Robin told me that in about two weeks stores will shift from back-to-school specials to Halloween masks and décor, which I think is kind of wacky considering summer just started up here in Toronto. But fall is coming and some writers are shifting into Halloween mode too, especially if they are hoping to release a novella or short story with a creepy crawly theme by October. Last year I was one of those people writing a short scary story at the end of summer to take part in such a collection: The Pen and Muse Haunted House Showcase. You can read my story here.
Since I love horror stories, I’ve written a few blog posts on the subject to will hopefully help you polish that scary project.
4 Emotive Tools of Horror: Horror is all about emotional impact! Keep it high by using these four tools to toggle up the fear factor from the creepy beginning right through to the terrifying finale.
One Simple Rule of Writing Horror: Keep it simple. Plus three ways to apply this directive to your horror story.
How Writing Horror is like Writing Comedy: These two genres are more alike than people think. Here are four basic elements of writing both scary and funny stories.
And if you want to join others to discuss horror stories, check out The Midnight Society. Every month they read a YA horror novel and discuss online. Plus they have some posts on writing horror here.
I’ve never been pulled toward reading horror. I do love the pumpkin though!
@dino0726 from
FictionZeal – Impartial, Straighforward Fiction Book Reviews
Ha! Thanks, Diane!
I’ve never ventured into horror, but if I do, these tips are great. Some of my favourite authors write horror, so perhaps it’s about intimidation! I’m currently reading Dean Koontz and he is amazing at building tension and scaring the hell out of his readers 😀 Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome! And don’t be intimidated. If you love horror, you can learn to write horror. I always figure when I’m scaring myself I’m doing it well. 🙂
I have always wondered what it was about a horror story that made it horror. I remember reading the Amityville Horror as a kid and being scared s!tless, but I only thought abut WHY it scared me, not HOW.
I look forward to trying to creep you and others out this year – after another month of swimming in the pol, though. It’s summer for a long time in Florida.
Ha! It is definitely summer for a long time in Florida. According to this Canadian, you guys have summer year round! 😉