words whispered in ear, screams, crying, wailing, laughter, glass smashing, the scrap of a chair moving, the scritch of tree branches scraping at the windows, rats squeaking, movement in the walls, a…

Phantom perfume or cologne, burning smells, pipe or cigarette smoke, mildew, rot, dank, rusty or metallic smells, wet wood and stone, rancid breath, yeasty beer smell, food, dust, dry rot, rat/mice feces, urine

Sour & dry mouth from fear, dust floating in the air and coating the tongue, salty tears

A phantom hand on the shoulder, the puff of breath on the earlobe or the back of the neck, the sensation of being grabbed on the arm, pushed, pulled, pinched, poked, slapped, burned, a feeling of light-headedness and nausea, hair rising on arms or the back of the neck, the body’s reaction to a drop in temperature (chills, shivering, breath puffing out…

Helpful hints:

–The words you choose can convey atmosphere and mood.

Example 1:  I cringed at each creak on the old warped stairs, but it didn’t sway my determination to make it to the bedroom on the second floor. Halfway up, a shadow flickered at the corner of my vision. I froze, and as I stood there, caught a woody scent lingering in the air. Tobacco smoke? A shiver curled through the hairs on the back of my neck then cascaded down my backbone. It was all I could do to not hurl myself back down the stairs toward the front door…

–Similes and metaphors create strong imagery when used sparingly.

Example 1: (Metaphor ) The dining room chair suddenly jolted back and tilted toward me, a gracious invitation by an invisible host…

Think beyond what a character sees, and provide a sensory feast for readers

Setting is much more than just a backdrop, which is why choosing the right one and describing it well is so important. To help with this, we have expanded and integrated this thesaurus into our online library at One Stop For Writers.

Each entry has been enhanced to include possible sources of conflict, people commonly found in these locales, and setting-specific notes and tips, and the collection itself has been augmented to include a whopping 230 entries—all of which have been cross-referenced with our other thesauruses for easy searchability. So if you’re interested in seeing this powerful Setting Thesaurus , head on over and register at One Stop.

On the other hand, if you prefer your references in book form, we’ve got you covered, too, because both books are now available for purchase in digital and print copies. In addition to the entries, each book contains instructional front matter to help you maximize your settings. With advice on topics like making your setting do double duty and using figurative language to bring them to life, these books offer ample information to help you maximize your settings and write them effectively.

Becca Puglisi is an international speaker, writing coach, and bestselling author of The Emotion Thesaurus and its sequels. Her books are available in five languages, are sourced by US universities, and are used by novelists, screenwriters, editors, and psychologists around the world. She is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge with others through her Writers Helping Writers blog and via One Stop For Writers —a powerhouse online library created to help writers elevate their storytelling.

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Reader Interactions

May 14, 2021 at 1:51 pm

creepy…

May 8, 2021 at 6:48 pm

Oh wow. It hadn’t occurred to me to make a list of all the things to do with my settings. Thank you for this. Brilliant!

May 10, 2021 at 5:53 am

It’s so much easier to get the setting exactly where we want it when we know beforehand what to aim for :).

March 12, 2021 at 5:58 pm

I really love this Thank you so much for doing this

March 2, 2021 at 2:17 pm

February 18, 2021 at 8:34 am

Thankyou soo much…it really helped me

February 13, 2021 at 5:04 am

omg!! Thankyou so much, this helped with my assignment!!!

February 10, 2021 at 6:25 am

thank you so much, helped me alot during lockdown!!

February 11, 2021 at 8:29 am

Well thank goodness for that!

December 22, 2020 at 12:24 am

Thank You really helpful

December 12, 2020 at 5:30 am

December 4, 2020 at 11:38 pm

Thank you so much, there are totally enough ideas for me for my essay

November 22, 2020 at 10:04 am

Very helpful

November 10, 2020 at 5:41 pm

thank you so much i needed ideas and this gave me so much.

October 21, 2020 at 4:50 pm

I am doing a descriptive writing project and this helped me so much! Thank You!

October 21, 2020 at 7:01 pm

Glad it helped!

March 20, 2021 at 6:59 am

October 8, 2020 at 11:51 am

I love the website I had to write a paper about Halloween and I used this website to find my d Description Word I need . Who ever made this website I don’t know what I would tell him or her but it’s one of my favorite it gives me great description of what words I don’t understand and I then I can use it later if I could rate it 5 stars

October 8, 2020 at 1:07 pm

Zachary, I am so glad you like this website and it’s a help to you!

September 26, 2020 at 5:48 pm

thank u a lot s helps me in my writing

September 19, 2020 at 1:49 am

Thanks! It was quite helpful for my paragraph. 😊

March 25, 2020 at 1:17 am

This was SOOO helpful. Thanks a lot. It was very helpful.

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January 2, 2020 at 5:56 am

this helped me with my essay A LOT!!!!!!!!!!! 😊

December 3, 2019 at 2:51 pm

This is awesome！👌

March 31, 2021 at 11:41 pm

This awesome

November 18, 2019 at 1:32 pm

This is so helpful for everyone . People can use them in essays while describing a haunted house .

November 10, 2020 at 5:43 pm

That is exactly what i used it for

November 11, 2019 at 7:02 am

This is so helpful! Definately the best website for writing! Thanksssss❤️❤️

November 11, 2019 at 10:42 am

Happy this helps!

November 3, 2019 at 7:28 am

October 25, 2019 at 4:58 am

I really like it. It’s really good.for.young children and writers. I love it do much

July 1, 2019 at 6:21 pm

wow I really needed this thank you sooo much

May 25, 2019 at 11:22 am

Amazing. Im a 14-year-old writer and all these descriptions inspired me on how to write my mystery book. Thanks so much Becca

February 9, 2019 at 6:29 pm

I really liked it because it helped me a lot to inspire me with my writing for greater depth.It was all very creative and amazing 😃👍🏻

January 28, 2019 at 11:34 am

very good descriptions

January 3, 2019 at 11:03 pm

This is too helpful

November 11, 2018 at 4:21 am

Helpful!!!!!

June 6, 2019 at 2:08 am

Good descriptive terms and phrases!!

October 24, 2018 at 1:23 pm

Thank you so much you have helped me so much.

October 23, 2018 at 10:49 am

This story describes the house and starts to leave an image of what the inside of the house looks like. I get shivers reading it.

October 22, 2018 at 11:10 am

I love this website it helps me

July 22, 2018 at 8:38 am

Thank you so much.. It helped me a lot… I am very happy about this web page😊

November 19, 2018 at 11:04 pm

yeah me too it helped alot

December 13, 2017 at 7:04 am

Thank you so much it really helped write my writing assessment and get full marks, don’t worry i didn’t cheat that much!

October 25, 2019 at 12:17 pm

lmao “that much”

November 9, 2017 at 5:32 pm

It Game Some Ideas What To Write

April 4, 2017 at 1:37 pm

Its just awesome because I get a idea to write it in my suspense story??

March 19, 2017 at 11:49 am

thanks alot it really helped me in my suspense story writing and it did really gave me some ideas to write it thanks 😉

December 3, 2016 at 8:15 am

Thank you very much. This is helpful to do my English HW. Zabit Khwaja

September 12, 2018 at 2:01 pm

October 25, 2016 at 2:12 pm

Thank you !! This has really helped me to do my homework and to inspire me for different t ideas.

October 6, 2016 at 9:45 am

this helped me do my English course thank u sooo much

September 1, 2011 at 9:32 am

this is awesome! 😀 helped me do my coursework for English! thanks a lot 😀

October 14, 2010 at 8:47 pm

this story is awsome i want to read another one.

September 16, 2010 at 12:48 pm

Thanks Aloot It Helped Me In My English Homework:) But I Think It Would Be Better If There Were More Examples Of Haunted Houses:D x

April 3, 2010 at 4:53 pm

this has helped me a great deal with my story for my English class 🙂

May 27, 2009 at 11:34 am

I love the image of the child riding a phantom rocking horse — very effective.

May 25, 2009 at 11:48 pm

This one was so fun to do. There are so many unusual settings to explore–stay tuned!

May 24, 2009 at 6:08 pm

You gals cover some of the greatest topics!!! Hope you can get these out in book form soon or eventually! Keep up the good work!

May 24, 2009 at 7:21 am

I can hear the wind moaning around corners…whhoooooooooowhoooooo.

May 24, 2009 at 7:14 am

Fantastic! Thanks!

May 23, 2009 at 4:09 pm

Gives me the shivers too. =)

May 23, 2009 at 1:35 pm

Gives me shivers just reading it. 😉

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Somewhere in the Forest - descriptive writing

Subject: English

Age range: 7-11

Resource type: Worksheet/Activity

Last updated

19 December 2021

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Who are they and where are they going? What is this place? What can they see, hear, smell, touch, taste? Inspire your class with these intriguing sentence starters and images. Plus a descriptive writing text for more ideas. Use this for early morning tasks or warm up activities. These are royalty free images which you can use and reproduce without fear of breaking any copyright rules. If you love it, remember to leave a review!

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San Jose State University

California, united states.

The MFA at SJSU balances literary study with creative writing workshops. The program is designed to give students the opportunity to develop their talents in more than one genre while increasing their knowledge of modern and contemporary literature in a variety of forms and across a diverse range of cultural and critical perspectives. The program also features courses that provide hands-on preparation for beginning one's writing career in a globalized, technologically enhanced world.

Situated in downtown San Jose, in the heart of Silicon Valley's cultural center, the MFA program offers students a portal into the writing life. SJSU is the literary incubator for Silicon Valley. Students will be taught by instructors who are themselves publishing poets, fiction writers, nonfiction writers, translators, and editors - many of whom work in both traditional and cutting-edge forms, and who are involved in the arts and technology networks of Silicon Valley.

The English Department publishes Reed magazine, one of the oldest campus literary journals on the West Coast, with over 60 years of continuous publication. Reed is student-produced and offers opportunity for the editing experience as well as a possible publishing venue.

Contact Information

Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing +

Undergraduate program director.

The goals of the BA in English with a Concentration in Creative Writing are: to provide students the opportunity to concentrate their studies in the field of Creative Writing. To provide these students a course of study in the craft, theory, and practice of writing fiction, creative nonfiction, and/or poetry. To provide these students a course of study in literature and expository writing which will support their studies in Creative Writing courses. Many students earning a BA in English with a Creative Writing concentration will continue on to apply for admission to the MFA Program in Creative Writing, or will pursue a professional Creative Writing career.

Undergraduate classes in Creative Writing at SJSU are supplemented by the readings and other literary programs sponsored by the SJSU Center for Literary Arts (CLA). Since 1986, the CLA has provided readings, lectures and seminars that allow the San Jose community to interact with writers of contemporary literature who have demonstrated exceptional voice and vision. Its mission is to spread the influence of and interest in literature throughout the South Bay area and to facilitate cross-cultural understanding in the region's ethnically diverse population through the appreciation of works of literature. The CLA's Major Authors Series has been the most significant literary series in the region, presenting to the community five winners of the Nobel Prize, fifteen winners of the National Book Award and twenty-eight winners of the Pulitzer Prize.

The CLA is funded by grants and donations from individuals and foundations.

SJSU also publishes REED Magazine, an annual student-run Literary Magazine published every Spring and featuring submissions of original poetry and short stories from across the nation. (For more information click on http://www.reedmag.org/drupal/.)

Below are requirements for this focused concentration in Creative Writing.

(To see a detailed description of the SJSU BA Concentration in Creative Writing curriculum and individual courses, click on: http://www.sjsu.edu/english/undergraduate/degreeplans/majorcreatwrit.)

PREREQUISITE: 3 Units.

ENGL 71: Introduction to Creative Writing (3) - NOTE: English 71 does not count toward 48 units listed below, but it does satisfy GE Area Requirement C2.

15 Units of Creative Writing

ENGL 105: Advanced Composition (3)

ENGL 130: Fiction Writing (repeatable up to 3X) (3)

ENGL 131: Poetry Writing (repeatable up to 3X) (3)

ENGL 133: REED Magazine (repeatable 2X) (3)

ENGL 134: Speechwriting (3)

ENGL 135: Creative Nonfiction Writing (repeatable up to 3X) (3)

LITERATURE REQUIREMENTS: 9 UNITS

ENGL 149: The Romantic Period

ENGL 150: The Victorian Age

ENGL 151: Twentieth Century Poetry

ENGL 153B: Nineteenth Century British Novel

ENGL 154: British and Irish Fiction Since 1900

ENGL 161: American Literature to 1830 (3)

ENGL 162: American Literature: 1830-1865 (3)

ENGL 163: American Literature: 1865-1910 (3)

ENGL 164: American Literature: 1910- 1945 (3)

ENGL 165: Topics in Ethnic American Literature (3)

ENGL 166: American Literature Since 1945 (3)

ENGL 167: Steinbeck (3)

ENGL 168: The American Novel (3)

ENGL 169: Ethnicity in American Literature (3)

ENGL 176: The Short Story (3)

ENGL 177: Twentieth Century Fiction

Foreign Language Requirement

One year of foreign langauge study at the college level or equivalency through examination.

CORE REQUIREMENTS: 24 UNITS

A. Core Shared with the General English Major:

ENGL 56A: Survey of English Lit

ENGL 68A: Survey of American Lit

ENGL 68B: Survey of American Lit

ENGL 100W: Writing Workshop (Expository Writing for English Majors)

ENGL 122: Comp Lit, or 123 A, B, C, or D Global Lit

OR 125A: Homer to Dante

ENGL 144: Shakespeare

OR 145: Shakespeare and Performance

B. Core Course For CW Concentration

ENGL 139: Living Writers Seminar

C. Capstone Core Course for CW Concentration

ENGL 193C: Capstone Seminar in Creative Writing and Self-Reflection

Total Concentration Plus Core Units:

Bachelor of Arts in English/Literature +

Minor / concentration in creative writing +.

SJSU offers English Majors a concentration in Creative Writing. All Creative Writing and upper division classes are 4 units.

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing +

Graduate program director.

The MFA at SJSU is a dual-genre program that balances literary study with creative writing workshops. The program is designed to give students the opportunity to develop their talents in more than one genre while increasing their knowledge of modern and contemporary literature in a variety of forms and across a diverse range of cultural and critical perspectives. The program also features courses that provide hands-on preparation for beginning one's writing career in a globalized, technologically enhanced world.

Situated in downtown San Jose, in the heart of Silicon Valley's cultural center, the MFA program will offer students a portal into the writing life. Students will be taught by instructors who are themselves publishing poets, fiction writers, nonfiction writers, translators, and editors - many of whom work in both traditional and cutting-edge forms, and who are involved in the arts and technology networks of Silicon Valley.

Samuel Maio

Samuel Maio is the author of THE BURNING OF LOS ANGELES (1996), and CREATING ANOTHER SELF: VOICE IN MODERN AMERICAN PERSONAL POETRY (2005), both from Truman State University Press. His poems, essays, and reviews have been published widely in periodicals.

http://www.sjsu.edu/cwmfa/faculty.html

Alan Soldofsky

Alan Soldofsky is a veteran of the San Francisco Bay Area poetry scene. His 2013 collection of poems, IN THE BUDDHA FACTORY, from Truman State University Press, was a finalist for the T. S. Eliot Award. He has been a contributing editor of Poetry Flash, and co-host of the popular poetry show “Planet on the Table” on Berkeley’s KPFA radio. He has published three poetry chapbooks: Kenora Station, Staying Home, and Holding Adam / My Father’s Books, a chapbook that includes a selection of poems by his son, Adam Soldofsky. Over the last three decades, his poems have been published widely in magazines and journals,

http://www.sjsu.edu/people/alan.soldofsky/

Nick Taylor

Nick Taylor is the author of the historical novels The Disagreement (Simon & Schuster, 2008) and FATHER JUNIPERO'S CONFESSOR (Heyday, 2013). Nick's work has earned a Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship and the Michael Shaara Prize for Civil War Fiction. He has also received support from the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and the William R. Kenan, Jr., Fund for Historic Preservation. Currently Nick serves as Associate Professor of English and Director of the Martha Heasley Cox Center for Steinbeck Studies at San José State University. In 2014, Doubleday published his first thriller, The Setup Man, under the pseudonym T.T. Monday.

http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty_and_staff/faculty_detail.jsp?id=2136

Cathleen Miller

Cathleen Miller's biography of Dr, Nafis Sadik, CHAMPION OF CHOICE, is the result of ten years of work and many, many strange circumstances. Other publication credits include travel stories for a variety of newspapers and anthologies. Miller is also the coauthor of DESERT FLOWER, the life story of activist Waris Dirie which describes the Somali nomad's experience with female genital mutilation. This book's print version has sold 11 million copies in 55 languages, and was later adapted as a feature film released in 34 nations. Cathleen Miller is a professor of creative writing at San José State University.

http://www.sjsu.edu/people/cathleen.miller/

Scott Sublett

Scott Winfield Sublett, a veteran screenwriter screenwriting teacher, is known for writing BYE-BYE BIN LADEN (2009), GENERIC THRILLER (2009) and PIZZA WARS: THE MOVIE (2002). He also has published a screenwriting guide, SCREENWRITING FOR NEUROTICS (2014).

Sally Ashton

Sally Ashton is a poet, writer, teacher, and Editor-in-Chief of DMQ Review, an online journal featuring poetry and art. She earned her BA in English with a creative writing minor from SJSU, and her MFA in Poetry and Literature from the Bennington Writing Seminars.

She is the recipient of an Artist Fellowship, Poetry, from Arts Council Silicon Valley and a fellowship from Montalvo Arts Center. She is the author of three books of poetry, two of which were nominated for Pushcart Prizes. Poems also appear in the textbook, An Introduction to the Prose Poem, and Breathe: 101 Contemporary Odes, as well as in literary journals such as Sentence: A Journal of Prose Poetics, Brevity, Zyzzyva, 5am, Mississippi Review, and Poet Lore. She was awarded the Fish Flash Fiction First Prize, an international award, in 2014.

Ashton was appointed the second Santa Clara County Poet Laureate on April 1, 2011. During her term, she compiled a collection of the favorite poems of County residents posted on a project blog. Besides teaching at San Jose State University, she teaches private workshops and at writer’s workshops including Disquiet: An International Literary Program in Lisbon, Portugal.

http://www.sjsu.edu/people/sally.ashton/

Selena Anderson

Selena Anderson is a writer from Texas. She completed her MFA at Columbia University where she won the Transatlantic/Henfield Prize, and her Ph.D. from the University of Houston. Her stories have appeared in Glimmer Train, Kenyon Review, AGNI, and Cosmonauts Avenue, and The Best of Gigantic Anthology. She is working on a collection and a novel.

Publications & Presses +

Reed Magazine

Visiting Writers Program +

Kim Addonizio, Daniel Alarcon, Tim Cahill, Cristina Garcia., Sandra M. Gilbert, Molly Giles, Andrew Sean Greer, James D. Houston, James Kelman, Caroyln Kizer, Ursula K. Le Guin, Andrew Lam, Ishmael Reed, Julia Scheeres, Simon Winchester, Vendala Vida, Al Young. The 2018 Lurie Distinguished Author-in-Residence is novelist Don George.

Reading Series +

Center for Literary Arts ( http://www.litart.org/ )

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The Center for Literary Arts of San José

Writers workshop.

CLA Writers Workshops are open to individuals of all backgrounds--including those who are exploring creative writing for the first time--as well as aspiring writers who want to prepare their work for publication. Workshops are modeled on graduate-level creative writing courses, and may include short in-class writing assignments to jumpstart the writing process, as well as work outside of class that will entail reading the work of select published writers, critiquing the work of other workshop participants, and writing a piece to be workshopped by the class. Each participant will receive written comments from the instructor. Workshops are led by accomplished local authors, including students and alumni of the San Jose State University Creative Writing Program. 

For more details, click here to read the  workshop policies and procedures and the cancellation policy .

The World is the Story: A Fiction Workshop on Dynamic Place

Starting November 10

12:30PM–2:30PM

Running 6 weeks

Instructor: Katie M. Flynn, author of

The Companions

Course Description

“World building” is a term often associated with speculative fiction, but as Amitav Ghosh says, “The world of fact is outrunning the world of fiction.” How do we write fiction during times of tremendous flux? In this generative workshop, we’ll explore approaches to writing into uncertainty and building the dynamic world your story needs, with its own rules.

Each week, we’ll study samples of dynamic world building in the form of short stories and novel excerpts from writers such as Lauren Groff, Mohsin Hamid, Amy Hempel, Raven Leilani, Lauren Oyler, George Saunders, and Charles Yu. We’ll read closely with an eye toward how place works in tandem with other craft elements to achieve this effect. Through in-class and at-home writing exercises, participants will test out various strategies for building dynamic worlds. In the second half of the workshop, we’ll shift our focus to writing process: how to explore and expand these newly written pieces into short stories or novel openings, before revising them. Participants will receive constructive feedback on their polished story or novel opening from the instructor, including guidance on publication and other next steps. This class is geared toward writers of literary and speculative fiction alike.

About the Instructor

Katie M. Flynn’s first novel, The Companions , came out in March 2020; it explores life during a prolonged quarantine and a tech company’s answer to loneliness. Her short stories have appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle , Tin House , and many other publications. Katie has been awarded Colorado Review ’s Nelligan Prize for Short Fiction and the Steinbeck Fellowship in Creative Writing. She holds an MFA from the University of San Francisco and an MA in Geography from UCLA. Her interlinked collection of short stories, Island Rule , is forthcoming from Scout Press (2022). 

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