Writing a horror story?

Question

I have to write a horror story, but I have no idea how to go about it.

I'm OK at writing stories, but find this horror one slightly difficult.

I want to involve the theme of stalking in it.

Anyone help with any tips or ideas or something?
That would be great.

Answer 1

I find that the secret to an effective horror story is creating a main character that your readers care about. Too many speculative fiction authors, I find, concern themselves with the details of the plot to the utter exclusion of the *people* the story is happening to. Main characters in horror stories tend to be either shallow or annoying; when I'm hoping they'll get killed off, I doubt that is the effect that the writer wants. ;) If your readers care what happens to your character, they will be more frightened as the events in your story unfold, kind of like how hearing about something scary happening to a younger sibling is much worse than hearing the same story from the mouth of a slightly obnoxious stranger.



As far as the plot goes, I'd suggest thinking about what makes you afraid. It's usually simple things that play on rather primitive fears: a window where one can't see through the darkened glass to what might be watching beyond; a lamp out in a parking lot that one must cross at night. I'd suggest trying *not* to write your story like a horror movie: Scenes that work great on screen can drag on paper, like a fight between a woman and her knife-wielding stalker. The best horror stories, I find, focus more or building suspense and making me want to peer around the next corner to see what waits. The same scene between a woman and her stalker on paper, I think, would be done better to give readers a glimpse of a shadowy figure and maybe a spark of light on a knife concealed at his side.



Depending on how much time you have to write your story, you might want to read some short horror pieces received well by critics. The anthology _The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror_ usually has several excellent pieces and is available at most bookstores or libraries. Try to pinpoint what works for you in the stories that you like and why the stories that you liked less fell flat.

Answer 2

What you could do is steer clear of the normal archetypes and create your own. People don't ant to read the same thing twice. But, nobody can just give you a story, you have to want to come up with it on your own - that's what makes it unique' because it was from the heart. Write about something that scares you, or a dream you had. it has to be something you feel, not something that sounds good.

Answer 3

I am Catholic and we ought to write quick tale's for halloween that may be horror or no longer for english elegance, so much folks do write reports which might be horror reports (everybody in my elegance is Christian, adding me of direction and we write horror reports) so i say you'll be able to write horror reports in case you desire. however its your determination finally.

Answer 4

The main character always sees the stalker out of the corner of their eyes, our their silouhette, but no one believes her. Then, the people who say that the main character is delusional start dying...

Answer 5

A man with out of control flatulence would be something new. He could be chasing people around the city with his massive butt explosions. That would be scary.