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Home » Blog » 132 Best Horror Writing Prompts and Scary Story Ideas
132 Best Horror Writing Prompts and Scary Story Ideas
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Horror stories send shivers down our spines. They are gruesome, shocking, and chilling. Scary stories are meant to horrify us, and there are many ways to make a powerful impact on the reader. The element of surprise is crucial to make the readers’ blood freeze.
There are different types of horror stories. They often deal with terrible murders, supernatural powers, psychopaths, the frightening human psychology and much more.
Although many horror writing prompts and scary ideas have been written, the following 132 horror writing prompts can spark great creativity in aspiring writers of the horror genre.
- A family is on a camping trip. The parents are walking with their two children, a daughter and a son. The little boy trips and falls into a dark river. His father jumps to rescue him. Somehow the boy manages to swim to the surface. The father is nowhere to be found. When the mother gets a hold of the boy, she canât recognize him. She tries holding him, but the moment she touches his wet body, her hands start burning.
- A young girl goes missing in a nearby forest. The whole town is searching for her. Her parents find her sitting and smiling in a cave. Her eyes are completely white.
- A woman starts watching a movie late at night. The movie seems all too familiar. Finally, she realizes that it is a movie about her own life and that she might be already dead.
- A house finds a way to kill every visitor on its premises.
- A child makes her own Halloween mask. She glues a lock of her own hair on her mask. The mask comes to life and threatens to take over the girlâs body.
- While digging in her backyard, an old lady discovers an iron chest. She opens it and finds a pile of old photographs of her ancestors. All of them are missing their left eye.
- A priest is trying to punish God for the death of his sister. He is getting ready to burn down the church, when supernatural forces start to torture him.
- Every year a woman goes to the cemetery where her husband is buried, and when she looks at his tombstone, she notices her own name carved in it.
- A woman puts a lipstick on in the bathroom when she hears a demonic voice saying to her: âCanât you see?â
- Â A mysterious child psychiatrist promises parents to cure their children if they give him a vile of their blood.
- Â A group of 10 friends decide to rent an old English castle for the weekend. The ghosts are disturbed and seek their pound of flesh.
- Â A photographer travels to an Indian reservation for his next project. He starts taking photos, but there are only shadows in the places where people should have been.
- Â A young married couple decide to renovate an abandoned psychiatric hospital and turn it into a hotel. Everything is going well until their first guest arrives.
- Â Three sisters are reunited for the reading of their grandmotherâs will. She has left them a diamond necklace, but they have to fight psychologically and physically for it.
- Â An old woman pretends to be lost and asks young women to help her get home. She offers them a cup of tea and drugs them. When the women wake up, they are chained in the basement. The old woman gives them tools and boards, so that they can build their own coffin. If they refuse, she inflicts pain on them.
- Â A mysterious stranger with a glass eye and a cane commissions a portrait. When the portrait is finished, the painter turns into stone.
- Â A little girlâs sister lives with a monster in the closet. She exits the closet on her sister’s birthday.
- Â The demons under the nuclear plant get released after an explosion and start terrorizing the families of people who work at the plant.
- Â A woman gets trapped in a parallel universe where every day she dies horribly in different ways.
- Â A cannibal hunts for pure childrenâs hearts hoping they will bring him eternal youth.
- Â A politician hides his weird sister in the attic. Sheâs had her supernatural powers after their family home burned to the ground.
- Â A 16-year-old girl wakes up on a stone-cold table surrounded with people in black and white masks. They are chant and start leaning forward. All of them carry carved knives.
- Â A boy hears screaming from his parentsâ bedroom. He jumps and hides under his bed. Suddenly, everything becomes quiet. A man wearing army boots enters his room. He drags the boy from under the bed and says: âWeâve been searching for you for 200 years.â
- A husband and his wife regain consciousness only to see each other tied to chairs, facing each other. A voice on the radio tells them to kill the other, otherwise, they would kill their children.
- Â A mysterious altruist gives a kidney to a young man, who has potential to become a leading neuroscientist. After a year, the altruist kills the young man because he proves to be an unworthy organ recipient. The following year, the mysterious altruist is a bone marrow donor.
- Â A group of friends play truth or dare. Suddenly, all the lights go out and in those ten seconds of darkness, one of the group is killed.
- Â A young man becomes obsessed with an old man living opposite his building. The young man is convinced that the old man is the embodiment of the devil, and starts planning the murder.
- Â Concerned and grieving parents bring their 8-year-old son to a psychiatrist after their daughterâs accident, believing that the boy had something to do with her death.
- Â A woman is admitted to a hospital after a car crash. She wakes up after three months in a coma, but when she tries to speak, she canât utter a sound. When the nurse sees that she is awake, she calls a doctor. The last thing the woman remembers is hearing the doctor say: âToday is your lucky day,â right before four men in black robes take her out.
- Â A small-town cop becomes obsessed with a cold case from 1978. Three girls went missing after school, and nobody has seen them since. Then one day, in 2008, three girls with the same names as those in 1978 go missing. The case is reopened.
- Â After his parentsâ death a cardiologist returns to his small town where everyone seems to lead a perfect life. This causes a disturbance in the idyllic life of the people since none of them has a heart.Â
- Â A man is kidnapped from his apartment on midnight and brought on a large private estate. He is told that he will be a human pray and that ten hunters with guns will go after him. He is given a 5-minute head start.
- Â A strange woman in labor is admitted in the local hospital. Nobody seems to recognize her. She screams in agony. A black smoke fills in the entire hospital. After that, nobody is the same. A dark lord is born.
- Â A young girl finds her grandmotherâs gold in a chest in the attic, although she isnât allowed to go there by herself. She touches the gold and she starts seeing horrible visions involving her grandmother when she was younger.
- Â An anthropologist studies rituals involving human sacrifice. She slowly begins to accept them as necessary.
- Â A family of four moves in an old Victorian home. As they restore it, more and more people die suddenly and violently.
- Â An old nurse has lived next door to a family that doesnât get older. Their son has remained to be a seven-year-old boy.
- Â A girl wakes up in her dorm and sees that everybody sleepwalks in the same direction. She acts as if she has the same condition and follows them to an underground black pool where everybody jumps.
- Â A bride returns to the same bridge for 50 years waiting for her husband-to-be to get out of the water.
- Â An old woman locks girlsâ personalities in a forever growing collection of porcelain dolls. Parents of the missing girls are in agony and they finally suspect something. When they tell the police, their claims are instantly dismissed.
- Â A chemistry teacher disfigures teenagers who remind him of his childhood bullies. One day, he learns that the new student in his school is the son of his childhood’s archenemy.
- Â A girl starts digging tiny holes in her backyard. When her mother asks her what she is doing, the girl answers: âMr. Phantom told me to bury my dolls tonight. Tomorrow night I am going to bury our dog. And then, you, mother.â
- Â Twin brothers were kidnapped and returned the next day. They claim that they canât remember anything. The following night, twin sisters disappear.
- Â A boy has a very realistic dream about an impending doom, but nobody believes him until during a storm all the birds fall dead on the ground.
- Â Room 206 is believed to be haunted, so hotel guests never stay in it. One day, an old woman arrives at the hotel and asks for the key to room 206. She says that she was born there.
- Â A genius scientist tries to extract his wifeâs consciousness from her lifeless body and insert it into an imprisoned woman who looks just like his wife.
- Â Two distinguished scientists develop a new type of virus that attacks their brains and turns them into killing machines.
- Â A woman steps out of her house only to find four of her neighbors dead at her doorstep. Little does she know that she isn’t supposed to call the police.
- Â A bachelorâs party ends with two dead people in the pool. Both of them are missing their eyes.
- Â A young woman wearing a black dress is holding a knife in her hand and threatening to kill a frightened man. She is terrified because she does not want to kill anybody, but her body refuses to obey her mind.
- Â A strange religious group starts performing a ritual on a playground. The childrenâs hearts stop beating.
- Â A woman discovers that her niece has done some horrible crimes, so she decides to poison her. Both of them take the poison, but only the aunt dies.
- Â A man encounters death on his way to work. He can ask three questions before he dies. He makes a quick decision.
- Â An older brother kills his baby sister because he wants to be an only child. When he learns that his mother is pregnant again, he decides to punish her.
- Â A husband and his wife move to a new apartment. After a week, both of them kill themselves. They leave a note saying: âNever again.â
- Â A man is trying to open a time portal so that he could kill his parents before he is ever conceived.
- Â A famous conductor imprisons a pianist from the orchestra and makes him play the piano while he tortures other victims, also musicians. Every time the pianist makes a mistake, the conductor cuts of a finger from his victims.
- Â A popular French chef is invited by a mysterious Japanese sushi master for dinner. A powerful potion makes the French chef fall asleep. He wakes up horrified to learn that he is kept on a human farm, in a cage.
- Â A nuclear blast turns animals into blood-thirsty monsters.
- Â A mysterious bug creeps under peopleâs skins and turns them into the worst version of themselves.
- Â A kidnapper makes his victims torture each other for his sheer pleasure.
- Â Four friends are invited to spend the afternoon in an escape room. A manâs voice tells them that they have won a prize. They happily accept and enter the escape room. They soon realize that the room was designed to reflect their worst nightmares.
- Â Two sisters have been given names from the Book of the Dead. Their fates have been sealed, so when they turn 21, dark forces are sent to bring them to the underground.
- Â A mother-to-be starts feeling severe pain in her stomach every time she touches a Bible. Despite the fear for her own life, she starts reading the New Testament out loud.
- Â A literature professor discovers an old manuscript in the college library. He opens it in his study and suddenly a black raven flies through the window.
- Â You are the Ruler of a dystopian society. You kill every time your control is threatened.
- Â You are an intelligent robot who shows no mercy to humanity.
- Â You are a promising researcher who discovers that all the notorious dictators have been cloned.
- Â A nomad meets a fakir who tells him that he would bring agony to dozens of people unless he kills himself before he transforms into a monster.
- Â A most prominent member of a sect goes to animal shelters to find food for the dark forces.
- Â A man hires unethical doctors to help him experience clinical death and then bring him back to life after a minute. Little does he know that one minute of death feels like an eternity full of horrors.
- Â You travel home to visit your parents for the holidays. Everything seems normal until you realize that demons have taken over their consciousness.
- Â A mysterious woman moves into your apartment building. One by one, all of the tenants start hallucinating that monsters chase them and jump into their own deaths.
- Â Divorced parents are kidnapped together with their son. Both of the parents have been given poison, but there is only one antidote. The boy needs to decide which parent gets to be saved. He has 30 seconds to make that decision.
- Â A patient with a multiple-personality disorder tells you that you are one of six characters.
- Â You wake up in bed that is a blood-bath.
- Â The Government abducts children with genius IQ and trains them to fight the horrors in Area 51.
- Â Â A woman who has just given birth at her home is told that the baby is predestined to become the leader of the greatest demonic order in the country.
- Â A man signs a document with his blood to relinquish his body to a sect.
- Â A woman enters a sacred cave in India and disappears for good.
- Â A man opens his eyes in the middle of his autopsy while the coroner is holding his heart.
- Â You look outside the windows in your house only to see that the view has changed and there is black fog surrounding you.
- Â The gargoyles from the Notre Dame have come to life and they start terrorizing Paris.
- Â Somebody rings your doorbell. You open the door and a frightened girl with bloody hands is standing at your doorstep. âYouâre late,â you reprimand her.
- Â You wake up in the middle of the night after a frightful nightmare, so you go to the kitchen to get a glass of water. You turn on the light and a person looking like your identical twin is grinning and pointing a knife at you.
- Â A renowned book editor receives a manuscript elegantly written by hand. The title grabs her attention and she continues reading page after page. When she finishes, the manuscript spontaneously starts burning, and the editor is cursed forever.
- Â The last thing you remember before losing consciousness is fighting a shady Uber driver.
- Â You find yourself in a cage in the middle of a forest and black mythological harpies hovering above the cage.
- Â A woman wants to quit smoking, so she visits a therapist who is supposed to help her with the use of hypnosis. She goes under and when she wakes up, she feels like a born killer.
- Â Five hikers get stranded during a horrible storm. One of them kills the weakest and starts burning his body.
- Â A mother goes in the nursery to check up on the baby and discovers that the baby is missing and, in her place, there is a baby doll.
- Â A killer is willing to pay a large sum of money to the family of a volunteering victim. A cancer patient contacts the killer. The killer ends up dead.
- Â The sacred river in a remote Asian village fills up with blood. The last time that happened, all the children in the village died.
- Â A tall, dark, and handsome stranger invites a blind woman for a romantic date in his botanical garden. The garden is full of black roses in which womenâs souls have been trapped. He tells her that she will stay forever with him in his garden.
- Â A frightened man is trying to lead a werewolf into a trap and kill him with the last silver bullet.
- Â An architect designs houses for the rich and famous. What he doesnât show them is that he always leaves room for a secret passageway to their bedrooms, where they are the most vulnerable.
- Â A manâs DNA was found on a horrible crime scene and he has been charged with murder in the first degree. He adamantly negates any involvement in the crime that has been committed. What he doesnât know is that he had a twin brother who died at birth.
- Â Every passenger on the Orient Express dies in a different, and equally mysterious way. Â
- Â A magician needs a volunteer from the audience in order to demonstrate a trick involving sawing a person in half. A beautiful woman steps on the stage. The magician makes her fall asleep, and then he performs the trick. In the end, he disappears. People in the audience start panicking when they notice the blood dripping from the table. The magician is nowhere to be found. The woman is dead.
- A mother discovers that her bright son is not human.
- Specters keep terrorizing patients in a psychiatric hospital, but nobody believes them.
- A manâs mind is locked into an immovable body. This person is being tortured by a psychopath who kills his family members in front of him, knowing that he is in agony and canât do anything to save them.
- A bride-to-be receives a DVD via mail from an unknown sender. She plays the video and disgusted watches a pagan ritual. The people are wearing masks, but she recognizes the voice of her husband-to-be.
- A man turns himself to the police although he hasnât broken the law. He begs them to put him in prison because he had a premonition that he would become a serial killer.
- Jack the Ripper is actually a woman who brutally kills prostitutes because her own mother was a prostitute.
- A ticking noise wakes her up. Itâs a bomb, and she has only four minutes to do something about it.
- After a horrible car crash, a walking skeleton emerges from the explosion.
- A world-famous violinist virtuoso uses music to summon dark forces.
- A philosopher is trying to outwit Death in order to be granted immortality. He doesnât know that Death already knows the outcome of this conversation.
- A beautiful, but superficial woman promises a demon to give him her virginity in exchange for immortality. Once the demon granted her wish, she refused to fulfill her end of the deal. The demon retaliated by making her immortal, but not eternally youthful.
- A voice starts chanting spells every time somebody wears the gold necklace from Damask.
- Three teenagers beat up a homeless man. The next day all of them go missing.
- Thirteen tourists from Poland visit Trakai Island Castle in Vilnius. Their bodies are found washed up the next morning. They are wearing medieval clothes.
- A group of extremists ambush the vehicle in which a head of a terrorist cell is transported and rescue him. They go after anybody who was involved in his incarceration.
- A hitman is hired to kill a potential heart donor.
- A man is attacked by the neighborâs dog while trying to bury his wife alive.
- A woman disappears from her home without a trace. He husband reports her missing. The police start to suspect the husband when they retrieve some deleted messages.
- After moving to a new house all the family members have the same nightmares. Slowly they realize that they might be more than nightmares.
- A psychopath is drugging his wife, pushing her to commit a suicide so that he could collect the life insurance.
- A woman loses her eyesight overnight. Instead, she starts having premonitions.
- A vampire prefers albino children.
- A man commits murders at night and relives the agony of his victims during the day.
- A black horse carriage stops in front of your house. A hand wearing a black glove make an inviting gesture. Mesmerized, you decide to enter the carriage.
- Demons rejuvenate by eating kind peopleâs hearts.
- People are horrified to find all of the graves dug out the morning after Halloween.
- Men start jumping off building and bridges after hearing a mysterious song.
- A voice in your head tells you to stop listening to the other voices. They were not real.
- A severed head is hanging from a bridge with a message written in the victimâs blood.
- A delusional man brings his screaming children to a chasm.
- A 30-year-old woman learns that a baby with the same name as her died at the local hospital 30 years ago.
- A vampire donates his blood so that a child with special brain powers can receive it.
- A teenager is determined to escape his kidnapper by manipulating him into drinking poison. He doesnât stop there.
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Short horror story essay 8 Models
Last updated Friday , 15-03-2024 on 11:35 am
Short horror story essay is one of the popular intimidation methods that help parents in correcting children and improving their behavior in many educational aspects.
Through this article, we will provide you with many models that talk about stories of horror and intimidation that may help or influence the behavior of children, show the goals of horror stories, and the extent of the impact of these stories on improving children’s instincts, and strengthening their personality.
Short horror story essay
The school plays an important and significant role in educating children and improving their behaviour. In a similar article that talks about horror stories, the student can learn about the dimensions of these stories, the extent of their impact and why they are used.
The student can talk about his fears and terrifying situations he went through. The teacher can take advantage of these events and try to address these fears by guiding him and talking to him, or by making him research more about the dimensions of the problem and the benefits that he benefited from despite going through a terrifying situation.
At the beginning of the article we will put several points that show the goals that must be present within the topic, and several models will be created using these points inside them, so that the articles are useful for the student in case he wants to present them to the school, or if he wants to know the aspects that he should talk about inside a similar article he talks about the horror stories and the bad situations he was exposed to.
Objectives of the article
1- To obey orders.
2- Giving up bad behavior.
3- Repressing the evil instincts that are inside every human being.
4- Controlling the child in the safety zone next to the parents.
5- Planting correct means and methods through intimidation.
Several years ago, my father told me a story about a boy who went out without telling his family where he was going. And this was late at night. After he left, he met some children and played a little with them and enjoyed this, but because of the late time these children left him, some of them returned to their home alone, and some of them their families came to to pick them up, and he found himself alone in the end.
He decided to walk around for a while, so that he might encounter other children and continue playing with them. But after walking for a long time, he found that all the streets were empty, and it was dark everywhere, and he could no longer discern where he was, and that he was far from home and lost his way.
And whenever he tried to return from where he came, he found himself in dangerous areas with street dogs, and in order to avoid them, he kept entering other streets, until he lost the way completely. So he sat crying and did not find anyone to bring him home because all the people of the town were asleep.
The time at night was getting hard for this naughty little boy. Every minute that passes feels like it’s a long time and he’s so afraid of darkness and loneliness. And whenever he heard the sound of dogs howling, intensified in crying. And whenever he called his father, he did not come to take him, because he was far from the house and did not tell them that he was going out, and did not tell them where he was going.
Then he learned that he had made a big mistake and that his father would not come to look for him because he thought he was asleep. And he decided to try to call for help and search for any place where there are people and tell them what happened.
And he kept walking in the dark crying for a long time until he found some people, and told them his name, where he lived, and the name of the neighborhood in which he lived. Fortunately for him, they weren’t bad guys, and they brought this guy home.
The father was very angry with him for this behavior and punished him for a week for this behavior. But the boy was happy that he came home and learned the lesson well and knew that this wrong behavior was dangerous and could have lost his family for life.
While hearing this story, I was very afraid and put myself in the place of this boy, and I found myself learning from him what to do. And that I must tell my family where I am going, and watch the time, and take care of myself and not stay away from home. When I finish playing, I go home.
In the early morning, I was very careful to memorize my full name, the name of the neighborhood in which I live, the name of my mother, and the house number.
Although the story was scary for me, I learned a lot from it and had a reaction to every event that takes place in it.
Dear student, a basic form was submitted for the topic on short horror story essay, In addition to many other models such as, horror short story essay, creepy short horror story essay, a short horror story essay, short ghost story essay, short ghost story essay, scary short story essay, scary experience essay.
If you prefer to add any other topic, you can contact us through the comments of this article and we will study your request and add it as soon as possible.
horror short story essay
At the weekend I went on a trip with my friends to the forest. We took camping equipment, some food and water. The weather was nice, the trees were leafy, the birds were flying from tree to tree, the landscape was beautiful.
We wandered in the woods and ate the fruits on the trees, and as we wandered, a huge bear appeared in front of us, looked at us and prepared to attack us.
We were all very terrified, but the instructions reminded us not to run, not to scream, and to act calmly. I took out of my bag a self-defense spray bottle, which should be used in this case. But the bear left quietly and none of us were hurt.
creepy short horror story essay
I get up early and sit in the garden of the house, enjoying the fresh air, listening to the sound of birds, watching beautiful flowers and other beautiful landscapes, but yesterday something terrifying happened to me.
When I sat on the bench in the garden and was enjoying nature I felt something moving under the chair.
I quickly looked under the chair and found a large black snake.
It moves slowly, I felt very terrified and could not move, I remained frozen in my place, the snake crawled slowly and I looked at it with horror, until it moved away several meters, I called the competent authority immediately and a trained man came and caught the snake.
a short horror story essay
Last week I went with my family to the zoo, the weather was nice, and we were enjoying the nature, where there are a lot of green leafy trees and decorated with beautiful flowers and large areas that allow us to run and play, everything was beautiful.
Then we went to the animal cages and watched the animals from a distance.
But there is a person who got very close to the lion’s cage, even though there is a sign on it that says Do not go near the animal cages.
He was not satisfied with that, but he extended his hand into the cage, and the lion grabbed his hand with force, and this person was unable to rid his hand of the lion’s fangs.
The man screamed loudly from the severity of the pain, and the guard came quickly and tried to give the lion a piece of meat to leave the man’s hand, but to no avail.
The veterinarian quickly intervened and gave the lion an anesthetic injection, and the man was able to get his hand out of the cage, but it had many wounds and was taken to the hospital. It was really terrifying moments.
Short ghost story essay
There are many people who feel terrified in the dark, and my brother is very afraid of the dark and feels terrified and imagines frightening things.
So when the electricity went out and the house became dark. I went to his room quietly without feeling, and stood in front of him, making some strange sounds.
My brother jumped quickly and came out of the room saying a ghost of a ghost, but he hit the wall and cut his head and bled a lot, it was a big wound.
At that time I was telling him don’t be afraid, I am your brother, but he was very frightened. I was very sorry for him and regretted that I had caused him to feel terrified and made him crash into the wall.
And I told him I was just trying to joke with you and I wouldn’t do it again but you should train yourself not to be afraid of the dark.
A Short Scary Story Essay
Last weekend I went with my friends on a fishing trip. We chartered a fishing boat with all our fishing gear and went into the sea for a long distance, so that we could see neither the beach nor the city.
We started fishing and we were very happy because there are many fish and they are also big, and the weather was nice.
Suddenly strong winds blew and the waves rose, and the fishing boat was swinging with us over the water, up and down, and we couldn’t control it.
At this time we felt so afraid that we would drown.The fishing boat cannot withstand these bad weather conditions.
But after a while the wind calmed down a bit and we miraculously survived.
Scary short story essay
Last weekend I went with my colleagues on a school trip to one of the archaeological sites, and we had some teachers with us organizing the trip and supervising our transfers.
We entered a museum that houses great antiquities and stood listening to the tour guide talking about the history of these antiquities.
I was fascinated and listened to the tour guide with great interest, so that I did not feel the departure of my colleagues and teachers, as they left the museum and got on the bus and left this place and did not feel my absence.
When I found myself alone in the museum, I felt very afraid and searched for them all over the museum, but I could not find them, so my fear increased and my crying became louder.
Suddenly I found one of the teachers entering the museum and looking for me, so I ran towards him and grabbed his hand and felt safe.
Scary Experience Essay
At the end of the year I had a frightening experience. I went to the beach and decided to snorkel, so I bought wetsuits, put them on, and dived into the sea. But it was not what I expected and almost drowned.
I was so scared when I found myself unable to dive, and could not swim to the top.
It was a difficult situation but one of the lifeguards on the beach saw me, knew I was going to drown and ran to save me.
Therefore, I advise others to learn before we do anything that might endanger our lives.
To read more related articles, you can click on the following links below the article.
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- How-To Guides
How to Write a Horror Story in 12 Steps
Spooky times are on their way! In this post, youâll learn how to write a horror story in 12 easy steps. From the very beginning to the very end, youâll be a horror writer in no time. Writing a horror story is easy, provided you know how to do it in the right way.
A horror story is usually about a particular issue or theme. It might be about the horrible nature of life, the evil of humans, or the beast inside us. It might even be about fear, or about the various ways in which we face fear. The one thing that all horror stories have in common is that they are âstories of fear.â
The best horror stories are about fear, whether itâs fear of death, fear of disease, fear of the unknown, fear of loneliness, or fear of pain. The main problem with horror stories is that most people donât like to be scared. Our minds prefer the familiar, the comfortable, and the easy. So how do we get around that?
The answer is that we have to tap into our inner horror. We have to get inside our minds and into our souls to write about horror. Itâs not easy, but itâs not hard either. If youâre willing to put in the effort, youâll be amazed at the results you can achieve.
10 Tips for Writing Horror Stories
Step 1: brainstorm some ideas, step 2: develop your idea, step 3: make a list of main characters, step 4: develop a horrific setting, step 5: outline the opening paragraph, step 6: plan the major climax, step 7: write a twisted ending , step 8: choose a scary writing style, step 9: write the first draft, step 10: edit and review your draft, step 11: choose a chilling book title , step 12: publish the book, how do you start a horror story, what are the 5 elements of a horror story, what makes a good horror story, how do you write in creepy writing, how do i make my character terrifying.
Before you begin writing a horror story, here are 8 tips to help you create the perfect, chilling tale:
- Make it realistic: Don’t be afraid to make the story feel real and genuine so that the reader doesnât get lost in the atmosphere of the book. Try to use real-life situations as the base of the story, and then you can add the gore afterwards.
- Include plot twists: The more twists you can add to the tale, and the more surprises that will occur, the stronger the plot.
- Avoid stereotypical characters: Just because itâs horror doesnât mean you have to have a serial or a cannibal in your story. Go beyond the norm with your characters – remember anyone can be a serial killer, especially the least suspected person!
- Pace yourself: Donât just jump to the scariest moment in the beginning, slowly build up the suspense. Start by giving the reader hints of danger, and then bang when they least suspect bring in the gore.
- Play on common fears: Common fears that people face every day. Such as being alone in the dark, being chased by a monster, having a bad dream, etc. Fears are icky, but they can be made into something interesting if you play with them.
- Choose a writing style: There are many ways to write horror and some people find that they have an easier time in a journalistic style or in 1st person narrative. Think about what youâre most comfortable with and try it out.
- Increase the stakes: The best horror stories involve a sense of fear and dread, so make sure to increase the stakes as you go. If your main character is at a party, maybe thereâs something bad lurking in the back room or someone is trying to kill them. Make sure thereâs something at stake for your characters and donât forget to give them something to do besides running away.
- Read popular horror stories: Horror can be a very dark genre, so you might want to check out other scary tales to get inspiration. For instance, Stephen King has written some of the most terrifying stories ever created and you might even learn a few things from them.
- Pick a horror sub-genre: Horror is very broad and can be done in many different styles and genres. I recommend going for a sub-genre like Gothic Horror, Zombie Horror, or Psychological Horror. You may find that you are more comfortable in one of these areas than in others.
- Be imaginative: Your story should be as unique as possible so use your imagination and go crazy! Do not hold back when it comes to creativity, as this is how true horror is born.
How To Write a Horror Story in 12 Steps
Follow these 12 easy steps to create a spine-chilling story that will leave your readers in awe and fear.
Hereâs a simple little trick that we canât recommend enough: start with writing down all of the words and phrases that come to mind when you think about horror. Horror is much more than just scary stories; itâs about fear. So start thinking about the horror you see around you, and what keeps you up at night. The trick is to get into your mind, even if it doesnât feel comfortable. Try listing your biggest fears, and all the things that make you feel scared. You can also check out this list of over 110 horror story prompts to get you started.
We also recommend keeping a nightmare journal – Which is like a dream journal but filled with notes about your nightmares instead. After you had a really scary dream write down everything you remember from that dream. This can include what you saw, heard and felt during the dream. You can then use these notes as a source of inspiration for your horror story.
Check out these Halloween writing prompts and Halloween picture prompts for more ideas.
What keeps you up at night? The evil monsters in the monsters movies? The epidemic of a deadly virus? A tragic unsolved crime? Whatever your issue is, it can be used to create a horror story that will have your readers sweating bullets. Take your ideas from the previous step and develop them into a truly horrific story idea. Once you have written down the basic idea, try to think about how that idea can be made scarier.
For example, if youâre writing about a deadly disease, you could use the theme of death to make it scarier. Have the characters die in the story in a mutated sort of way or from some weird side effect that leads to death. There are plenty of ways to make the story more horrible:
- Try thinking about an ordinary situation that everyone goes through and add something horrific to it. The trick to making your story scary is to make it believable. In other words, you want to make your story as true to life as possible.
- Focus on some terrifying emotions, fear being the obvious one. But you can also think about crudeness, disgust, as well as anger, regret, paranoia and shock factor.
- Add in some unnatural details, such as spaghetti turning into worms or blood coming out of solid, unliving objects.
Write down all of the main characters in the story. If you have more than one, give each character a distinct personality. Make sure that each character has a certain reason for their actions and be sure that they reflect their personality.
Whatever your horror is, you should probably have a main character that will be a part of the story. When you write the story, itâs going to be easier to create a tense atmosphere if you have a character to relate to. Also, you may want to make sure that you have a few supporting characters that you can add to the story. The supporting characters might also become the main characters in any sequels you plan on writing.
The other characters in the story should be the antagonists. These are the evil people or creatures that are keeping you up at night. They might be the killer, the ghost , the werewolf , the zombie, the villain, the monster , the demon, or the bad guy. Whatever the issue is, thatâs what the antagonist will be in the story. They might start out as just an ordinary person, but theyâll end up being more evil than the main character.
Check out this guide on character development to help you develop a powerful character.
When writing a horror story, itâs very important that you get the setting right. Think about some scary places that you know of in real life or places that youâve seen in your nightmares. You could also link your main setting choice to a common fear explored in your story. For example, if the core concept of your horror story is related to the fear of heights, then the main setting may be a high-rise building that’s filled with monsters.
Other common horror story settings may include a haunted house , a creepy old mansion, graveyards and even quiet suburban towns. Whatever your choice of setting, try to write a detailed description of the main setting in this step. Think about the appearance of the location, the weather, the feeling someone has when standing in this location, as well as what kind of people live here, along with the beliefs they hold.
Interested in creating a whole new world for your horror story? Check this master list of over 100 world-building questions .
The opening paragraph will be the first thing your readers see. It should be a teaser that sets the tone for the story. In other words, the first paragraph should be intriguing enough to make your readers want to keep reading. You should ideally include the main characterâs name, the setting, the antagonist, the fear of the story, and the main characterâs problem.Â
If the story is about a haunted house, then the outline of the opening paragraph could say something like this:
The house is empty. It has been for a long time. Itâs been vacant for years and years. It sits in the middle of a quiet, suburban neighbourhood. The grass is green and the trees are tall. The neighbourhood is quiet, but the town is not as quiet as everyone thinks. There are whispers, rumours, and stories. But the truth is, no one has ever seen or heard anything unusual here. Not until Wendy Williams and her daughter moved in.
During this step, it is important to try to write an opening that gives the reader a taste of the entire story. But of course, donât give too much away – Just a hint of fear will do! Your goal here is to have the reader wanting more.
See this list of over 150 story starters to help you get started with your spooky tale.
This step is basically the big bang. Itâs where your main character goes head-to-head with the antagonist in the story or has to face their greatest fear. Itâs also when your main character learns the truth about the antagonist. The goal of this step is to keep your readers on the edge of their seats.
When writing the climax, think about what will happen, who will be in danger, and what the outcome will be. If youâre struggling with the climax, then you should start with a smaller problem and work your way up to the big one. For example, you could start with a little bit of trouble with a character, such as a bad dream or the main character getting hurt. This will get your readers involved in the story. You may find that once you start writing, youâll come up with a more complicated problem that your main character will have to solve.
Hereâs an example of what a potential climax scene sounds like in a horror story:
The sound of footsteps is heard coming down the stairs. The footsteps are too heavy, and they seem to be coming from the basement. The door to the basement creaks open. Then a face is seen in the door frame. Itâs a face with large, red eyes, and itâs full of hate.
In horror stories, the twist ending is almost always a shock reveal of some kind. Whether the true murderer is revealed, or the identity of the antagonist is revealed, it should always be a surprise.
There are several ways to write a twist ending, but youâll probably want to start with a twist thatâs a little more obvious. You could reveal who the antagonist really is, or even what the main character has been hiding. Or you could have the main character learn some shocking information that sends them in a completely different direction.
The unique thing about the horror genre is that even after the mystery or problem is solved, it’s not always 100% solved. Thereâs always some darkness lurking somewhere. Was he really the murderer? Maybe thereâs more than one monster? Give this final hint of darkness to keep your readers second-guessing even after the book is over. Now thatâs where the true horror lies!
Of course, horror stories are written in a more darker and dramatic style compared to other genres. But thereâs more to horror writing than just using dark words and descriptions of gory scenes. In this step, you want to think about the actual writing of your horror style. Will it be written in the first person, second person or third? Do you want to take a more journalistic approach where you report horrific events? Or will you take a more narrative approach, where the reader is on the outside looking in?
In our opinion, a horror story written in the first person has a much more powerful effect. Thereâs something about having the perspective of the main character that makes them more vulnerable. Thereâs also something about being told a story by another character that makes the story more real.
While the third person is great for taking the reader through a story, it doesnât allow for the depth of emotion that can be found in the first person. If you choose to write in the third person, then youâll want to stick with the voice of an objective narrator who is reporting on the events of the story.
Either way, youâll want to try to avoid too many descriptions of gruesome scenes. You want to keep the focus on your main characterâs emotions and how they feel, and their problem.
Finally, itâs time to start writing your story! Hopefully, after all these steps, you now have a rough outline for your story. But even if you donât, just start writing! The first draft is usually the most important one. So even if you donât have a complete outline, get started on your story. Just start writing and donât worry about anything else! You might also want to read this post on how to outline a book for more guidance.
While writing your draft, youâll want to keep these things in mind:
- Make sure your story is believable to a certain extent. Of course, you might think that vampires aren’t real – But make them real for your readers! This is the most important thing. If your story is impossible or unbelievable, then no one will want to read it.
- Avoid using clichĂ©s. These are words or phrases that are overused in stories and donât really add anything to your story.
- Use active voice instead of passive voice. Passive voice is when a sentence starts with âsomeoneâ or âsomethingâ. Active voice is when the sentence starts with âIâ or âweâ.
- Use short sentences and paragraphs. Long sentences make it difficult to read, and paragraphs look heavy.
- If youâre struggling to get anything written down, then start with the easiest or shortest scenes first. You can always come back to the more complicated areas of your story later when youâre ready.
And finally, have fun with it! Writing is supposed to be a fun hobby, so donât take yourself too seriously!
The hard part is done, now youâre ready to start editing your story! Start by reading the story to yourself a couple of times. Each time you read your story highlight areas that you are unsure of, or would like to improve. At the same time look out for spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and sentences that sound a bit off. Once you’re done with this review, you can go back and make the relevant edits to your story.
Next, youâll want to gather some feedback. This is where youâll want to have a second or third person read your story. Itâs not a good idea to let one person read your draft, as theyâll be biased towards what they like. So get a few different people to read your story, and make sure they have a different perspective. They can be family members, teachers, or even a friend thatâs not familiar with your writing style.
When asking for feedback, you can ask the following questions:
- What are the most important parts of the story?
- Are there any parts of the story that donât make sense or are confusing?
- What did you like most about the story?
- Can you think of anything that could be improved?
- Did you like the main character?
Once you have the feedback, you can go back and make the changes. Itâs important to make the edits, but donât obsess over it. In the end, you want to make the story the best that it can be. And by doing this, youâll be on your way to writing a great horror story!
Itâs time to choose a book title. This is a very important part of a horror story. Not only does a good title help to give your story an identity, but it also helps to tell the reader what kind of story theyâre about to read. The title should have a great hook. It should be intriguing and a little bit scary. If youâre struggling to think of a great book title, then you can try to think about what youâd like to read. Would you like to read a book that scares you? Or would you rather read a book thatâs about someoneâs struggles?
If we look at some popular horror book titles, we can see that most of them are quite descriptive:
- The Woman in Black
- Bram Stokerâs Dracula
- The Haunting of Aveline Jones
- The Haunting of Hill House
- The Graveyard Book
Essentially, they either describe the antagonist of the story or the main setting in the story. Based on this try to summarise your horror story in as little as 3 to 5 words. Think about the main setting or the main villain/monster of your tale and come up with some book title ideas. If youâre still struggling, check out this horror book title generator for some more interesting ideas.
An important thing to note here is that you should make sure that your book title is not already in use or taken by another author. Try doing a quick Google search or a search on Amazon to see if your title is available for the taking!
Your book is now finished! Youâve written the first draft, edited it, gathered feedback, and now itâs time to publish it! There are many ways to publish your book. The most popular method is to publish it on Amazon as a self-published author. You can also work with a professional publisher to get your book to market.
Remember that if youâre a new writer, then itâs not a good idea to start by publishing your book on Amazon. Itâs better to start slow and work your way up. You donât want to rush your writing and end up with a book full of mistakes! Start by publishing your book using a free tool like the Imagine Forest story creator , then later work your way up to publishing on Amazon.
Thatâs it! Now you should be ready to write your own horror story! Give it a go and see what you can come up with!
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a number of ways to start writing a horror story:
- Focus on your own fears. Start by listing your fears and develop your story idea from there.
- Introduce the character. You can describe your main character in the first few scenes. Make them as normal, and relatable as possible
- Describe a setting. If the setting is key to your story, then describe every inch of it. Make your readers feel like they are right there with you.
- Start with some action. This could be a bloody murder, someone screaming and running or anything else that makes the reader feel uncomfortable.
- Picture a harmonious place. You can describe a calm and happy place. Somewhere taken from a romantic rom-com type story or a happy family movie, which all suddenly changes.
- Start at the end. Rewrite your potential ending as the beginning, and then work your way backwards.
The 5 elements of horror include Character, Setting, Action, Horror, and Resolution. All these elements are crucial in developing a gruesome horror story.
See our guide on the 5 elements of story-telling for more information.
A good horror story has fear at its core. The reader must be scared as they read the story. If not then you missed something important in your novel. A good horror story must be scary, but it should also have an element of realism to it. The story should include relatable main characters, a scary antagonist, a creepy setting and of course a shocking reveal at the end.
Your first step is to try to think about the creepiness of the setting. Is it a dark and scary place? Is it full of secrets? If it is, then you have a good place to start. Try to be very detailed, and specific when describing the setting. Describe the blood on the wall as it drips down, or the lock on the door that wonât turn. Make the reader feel as if they are right there. Use descriptive words and metaphors to bring your gory details to life.
To make your character as terrifying as possible, you could try the following techniques:
- Make your character an outcast. They donât fit in with the main group of characters and canât be trusted.
- Give them a story to tell. A dark and bloody past.
- Make them a loner. They canât trust anyone else and have no friends.
- Make them a survivor. The main character of your story has been through a lot and canât be stopped.
- Give the character an important title. Someone who is important in a society that has deadly plans. You canât trust them, but have no choice but to follow their rules.
Did you find this guide on how to write a horror story 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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Example Of Essay On Horror Stories
Type of paper: Essay
Topic: Literature , Terrorism , Love , Theology , Horror , Fear , Reading , Feeling
Published: 03/03/2020
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Horror is a literature genre is intended or has the capability to scare or frighten an individual reading the piece of literature. Reading any piece of horror story is capable of creating an eerie of scary atmosphere. They are classified as supernatural or non-supernatural, like ghosts and vampires are supernatural while serial killers are no-supernatural. More often than not this genre is always referred to a metaphor because it brings fear to the society as vampires and ghosts. This paper seeks to discuss all about the horror story genre, the history around the fictions and how many writers have influenced the community. The genre has its roots in religion tradition that focused on death, afterlife, demonic and evil, based on the person being embodied. They are majorly discussed in stories of vampires and ghosts. Horror has a number of traits that are displayed on a reader; it provokes a response either emotionally, physically causing fear in them. Some read horror stories to excite them, however in the horror fiction readers seek a form of art that push them to confront images and ideas they would rather not know. It is done to challenge the preconception of the human kind. Horror fictions are very old are known to distinguish two elements, terror and horror. Horror is feeling revulsion or disgusted after reading while terror is a dreaded feeling before reading the piece of literature maybe when one has just seen the drawing on the book. In conclusion, I would say horror books are about images one has never seen but seats down and draws the image in their head which looks real. Stories of vampires are a perfect example since they are just fictional beings that existed in ancient days and they would sleep during the day, wake up at night hungry for blood. In the real sense these stories are created to intrigue our mind become more imaginative, also to scare as like ghosts stories.
Works Cited
Gibson, Bryan, Paul Cavadino, and David Faulkner.super natural fiction writers: An Introduction. Winchester: Waterside Press, 2008. Print
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How to write a horror story
- August 25, 2023
Horror is a genre of storytelling that uses the emotion of fear to connect with the audience. When writing a horror story, your aim is to scare , shock , terrify , and disturb the reader.Â
Writing a horror story is more difficult than writing a casual story as you need a lot of creativity to horrify the reader. Now, let’s take a look at the steps.Â
Plan your setting and characters
Begin to make a list of your biggest fears or the things that scare you the most. These fears could be like clowns, demons, darkness and loneliness. Writing these stuff will help you determine the horror theme.Â
One of the most significant element is the setting. You may think of scary places like forests, abandoned towns, cemeteries, and haunted houses.
Choosing a setting
Horror story setting examples.
- An abandoned asylum
- A haunted cemetery
- A ghostly home on a hill
2. Characters
After the setting, plan your characters. They could be everyday people who encounter horrifying things or simply imaginative creatures such as monsters, demons, or evil spirits.Â
In any case, don’t forget to put your characters in danger to create conflict and excitement throughout the story.
About characters
Horror story character examples.
- The protagonist is attempting to endure the horrors that confront them.
- The antagonist is responsible for the tragedies.
- The victim of the horrors.
Prepare an outline
Before you start writing, you need an outline to organize your ideas. As in every story, the plot structure consists of exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.Â
Below, you’ll see an example outline of a horror story.Â
Horror story outline example
- Introduce main characters (Maria, Doris, Jake, and Stephen) and the setting (The mysterious house).
- Depict that Jake gradually acts weird and some anomalities (like voices) began in the house
- You tell the reader how friends realize that Jake got possessed by the soul in the mysterious house.
- Tell how Jake's friends tried to resolve/act against the situation towards to the resolution
- Finish the story by mentioning how the Soul left the body and if people still live or not.
Now start writing your story by following the plot’s stages in the right order with your own outline.
Start with an exciting exposition
The first sentence of a horror story should be frightening and exciting in order to hook the reader . You may introduce your protagonist and antagonist, the setting, and the tone of your story in the exposition.Â
Horror Story Exposition Example
âThe house was covered with moss all over. It was the strangest thing in this town, far from the lights, colors, and fancy pine trees in the city. There was a thick fog in the air and a smell of rotten meat surrounded the place. Despite this gloom, the dazzling giant chandelier at the entrance was enough to attract Maria, Doris, Stephen and Jake, who wanted to have crazy fun at Christmas, into the house. But there were also intruders, four of whom wanted to attend the Christmas party they dreamed of.â ....(Exposition continues)
Create a horrific climax
The climax of your story is where fear and suspense are at their highest. Here, the protagonist meets the antagonist or faces their greatest fear. After starting with a small problem, you can put your hero in greater danger.
Horror Story Climax Example
âThey heard a constant buzzing in the house. Although they hoped it was the wind, everyone was aware that something was strange. Maria and Doris had prepared the food and drinks for the party, while Stephen and Jake had done the decorations. As they were sitting down to dinner, the table suddenly started shaking. Doris tried to leave the house in fear, but the door was also quickly locked. As they looked at each other in fear, Jake's legs suddenly turned upside down and he took off towards the ceiling. All the crosses on the wall turned upside down and all the items toppled over.â ....(Rising Action continues)
Write a shocking ending (resolution)
If you want to make your horror story memorable, plan a twist ending that will surprise the reader. The real identity of the antagonist or your protagonist’s secrets may be revealed.
For example, the reader may be shocked to learn that the murderer is your main character.
Horror Story Resolution (Ending) Example
....(Resolution continues) âJake was no longer just a guy who wanted to celebrate Christmas. âHow could you throw a party at my house without telling me?" they realized that he was possessed by an old spirit when he gave a terrible scream. Noticing the Bible from the books that had fallen to the floor, Doris began to pray loudly, pulling Maria and Stephen to her side. They were all yelling at Jake. The soul could not stand it any longer and left the body it had entered. While Jake fell to the ground, the chandelier also fell on top of the others. That chandelier, which they fell under the spell of when they entered the house, had become the grave of all of them.â ....(Ending)
Never forget editing and proofreading
Pro tips for horror stories.
- Determine the type of horror story , such as Gothic Horror, Comedy Horror, or Supernatural Horror.
- Think of a scary and interesting title to grab the reader's attention.
- Read different types of horror stories to get inspiration .
- When writing horror stories, it's better to start with a creepy & horrifying sentence.
- Don't forget to add some plot twists.
- Choose between first and third person perspectives. Using a first person view in horror stories is more effective.
- Avoid using clichés, try to be creative.
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Essay on Horror Story
Students are often asked to write an essay on Horror Story in their schools and colleges. And if youâre also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.
Letâs take a lookâŠ
100 Words Essay on Horror Story
Introduction.
Horror stories are a genre of fiction that seeks to scare, disturb, or startle its readers by inducing feelings of horror and terror.
Elements of Horror
Key elements include suspense, surprise, and a sense of impending doom. Often, horror stories involve supernatural elements or entities.
Impact on Readers
These stories can have a profound impact on readers, evoking intense emotions and creating memorable experiences.
Despite their frightening nature, horror stories remain popular due to their ability to engage readersâ emotions and imagination in unique ways.
250 Words Essay on Horror Story
The intrigue of horror stories.
Horror stories have always captivated the human imagination. They are a mirror of our primal fears and anxieties, often personified in the form of ghosts, monsters, or uncanny events. The fascination for horror stories is not merely a pursuit of thrill, but a complex interplay of psychology, culture, and narrative techniques.
Psychological Appeal
At the heart of every horror story is the exploration of fear. Sigmund Freudâs concept of âthe uncannyâ explains our attraction to horror as a confrontation with repressed fears and desires. This exploration of the unknown and the forbidden can be cathartic, allowing us to experience fear in a controlled environment.
Cultural Significance
Horror stories also reflect societal fears and anxieties. For instance, Mary Shelleyâs âFrankensteinâ mirrors the 19th-century fear of scientific advancement, while George Orwellâs â1984â embodies the dread of totalitarian regimes. Thus, horror stories serve as cultural artifacts, offering insights into the zeitgeist of an era.
Narrative Techniques
The narrative techniques employed in horror stories are designed to evoke fear and suspense. Techniques such as foreshadowing, dramatic irony, and unreliable narrators keep readers on edge, while the use of dark, descriptive language helps create a chilling atmosphere.
In conclusion, horror stories are more than mere tales of terror. They are a reflection of our deepest fears, a commentary on societal anxieties, and a testament to the power of narrative techniques in evoking emotional responses. Their enduring popularity is a testament to their complexity and the human fascination with the macabre.
500 Words Essay on Horror Story
Horror stories have been a part of human culture for centuries, delighting and terrifying audiences in equal measure. They are narratives designed to frighten, cause dread or panic, or invoke our hidden worst fears, often in a terrifying, shocking finale. The horror genre taps into the primal fear within us, making us confront the unknown and the terrifying.
The Psychology behind Horror
Horror stories, in their essence, serve as a mirror to our psyche, reflecting our deepest fears and anxieties. They provoke a sense of fear and excitement, a thrilling cocktail of emotions that keep audiences coming back for more. The science of fear explains the allure of horror stories. The adrenaline rush, the heightened senses, and the relief after the threat has passed, all contribute to the addictive nature of horror.
The Evolution of Horror Stories
Horror stories have evolved significantly over the years, keeping pace with societal changes and shifts in what we fear. Early horror stories were often tied to religion, reflecting fears of the supernatural and the afterlife. As society became more secular, the focus shifted to the horrors of the human mind and the terrors of the unknown.
Modern horror stories, such as Stephen Kingâs works, often blend elements of the supernatural with the psychological, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the story is over. The horror genre has also expanded into various sub-genres, such as psychological horror, supernatural horror, and body horror, each catering to different fears and anxieties.
The Impact of Horror Stories on Society
Horror stories have a profound impact on society, shaping and reflecting our collective fears. They often serve as social commentaries, highlighting societal issues under the guise of the supernatural or the macabre. The horror genre allows us to confront and discuss topics that might otherwise be considered taboo, such as death, violence, and the darker aspects of human nature.
In conclusion, horror stories are an integral part of our cultural fabric, serving as both entertainment and a means to explore our deepest fears and anxieties. They have evolved with society, reflecting our changing fears and serving as a commentary on societal issues. Despite their often gruesome and terrifying content, horror stories provide a safe space to explore the darker aspects of our psyche, helping us to understand and confront our fears. The enduring popularity of the horror genre is a testament to its ability to tap into our primal fears and its capacity to thrill, terrify, and captivate audiences.
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Submitted by writers on Reedsy Prompts to our weekly writing contest . From hauntings and murderers to terrifying creatures from the deep, our collection of horror stories will have you breaking out in cold sweats. Take a look⊠if you dare.
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â the gingerbread cookies â by aaron chin.
đ Winner of Contest #230
The Gingerbread Cookies Letâs go downstairs and bake some cookies, like mother used to make. The warm smell sits right at home in your nostrils, invading them like wild ax-murderers hacking and slashing their way through endless miles of human bodies that stand in the way of their inhumane, carnal desires. Shhh, shhh, but thatâs too dark. Itâs Christmas after all. So letâs go down...
â Cerulean â by AnneMarie Miles
đ Winner of Contest #224
The door is cerulean, a bright and vibrant blue, but really it is the color of my sudden uneasiness. The feeling creeps up me slowly, jumps out at me dauntingly, and I am frozen in it. If the door were a mirror â and how I wish it were as innocent as a mirror â I would see my face reflected back to me, and it would tell me to run.Iâm not sure whatâs more jarring: the fact that this door is a clashing contrast to the rest of the library dĂ©cor, or the fact that Iâve never noticed the path we took to get here before. I supp...
â Do Flamethrowers Belong In The Library? â by Kenz Ross
đ Winner of Contest #212
We lose people all the time. Itâs just the nature of the job. What can you expect from a place full of nooks and crannies people intentionally go to get lost in? I usually donât worry when I donât see someone for a while, but when itâs been days since someoneâs checked out, itâs usually a sign that I need to step in. Iâm not doing this alone, thankfully. No Librarian i...
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â the incident â by laura nicole.
Submitted to Contest #246
Oakvale was the type of town in the middle of nowhere with a church on every corner and a cracking main street filled with potholes. The type of town where everybody knew their neighbor and their neighbor knew everybody. And it was all I had known for the first eighteen years of my life. Up until after the incident.It started as a cold spring morning: the air hung crisp, and soft tendrils of mist wove through slumbering trees. The glass of the passenger seat window cooled the flush of my cheek. My fever was finally waningâfor the past f...
â Darkness Descended â by Steven Grybko
âI see youâve brought payment. Good, come in,â spoke the woman adorned with a tattered linen hood that draped over her slender shoulders.       I entered her eerie shop, a dark place which looked condemned from the outside. I was nervous. Inside I met an eclectic array of odd ornaments, peculiar crafts, and sculptures of deities among other things that unfolded like a twisted tableau from one of my own nightmares. The scent of spices and oils hung heavily in the air, suffusing the atmosphere with an otherwo...
â The selfie of Dorian Gray â by Fox Ferguson
âïž Shortlisted for Contest #245
[Content note: substance misuse, suicide, transphobia]Picture this: Dorian Gray, 25, gorgeous bachelor of the Brighton gay scene #handsomeAF #queen #slay. Picture his blazing blue eyes set above aquiline nose and a rosebud pout of a mouth. Cheeks ready to blush under the lick of glitter from a make-up brush. Deep gold locks styled to perfection. Forehead wide and empty as a summer sky #beautynotbrains #imageiseverything #skindeep.Picture this: Dorian perched on the sleek leather and chrome of a barstool in the Poison Ivy, margarita in one ha...
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â miss purdy sees â by tanya humphreys.
Though her coat was black, Miss Purdy was predominantly Siamese. When she stretched in the patch of early morning sun, her body was a long, sleek, torpedo, her glossy fur shone like rich satin. Miss Purdy was taking it a bit easy, catering to the needs of eight three-week-old kittens was exhausting.The kittens were safely sheltered in a box tucked into a closet. The closet was in an office high on one of the top floors of a building. Miss Purdy did not know exactly how tall the building was, but from the womanâs desk she could see nothing bu...
â The Moon Close â by Josefine R. Dalsager
Stacy had reluctantly agreed to travel up the mountain. When Peter and Aaron first pitched the idea, to go up high where the moon would be at its clearest, she had declined. She had thought it was a waste of time, hadn't seen a point in it when she could see it just at well from the plaza. For days they had both talked about the trip non-stop, excited about witnessing something away from the crowd. She had rolled her eyes at them, and everytime they asked she said that she would rather be with her family anyways. Stacy didn't want to be away...
â An Acceptable Offering â by Bec Newton
Peeka slipped through the dense underbrush, the broad leaves of tropical plants sliding over his sweat slicked skin as buzzing, biting bugs hounded his trail. He tried to ignore their droning, knowing that they would not bite him through the sap of the maytu plant he had smeared on his naked body.The rains had finally ceased and the waterways were dropping to their usual levels but it had left a denseness to the air, thick and heavy in the lungs. But the oppressive moisture was not the only thing that arrived with the passing of the rains.A ...
â Eclipse. The, Sun, the Moon , Humans and Beasts â by Crystal Wexel
 Saturday, April 6th 2024âI came here to hide myself away. I have a new outlook on life⊠if that's what I can call this little world I have created for myself. I moved to Luna Pier Michigan fifteen years ago. With hopes to just ⊠exist⊠without pressure to perform, or to exceed anyoneâs expectations. To learn how to forgive myself, if there is such a thing, and to rediscover my innocence, if any remains. I hope to find mercy, both to give and receive. My life in New York City was fun and exciting at first, tantalizing eve...
â The Dark Sister â by Michael Robinson
     Sarex stepped out into the balcony of the Governor's Palace and looked out over the city of Queenstown. It was quite early, and usually, the streets were quiet, but the locals were making preparations for the upcoming eclipse. To him, it was orbital mechanics: the Dark Sister passed in front of the Light Sister, blocking some or all of its light. To the locals, it held a religious significance that he couldn't quite fathom. Not that he went out of his way to get an explanation. He d...
â The Morning Star â by Nicholas Thomas
      My husband lies in the hallway as a mangled corpse, and only I would ever know why. It is with this morbid knowledge that I am sitting here now, against the wall, preparing to blow out my own brains, out of fear that I should meet the same fate as him.           It was April 8th, the day of the solar eclipse. My husband â John â myself, and our dog, Edgar, sat on the hill behind our house. Edgar chewed happily at a stick he found while John and I sat o...
â The Sun Slayer â by Orchid Childs
This a story about a myth explaining a star being consumed by a black hole. Num sat on top of her favorite rock taking a break from her foraging duties. She sat in a dimly lit field under a dying sun. The people of her village told tales of an age long pass, when the sun was a brilliant yellow giant that brought light and warmth to all. There was a demon that was slowly eating away at it until the day star would be destroyed. The elders said it was birthed from their god before he had killed knowledge. Num looked at the colossus and its par...
â The Unending Battle â by Regina Khao
 At first, there was only darkness in the world. It covered the face of the entire planet and was unbroken. During this time, the Great Dragon alone inhabited the eternal night. But eventually, the Dragon grew lonely and decided to create herself a family. First, she gathered mud and leaves and sticks. She molded shapes out of them, imagining different kinds of strange animals, and gave them the spark of life. But the animals alone were not enough to keep her company, and so she thought of creating a special kind of animal, one that wou...
â The tomb of the eclipsed â by Gavin Clifton
(Trigger warning: this story contains brief implications of negative mental health as well as physical violence and implications of death) What you shall read is the account of the last conciseness known to man, it is a single tale of many that we warn reading this page is a danger to you, as it could affect more than just your mere mind but the outer world as well. Please recite this passage shall things unravel, as it will be your own common foothold to our plane. Anything that you see is but its perception forming in your mind, if this co...
â Eclipse of the Old Gods: Twilight of Humanity â by Magnum Tenebrosum
A group of people, including Dr. Elias Hargrave, gathered at a remote ancient site to witness a rare celestial spectacle. Dr. Hargrave, a scholar in the esoteric and astronomical fields, was excited yet fearful about the event. The chosen site throbbed with excitement and anxiety. Locals whispered about its historical significance and power. Elias alone sensed the weight of the occasion, as something ancient would breach the veil tonight. Voices filled the air as the crowd settled - laughter, debate, and speculation blended with different ...
â The Dark â by Suzanne Munn
This story contains mention or suggestion of rape, murder and possible mental health issues. None are overly explicit and are essential to the story.ï»żShe had known for most of her life about this day. The inevitability of it dulled the dread of something she had insufficient knowledge to understand, yet instinctively knew was evil. Despite her motherâs confused protestations and the servantâs hopeful reassurances she recognised the incomplete rationalisation for what it was. Fear.Simogen tossed and turned in the soft sheets, and sweat prickl...
â Blood Rain â by Jonathan Page
It wasnât the red aliens that were the problem. It was the voodoo high priests that caused all the mischief. Monkey hands, parrot beaks, and baboon skulls were one thing. But when the blood rains came, all of the usual cons kicked into high gear.The mantis-like, spindly red alien surveyed my vegetables with an air of fascination. He stopped on the okra, holding up a stalk and studying it. He was dressed in ripped whitewashed jeans and a Blink-182 T-shirt. But behind his disguise was a standard silver spandex jumpsuit, like they all wore when...
â They Danced in the Long Eclipse â by Dr. Stephen A Salaka
Chapter 1: Dust and Omens Shadows clung to the empire of Ant-opolis, a labyrinth of tunnels worming beneath a forgotten cookie. Here, amidst the stolen sweetness and the ceaseless hum of a thousand tiny legs, Nostrantdamus toiled. Others hurried on paths of purpose; he lurked, drawn to whispers echoing from the world beyond. The granules of sugar he gathered weren't mere sustenance, but omens etched in crystalline code by unknowable forces. His nest, a grotesque shrine of singed maps and cryptic symbols, crackled with a disquieting energy. F...
The Best Horror Short Stories
Horror stories. What is it that you think of first? Maybe itâs malevolent, otherworldly spirits. Or perhaps itâs psychopaths, serial killers, and struggling writers driven mad by a deserted hotel? Whatever it is, thereâs one thing that unites you and every other horror lover out there â adrenaline. You know the feeling: your skin crawls, your heart pounds, a shiver runs down your spine. And, as all the best horror story writers will tell you, the cause of this feeling isnât just the presence of a monster, but the creation of suspense.Â
Thatâs where short stories come in. Think Stephen King, Edgar Allen Poe, H. P. Lovecraft: some of their best horrors take the form of a short story. Tales that climb steadily towards a dark and horrific denouement. The kind of thing that, if youâre brave enough, youâd tell your friends around a campfire â a torch casting spooky shadows on your face.Â
Looking for some spine-chilling horror stories?
If youâre into creepy stories that keep you awake at night, then look no further than our collection of short horror stories, compiled from submissions to our weekly writing contest. Here weâve gathered together all the scary stories that made us want to lock our laptops in a cupboard and hide under the blankets. And at the top of the page, is the cream of the crop: horror stories that have either won our competition or been shortlisted.Â
Lots of promising new writers have emerged from this collection, deftly creating atmosphere and building that all-important suspense. So who knows? You might just discover the next Stephen King. And if you enjoy this collection of horror stories, then why not try your hand at writing your own? You could join this weekâs short story contest , and walk away with the cash prize â and a shot at publication in Prompted , our new literary magazine!
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Definition of Horror
Horror is one of the fiction genres that includes paranormal beyond scientific knowledge. Although horror means strong feelings of fear, fright, shock, or terror, it falls into the literary realm as a type of narrative . It evokes strong feelings of shock, terror, revulsion, fear, or outrage when readers go through such a narrative. It means horror fiction that intends to create fear in the minds of the readers. Some readers want such fiction that could satisfy their desire for terror and horror.
Types of Horror Fiction
There are several types of horror fiction. For example, some fictive narratives are termed comedic horror while some are dark fantasies . Some are gothic in nature while others are paranormal as well as futuristic, psychos, and post-apocalyptic. In fact, there are as many types of subgenres of horror fiction as many types of fear or terror.
Examples of Horror in Literature
Dracula by Bram Stoker
I did not sleep well, though my bed was comfortable enough, for I had all sorts of queer dreams . There was a dog howling all night long under my window, which may have had something to do with it; or it may have been the paprika, for I had to drink up all the water in my carafe, and was still thirsty. Towards morning I slept and was wakened by the continuous knocking at my door, so I guess I must have been sleeping soundly then.
This passage occurs in the novel , Dracula , written by Bram Stoker. The narrator narrates his ordeal of how he is dreaming and how the howl of a dog terrifies him. The narrator is of the view that despite having drunk to his full, he feels thirsty. This shows that he is constantly undergoing fear and terror which are the first requisite of a good horror story . Therefore, Dracula has been termed the best horror fiction of its time.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
A few incidents now and then directed me, and I possessed a map of the country; but I often wandered wide from my path. The agony of my feelings allowed me no respite; no incident occurred from which my rage and misery could not extract its food; but a circumstance that happened when I arrived on the confines of Switzerland, when the sun had recovered its  warmth and the earth again began to look green, confirmed in an especial manner the bitterness and horror of my feelings.
Although Frankenstein is not a horror story, still the issues with Frankenstine involving the Monster that he has created create horror and terror in the hearts of the readers. For example, in this narrative, the Monster tells how he feels when he visits different places in search of his creator, Victor Frankenstein, from whom he is seeking revenge for creating him in this world where he has undergone only misery and sufferings. This creates horror and terror in the minds of the readers.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
The old gentleman took a step back, with the air of one very much surprised and a trifle hurt; and at that Mr. Hyde broke out of all bounds and clubbed him to the earth. And next moment, with ape-like fury, he was trampling his victim under foot and hailing down a storm of blows, under which the bones were audibly shattered and the body jumped upon the roadway. At the horror of these sights and sounds, the maid fainted.%
This passage shows an incident where Mr. Jekyll, after having turned into Mr. Hyde, comes out of his house and confronts an old man to whom he clubs to death. Following this, he tramples upon his victim and runs away. This entire scene, when read in loneliness, makes the readers have their hairs stand on their ends. It is because it creates fear and terror in the minds of the readers about the features as well as actions of Mr. Hyde.
Beowulf translated by Seamus Heaney
In he came then, the thaneâs commander, the arch-warrior, to address Hrothgar: his courage was proven, his glory was secure. Grendelâs head was hauled by the hair, dragged across the floor where the people were drinking, a horror for both queen and company to behold. They stared in awe. It was an astonishing sight
These lines occur in Beowulf , a classical Anglo-Saxon epic . The lines tell how Hrothgar, the brave Dane, fights against Grendel and after beheading him, brings his head before the king, Hrothgar. As he is shown dragging the head in these lines, it seems quite a horrible scene. Therefore, this side of the epic shows it as a horror narrative, the reason that it has been placed in this genre .
i am Legend by Richard Matheson
Both the tank and the hothouse were undamaged today. He went to the house for a hammer and nails. As he pushed open the front door, he looked at the distorted reflection of himself in the cracked mirror heâd fastened to the door a month ago. In a few days, jagged pieces of the silver-backed glass would start to fall off. Let âem fall, he thought. It was the last damned mirror heâd put there; it wasnât worth it. Heâd put garlic there instead. Garlic always works.
This passage occurs in the novel, I Am Legend. Richard Matheson presents Robert Nevill who feels that vampires are almost everywhere. But when he sees his own reflection in the mirror, he is filled with horror. The mention of Garlic that also occurs in Dracula seems an antidote against the vampires. That is why this novel is placed under this genre.
Functions of Horror
Although horror in horror fiction is a source of entertainment, it sometimes releases the pent-up emotions of the readers after which they feel relieved. Some readers merely go through horror fiction to experience horror, though, such readers generally feel fear and terror after reading the story. Overall, its function is just entertainment and nothing else.
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8 Personal Stories That Use Horror as a Lens
Reading Lists
Richard scott larson, author of "the long hallway," recommends books by writers who use horror as a way to understand themselves.
Horror has always been deeply personal to me. Our obsessions can often come to structure and shape our inner lives while at the same time rendering the most intimate parts of ourselves illegible to those who donât share them, and my love of horror as a child was a kind of closet where I could hide before I understood that I was already living in one as a queer boy who wanted nothing more than to the conceal desires I believed marked me as a monster. My memoir, The Long Hallway , uses the language of horror to construct a critical frame around my coming-of-age and family story. The familiarity of the genre becomes a narrative scaffolding that brings with it a universal vocabulary to describe experiences of isolation, fear, hopelessness, and shame, which to a closeted kid are the ingredients of a daily life in which survival is the only imperative.
I watched John Carpenterâs Halloween relentlessly as a child during the years in which my family broke apart while father succumbed to alcoholism and I faced my own demons in front of the television screen, and I realized later that I inadvertently allowed the filmâs characters and events to become a guide for how to understand the world, as well as what my own place in it would ultimately be. The memoir that emerges from my misguided queer educationâthrough my identification with a masked, knife-wielding villain chasing down hyper-sexualized teenagersâgrafts scenes of personal experience onto the structure of Halloween, and thus allows the genre conventions of horror to say out loud and more clearly what I couldnât when I was learning and reckoning with these unwanted truths about myself.
Iâve encountered various other personal stories told through the lens of horror, either before or during the construction of my own, and I now understand more deeply how the genre can both inflect and infect our experiences of the world, especially as queer and marginalized writers attempting to universalize an experience that we once believed only we could ever understand. Horror gives us a lineage of tropes and terminology with which to describe the things that haunt and frighten usâthe things we dread the mostâwhich so often reflect elements of our personal histories back to us, metaphorically or otherwise. And these are some of the books that helped me understand how writing about horror can be a way of writing about ourselves.
Night Mother: A Personal and Cultural History of The Exorcist by Marlena Williams
Night Mother offers exactly what its subtitle suggests, as this memoir-in-essays serves up a blend of memoir, criticism, and reported history regarding the original production and reception of The Exorcist in popular culture as Marlena Williams explores complex ideas regarding faith, family, sexuality, womanhood, and grief. â The Exorcist , when you really get down to it,â Williams writes, âis just a story about a mother and a daughter.â The personal obsession at the bookâs core is her relationship with her own mother before and after the latterâs death from cancer, as well as how the two womenâs powerful responses to William Friedkinâs iconic film connected and bonded them forever. Horror works here as a shared experience and collective memory giving voice to distinct fears and preoccupations, and the film functions now for Williams as a family heirloom of sorts, a site of reckoning with the past as she forges a future without her mother to guide her.
This Young Monster by Charlie Fox
As a young writer raised on the iconography of genre films and having formed a worldview based on imaginary worlds that reflect our own in sometimes frightening or shocking ways, Charlie Foxâs essays diagnose a history of queerness and monstrosity: âBeing bad in art, stimulating outrage or horror, is just another way of behaving monstrously (cathartic? Oh yes!) and a role to live up to when society proclaims your desires to be âsinful.ââ Foxâs voice is mostly critical and intellectual until it suddenly isnât, and the way he portrays his younger self learning about the world through popular culture is striking evidence for his broader claims. âSelf-Portrait of a Werewolfâ takes the form of a letter written to the titular monstrous shape-shifter and interrogates Foxâs early obsession with the archetype, directly asking probing questions about its expansive influence on the world beyond the screen: âIâm through with thinking of the monster as a wholly negative role, which is your curse, since you live in wait for a love that will probably never arrive.â Thereâs a restless and brilliant mind at work in these pages that brings the world of the popular imagination alive in completely new ways.
Night Rooms: Essays by Gina Nutt
Gina Nuttâs Night Rooms is an exquisite essay collection that centers the idea of escape as a presiding principle, not just in formâas these essays break from conventional expectations in provocative waysâbut also in content. In these pages, the grounding conventions of horror films serve as handholds as the narratives circle around themes of the body and grief and survival. All the while, something sinister lurks in the white space between the paragraphs, an unnamed threat thatâs felt rather than seen. Nutt orbits traumatic personal experiences, including family deaths by suicide, with a poetic reliance on imagery and suggestion to convey the reality of her lifeâs shocks and their reverberations. Horror becomes a telling touchstone to link these essays together, because what is horror if not the deliberate recasting of our greatest fears and traumas into entertainment, making something meaningful from what is otherwise just darkness?
Ghostland: In Search of a Haunted Country by Edward Parnell
Film and literature of the ghostly and supernatural can evoke other reckonings beyond those based on identity and belonging, as Edward Parnell demonstrates in Ghostland , a deeply moving meditation on grief and loss. In the context of revisiting the horror stories that had once perhaps incongruously provided him with a kind of comfort in his youth, he now asks them to do the same for his haunted adulthood. Deceptively a survey of canonical horror stories that have been meaningful to him over time, the bookâs autobiographical elements ultimately provide a deeper and incredibly heartbreaking relationship with what the ghost story really is: a visitation from the past that can never again be made flesh, and in this case also a reminder of devastating personal losses that can come to define us for as long as we remain among the living.
In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
âThe memoir is, at its core, an act of resurrection,â writes Machado in the opening pages of In the Dream House, an innovative account of her experience of domestic abuse that embeds her personal story within an extensive cultural history. The book is structured as a series of brief sections titled after various tropesâmany of them from horror film iconography, such as âDream House as Creature Feature,â âDream House as Haunted Mansion,â âDream House as Demonic Possession,â âDream House as Apocalypse,â and âDream House as Nightmare on Elm Streetââexpressing elements of her time in a house in Indiana where her girlfriend lived during most of the duration of their relationship while Machado was a graduate student in Iowa. Her story is punctuated by harrowing moments of conflict that feel, because of their specificity, almost uncannily familiar. Readers come to inhabit her mind so wholly that the claustrophobia of her relationship with this other woman is made present first in the mind and then in the body, a cancer spreading quietly beneath the skin.
With Bloom Upon Them and Also With Blood by Justin Phillip Reed
Much is made of the âpoetâs novel,â a genre in which prominent poets bring their careful lyricism to book-length fictional prose and inevitably reach a broader audience while also attending faithfully and fervently to the rigor of their craft. But there should perhaps be more attention given to the poetâs essay(s) as well. Justin Phillip Reed has been widely celebrated for his experimental body of poetry that centers its speakerâs urgency and frequent rage about white supremacy, the suppression of queer sexuality, the trap of masculinity, and the politics of Blackness in America, and the essays collected here orbit similar concerns in the context of popular horror films. âWhat is it I want from horror?â Reed asks. âWhat does it want with me? What is it?â And he proceeds to both answer and deepen these questions by interrogating images from popular horror films against their cultural originsâDrew Barrymoreâs lynched body dangling from a tree is one striking exampleâand ultimately concludes with another question: âWhat if horror is not yet for Black people?â
Lunar Park by Bret Easton Ellis
Hear me out: I know this is a novel, but the fact that Ellis superimposes a horror narrative onto a mock memoirâin which the author channels his own real-life career and hedonistic excess into a (non-auto)fictional exploration of his earlier body of work literally coming back to haunt him as he enters middle ageâspeaks volumes about the genreâs capacity to reframe lived experience into a terrifying odyssey toward self-recognition, and perhaps a kind of peace. In the novel, the character of Bret Easton Ellis attempts to reconnect with a former lover and the son they share together, and in doing so launches himself into a bizarre and frightening world that is perhaps, in the end, one of his own making, as his fictional creations seem to come to life. Ellis is an expert in the language of violence, especially when it crosses the line between the real and the unreal, the remembered or the dreamedâeven as itâs always somehow personal.
It Came From the Closet: Queer Reflections on Horror , edited by Joe Vallese
My essay on John Carpenterâs Halloween that first explored ideas later developed in my memoir (and which originally appeared here in Electric Literature ) is anthologized in this wide-ranging collection of essays that feature queer writers reflecting on canonical horror films and how they informed or expanded their understandings of variously defined identities. The formula of juxtaposing personal narrative with non-scholarly film analysis offers readers new perspectives on popular subgenres that we might have thought we already understood, the queer experience being one that necessarily refracts and reshapes our conceptions of the world. As editor Joe Vallese writes in his introduction, âThese essays donât draw easy lines between horror and queerness but rather convey a rich reciprocity, complicating and questioning as much as they clarify.â Carmen Maria Machado on Jenniferâs Body is essential reading, but the collection as a whole gathers strength as it moves through the canon and shows us all the possibilities of identification and longing that we may have missed on those first viewings in the dark basements of our childhoods, always looking for something of ourselves in what we saw on screen.
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Home â Essay Samples â Entertainment â Movie Review â Essay On Horror Films
Essay on Horror Films
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Master List of Ways to Describe Fear
People have been asking me for this list for such a long time! If you write horror, suspense, mystery, or any kind of fiction with a scary scenes, you need to know how to describe fear.
This list can get you started. It’s a lot of phrases describing fear, including physical reactions, physical sensations, facial expressions, and other words you can use in your novel or in other creative writing.
I’ve included some that can work for uneasiness or anxiety, but most of these are for real terror. You can alter them to fit your sentence or your story, and they’ll likely inspire you to come up with your own descriptions.
Bookmark or pin this page for your referenceâit might save you a lot of time in the future. I’ll probably add to it now and again!
fear paralyzed him
his terror mounted with every step
she fought a rising panic
fear tormented her
her heart was uneasy
her heart leaped into her throat
his heart hammered in his chest
his heart pounded
terror stabbed his heart
his heart jumped
her heart lurched
a fear that almost unmanned him
his body shook with fear
she trembled inside
he suppressed a shiver
panic surged through him
her fear spiked
he was in a complete state of panic
she could feel nothing but blind terror
his legs were wobbly with fear
she sweated with fear
his hands were cold and clammy
she was weighed down by dread
dread twisted in her gut
his stomach clenched
fear fluttered in her stomach
her belly cramped
he felt like he might throw up
she was sick with fear
she was frightened down to the soles of her shoes
he was icy with panic
her body went cold with dread
raw panic was in her voice
her voice was thick with fear
his voice was edged with fear
terror thundered down on him
fear caught her in its jaws
fear clawed up her throat
terror sealed her throat
fear gripped her throat
his throat tightened
then she knew real terror was
he was frantic with fear
she was half mad with terror
the color drained from her face
his face was ashen
she blanched
dread gnawed at his insides
dread had been growing in him all day
fresh terror reared up within her
fear choked him
terror stole her words
he was mute with horror
her voice was numb with shock
his voice was shrill with terror
her defiant words masked her fear
her body felt numb
his blood froze in his veins
terror coursed through her veins
fear throbbed inside her
his panic fueled him
adrenaline pumped through his body
adrenaline crashed through her
fear pulsed through him
her scalp prickled
the hairs on the back of her neck stood up
his mouth went dry
his bones turned to jelly
her bones turned to water
she froze with horror
he didnât dare to move
terror struck her
he was too frightened to lift her head
she was too frightened to scream
his mouth was open in a silent scream
he cringed with fear
she cowered
he shrank back in fear
she flinched
a bolt of panic hit her
terror streaked through him
her terror swelled
his panic increased
anxiety eclipsed his thoughts
panic flared in her eyes
his eyes were wild with terror
her eyes darted from left to right
she feared to close her eyes
he lay awake in a haze of fear
she walked on in a fog of fear
his eyes widened with alarm
she tried to hide her fear
he struggled to conceal his shock
fear crept up her spine
fear trickled down her spine
panic seized his brain
she felt a flash of terror
fear took hold of him
fear flooded through her being
she ordered a drink to drown the panic
he arranged and re-arranged the items on his desk
a nameless dread engulfed him
I bet you came up with other ideas as you were reading!
For more writing lists, check out my book Master Lists for Writers , if you don’t have it yet! A lot of writers use it to make writing go faster, especially when it comes to descriptions.
And if you’re not following the blog already, sign up belowâI share lots of writing resources. Thanks so much for reading, and happy writing!
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30 thoughts on “ master list of ways to describe fear ”.
Thank you, Bryn. I can certainly use this list as I go through and clean up my novel. There are some places that need a stronger element of fear.
Hi Bonnie! So glad this was coming at the right time! đ
Love the book and the above list! Thank you for taking the time to compile all of it. So appreciated!
Oh thank you! I’m so glad you like it!
I just love your lists. I often refer to them when I’m stuck. That book is right next to the dictionary and thesaurus when I write.
I’m so glad you like them, Erin! I’m honored. đ
I was searching for the perfect list to describe fear. I stumbled across your blog and I am glad that I did, you literally saved my butt out there!!? I got an A* because of you ! Thankyou!!â€â€
Aww, I’m so glad to hear this! đ
Thanks for compiling this list. Much needed.
Aw thanks, Ezekiel! So glad you like it!
What a terrifying, fantastical list. Thank you, Bryn
Haha, thanks, Bryan! When I read back over it, I did feel a little creeped out. đ
I have a scene coming up that this will be perfect for. Thank you for sharing. Bookmarking now!
Hi Sarah! So glad it’ll be useful! Sounds like you have an exciting scene coming up đ
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This is a great list! Thank you, Bryn.
Wow! When I read it, I was SO / COMPLETELY creeped out!???
Ha! You know what, when I make these lists, I always start feeling the emotions, too!
I’m thankful for your help. It is great to see these lists. Many blessings â€ïž
I have been a bibliophile since long, but never before did I read so many blogs in a sequence. I am really amazed to have found them.Thanks a ton . Superb work .
You saved my life ! Thank you a lot ???
So glad to hear that! Happy writing đ
Thanks… It’s good to know tath someone is making life easier for those interested in writing.
ohhh ,how grateful i am for this list it will come in handy so thankyou
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Thank you so much for this list! It is exactly what I was looking for. I ordered the book đ
Thanks for ordering the book, Laila. I hope you like it! And glad this list worked for you!
This is an amazing list. I saw in your other comment that you have a book�
I wanted to tell you that I often return to this page when I am stumped coming up with a way to write some specific reaction. Sometimes I just use one of the ideas you offer directly, and other times something here gives me an idea I riff off of to create something new. Thank you so much for compiling this list!
I riffed this time (last line): “Still feeling the sadness of Manzoaâs fate and wondering what this place was and why he was here, Goff cautiously walked over to the desk. A quill still wet with thick black ink rested next to a sheet of parchment filled with writing in a language he couldnât read. Crude drawings made with heavy strokes were set within the words. Some of them were disturbing — a bleeding hand cut open with a knife and a person floating lifeless below a ghoul with black eyes poised to attack. He stared at the words, hoping that just like when he traveled back in time to Monstraxen, he would be able to understand them. As he stared, the ink on the page disappeared like water soaking into a sponge. A spider of panic crawled up his spine.”
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Home / Essay Samples / Entertainment / Movies / Horror
Horror Essay Examples
Exploring the fascination: stephen king's "why we crave horror movies".
Stephen King, a master of the horror genre, delves into the intriguing topic of our fascination with horror movies in his essay "Why We Crave Horror Movies." This essay offers a unique perspective on the psychological, social, and cultural aspects that contribute to our enduring...
The More Successful the Villain, the More Successful the Picture
One may agree with the comment âthe more successful the villain, the more successful the pictureâ was stated by the Master of Suspense, Alfred Hitchcock. The plots and those villains in Psycho and Rope could show how successful Hitchcock presents the suspense in his films....
Analysis of Why People Desire Horror Movies
She sits in her bed with the lights dimmed down and the popcorn bowl strapped to her side. She picks up a handful of popcorn to shove in her mouth when she jumps as the murderer comes out to attack the main character in the...
Analysis of the Movie Get Out
They value Chrisâs physical characteristics like his creative sight rather than he himself. As seen in the movie, the procedure is only done on black people because the white community disregarded the minority free will. The normality is ruined when Chris senses the danger and...
The Black Men as the Victims of Biases in the Horror Film Get Out
The horror movie genre unravels viewers minds and gets fear from within in us, that we did not know previously existed and breaks our perception of everyday life. Because of this, horror movies have tropes that reflect standard human fears. Horror movies give us a...
Review of Get Out Horror Movie and Its Main Character
The horror genre began as a way to break our views of everyday life and lets the viewer get a close contact of their fears in our safe domain. Because of this, horror movies have tropes that reflect common human fears. At least they are...
Critique on Binarism in Respect to the Attic and Cellar Representing the Rational and Irrational Entity of the Home
Bachelardâs claims of binarism in respect to the attic and cellar representing the rational and irrational entity of the home is incorrect if one was to look at the functionality of the spaces, in todays world we find more uses for the basement and it...
The Impact of Gothic Literature on Creation of Horror Films
Edgar Allen Poe wrote amazing writings that included Gothic Literature with all his suspense and mysterious acts. Poe made a very big impact on Gothic Literature. Poeâs writings impacted people from his writings and inspired them to write also, even to make a film from...
Feminization of Male Characters in Bram Stoker's Dracula and Mary Shelly's Frankenstein
Gothic Horror is distinguished as a masculine genre of the Gothic. Hence, it is portrayed to be much more gruesome and intense in comparison to the sublime, feminine category of the terror gothic. In Bram Stoker's novel, Dracula, Jonathan Harker is feminised in a way...
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About Horror
Horror is a film genre that seeks to elicit fear or disgust in its audience for entertainment purposes.
Horror is a genre of literature, film, and television that is meant to scare, startle, shock, and even repulse audiences. The key focus of a horror novel, horror film, or horror TV show is to elicit a sense of dread in the reader through frightening images, themes, and situations.
Body horror, Comedy horror, Folk horror, Found footage horror, Gothic horror, Natural horror, Slasher film, Supernatural horror, Teen horror, Psychological horror.
Audience members with positive feedback regarding the horror film have feelings similar to happiness or joy felt with friends, but intensified. Alternatively, audience members with negative feedback regarding the film would typically feel emotions they would normally associate with negative experiences in their life.
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