7 Spooky Tips For Writing Horror Novels

Horror is one of the oldest genres and has captured readers for centuries. There is something enthralling about the dangers in the dark that continues to lure readers in, coming back for a good scare over and over again. 

But what makes a good horror story compelling, and how can aspiring authors master the art of horror writing?

Let's dive into the dark abyss to understand how to write horror stories:  

What Makes a Good Horror Story?

An innate sense of dread and the terror that follows is at the heart of every good horror story. We don't read horror novels or watch horror movies because it makes us feel good. Instead, we like horror tales because they do the opposite – we invite fear and allow ourselves to feel these raw emotions, knowing that we can return safely to our everyday lives at the end of the book or the movie.

Thus, what makes a good horror story is how the fear is realized through the story and then released by the reader. For a horror story to be worth reading, it must use fear, whether it is to encourage the readers to be wary of strangers or to avoid the dark alley at night. 

Tip 1: Understand The Mechanics of Fear 

Fear is more than just an emotion; it's a physiological response. When we sense danger, our body releases adrenaline, dilating our pupils and speeding up our heart rate. This is the hyperarousal, the acute stress response, or more commonly known as our "fight or flight." 

Think of when this fight or flight response was triggered for you. Let's say you went downstairs to get a drink of water at night, and the cat darted out, making you jump in response. How would you describe the biological reactions if you were to create a scene out of this? 

Understanding that can help you better conceptualize how your characters will feel in each scary moment, amplifying your readers' fear. This is one of the reasons psychological horror is so effective - because it runs purely off these innate fears.

Tip 2: Study the Genre  

Before you begin writing any genre, study it. Delve into classic horror novels, watch timeless horror films, and even listen to horror podcasts. Not only will this help you understand what works and doesn't work for you (which you can then use to orchestrate your own ideas), but it will help you recognize the tropes and themes prevalent in the genre. 

All of this will help you build a foundation that you can use to create your own unique horror story. 

Tip 3: Tap into Primal Fears    

What scares you the most? Don't just think of your more apparent fears (such as spiders or masked murderers), but think of our daily worries. For example, do you want to try a new restaurant or grocery store? Of giving a presentation? Of losing a loved one to an illness? Of catching an infection yourself? 

The more extreme fears are essential, but so are these everyday fears. 

Now, think of how all of these tap into our primal fears. These are the most basic fears that humans share. 

Here are a few examples:

• Fear of going somewhere new = fear of the unknown 

• Fear of giving a presentation = fear of failure 

• Fear of losing a loved one = Fear of isolation 

• Fear of catching an illness = fear of death 

By anchoring your horror in these universal fears, you can craft a story that resonates deeply with readers.

Tip 4: Use a Familiar Setting That Becomes Unsettling     

There is something especially sinister about the familiar becoming foreign in the eyes of the reader. For instance, consider how many rural small towns have become the basis for a horror novel or movie. 

Texas Chainsaw Massacre, for example, uses this rural setting to strike fear in readers. As a Texan and as someone who has traveled to West Texas often, there is only a little that happens out there besides a whole lot of cows. However, after watching this movie, every small farm looks ominous, and every person walking on the side of the road can be a potential murderous hitchhiker like in the film.

Stephen King is an author who has mastered this because he has turned Maine into a state known for its creepy settings – even though these settings would be mundane for those who have never read any of his works.

Taking an everyday setting and infusing it with horror can create an atmosphere of unease, making readers question the safety of their surroundings. 

Tip 5: Play with Pacing to Build Suspense     

I have mentioned my suspense writing basement method to showcase how to build suspense, but if you are unfamiliar with it, consider making it by stepping down into a dark basement. The darkness does not come all at once but is gradual. 

Similarly, hold off on showing the true nature of the horror until your readers are deeply entrenched in the story, much like slowly descending into a dark basement. Tease your readers with hints, but save the full reveal for when the tension has peaked. This is why foreshadowing is essential when crafting a horror novel.

Tip 6: Flesh Out Your Characters      

A monster may scare your readers, but the human characters will make them care. Creating multi-dimensional characters with their own fears, desires, and flaws gives the reader someone to root for, intensifying the horror when those characters are in danger.

Spend time crafting each character in your story. Understand why they are there, their fears, and so on. Doing so will ensure that your readers understand the stakes and want to know what happens to these characters.

Tip 7: Make Every Jumpscare and Monster Serve A Purpose       

Horror isn't just about the scares; it's about the story. What themes do you want your readers to take away after reading? 

Every monster, ghost, serial killer, vampire, and single jumpscare should advance the plot or develop a character. Gratuitous horror might startle, but the purpose-driven terror lingers in the mind. 

Think of the scary stories you have liked the most. The ones that have stayed with you. What themes did you take away? Now, use that same mentality to frame your work. 

Writing Horror Novels That Terrify Your Readers  

Writing horror is more than scares; it's about delving deep into the human psyche and confronting our darkest fears. By understanding the fears, uncertainties, and biological nature of horror, you can ensure that you can write a story that will have your readers leaving the light on. 

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