How To Write A Horror Short Story: A Terrifyingly Comprehensive Guide

So, you want to delve into the delightfully dark world of horror short stories? Excellent choice! There’s a unique thrill in crafting a self-contained scare, a miniature masterpiece of dread that can leave readers trembling in just a few pages. This guide is designed to help you do just that – to write a horror short story that truly works. Forget jump scares and predictable tropes; we’re aiming for genuine, lasting fear. Let’s get started.

Crafting the Spine: Choosing Your Horror Subgenre

Before you even think about characters or plot, you need to decide what kind of horror you want to write. The subgenre you choose will heavily influence the atmosphere, pacing, and overall impact of your story. Consider these popular options:

• Psychological Horror: This subgenre focuses on the internal fears and anxieties of the characters. It’s about building suspense and creating a sense of unease. Think of it as a slow burn, gradually chipping away at the reader’s sanity.
• Supernatural Horror: Ghosts, demons, and otherworldly entities are the stars of this show. The key is to make the supernatural believable within the context of your story.
• Gothic Horror: Think crumbling castles, stormy nights, and a pervasive sense of doom. This subgenre relies on atmosphere, mystery, and often, a sense of decay.
• Body Horror: This is where things get visceral. Body horror deals with the grotesque and the disturbing, often involving transformations or mutilations of the human form.
• Cosmic Horror: This is the realm of H.P. Lovecraft. Humanity is insignificant in the face of vast, uncaring cosmic entities. Expect a sense of existential dread and the insignificance of human concerns.
• Slasher Horror: If you’re aiming for gore and explicit violence, slasher horror might be your cup of tea. This subgenre often features a masked killer stalking and brutally murdering victims.

Choosing the right subgenre is the first step towards crafting a truly terrifying tale.

Building the Foundation: Developing a Compelling Concept

Now that you’ve got your subgenre in mind, it’s time to brainstorm ideas. Don’t rush this process. The best horror stories often come from the most unexpected places. Ask yourself:

• What scares you? Tap into your own fears. What keeps you up at night? What makes your skin crawl?
• What’s the core fear? Every good horror story taps into a fundamental human fear: the fear of death, the fear of the unknown, the fear of losing control. Identify the core fear you want to explore.
• What’s the unique hook? What makes your story different? What fresh angle can you bring to the table?
• What’s the setting? Where does your story take place? A creepy old house? A desolate forest? The setting can amplify the horror.

Once you have a compelling concept, you’re ready to move on to the next stage.

The Anatomy of Fear: Constructing Your Characters

Your characters are the vehicles for your reader’s emotional journey. They need to be believable, relatable, and vulnerable.

• Give them flaws: Perfect characters are boring. Flaws make them human and make the horror more impactful.
• Make them reactive: How do your characters react to the terrifying events unfolding around them? Their reactions should be realistic and believable.
• Consider their motivations: What drives them? What do they want? Their desires and goals can amplify the horror.
• Don’t over-explain: Let the reader fill in some of the blanks. Mystery is a powerful tool in horror.

Focus on the protagonist – the character the reader will experience the story through. They are your eyes and ears.

The Art of Unease: Building Atmosphere and Suspense

Atmosphere and suspense are the lifeblood of a good horror story. They’re what keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

• Use vivid descriptions: Engage the reader’s senses. Describe the sounds, smells, sights, and textures of your setting.
• Control the pace: Slow down the action when you want to build suspense. Speed it up during moments of intense action.
• Use foreshadowing: Hint at what’s to come. This creates a sense of dread and anticipation.
• Embrace the power of suggestion: Don’t show everything. Let the reader’s imagination fill in the gaps.
• Use language to create tension: Short, choppy sentences can create a sense of urgency. Long, flowing sentences can create a sense of unease.

Remember, less is often more. The absence of explanation can be far more terrifying than a detailed description.

The Importance of Pacing in Horror

Pacing is crucial. It’s about controlling the rhythm of your story to maximize the impact of your scares. A well-paced horror story should have a build-up, a climax, and a resolution (or, in some cases, an unsettling lack thereof). Avoid rushing the introduction of the horror; let it simmer.

Weaving the Web: Plotting Your Terrifying Tale

A strong plot is essential. It’s the framework that holds your story together.

• Start with a hook: Grab the reader’s attention from the first sentence.
• Develop a rising action: Build tension and suspense gradually.
• Reach the climax: The most terrifying moment of the story.
• Provide a resolution (or lack thereof): How does the story end? Does the protagonist survive? Is there a lingering sense of dread?
• Keep it concise: Short stories need to be focused. Avoid unnecessary subplots or digressions.

Consider using plot twists to keep the reader guessing.

Mastering the Craft: The Power of Show, Don’t Tell

This is a fundamental principle of good writing, and it’s especially important in horror. Instead of telling the reader that a character is afraid, show them.

• Show, don’t tell: Instead of “He was scared,” write “His hands trembled, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.”
• Focus on action and reaction: Let the characters’ actions and reactions reveal their emotions.
• Use dialogue sparingly: Dialogue can be a powerful tool, but don’t overuse it.
• Use imagery: Create vivid mental pictures for the reader.

This technique creates a more immersive and impactful experience for the reader.

The Editing Process: Refining Your Horror Masterpiece

Once you’ve finished writing, it’s time to edit. This is where you polish your story and make it shine.

• Read it aloud: This will help you catch awkward phrasing and pacing issues.
• Get feedback: Ask trusted friends or beta readers to read your story and provide feedback.
• Cut unnecessary words: Be ruthless. Every word should earn its place.
• Check for grammar and spelling errors: A polished manuscript is essential.
• Revise and rewrite: Be prepared to make multiple revisions.

Don’t be afraid to kill your darlings. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your story is to cut something you love.

The Final Polish: Adding the Finishing Touches

Once you’ve edited your story, there are a few final things you can do to make it even better.

• Consider the ending: Does your ending leave a lasting impression? Does it resonate with the core fear you’re exploring?
• Read other horror short stories: Study the masters. What techniques do they use? What can you learn from them?
• Let it breathe: Put your story away for a few days or weeks before you revise it again. This will give you a fresh perspective.
• Proofread one last time: Before you submit your story, read it one last time to catch any remaining errors.

The goal is to create a story that will stay with the reader long after they’ve finished reading it.

Where to Share Your Scares: Publishing and Beyond

Once your story is ready, you’ll want to share it with the world. There are several options:

• Literary Magazines: Submit your story to horror-focused literary magazines.
• Online Publications: Many online platforms accept horror short stories.
• Self-Publishing: If you want complete control, consider self-publishing your story on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.
• Writing Contests: Enter writing contests for exposure and potential prizes.

Research the publication guidelines and ensure your story aligns with their style and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common pitfalls to avoid when writing a horror short story?

• Over-reliance on jump scares: While jump scares can be effective, they should be used sparingly. Overuse can make your story feel cheap and predictable.
• Telling instead of showing: As mentioned above, this is a common mistake. Show the reader the horror, don’t just tell them about it.
• Weak characters: If the reader doesn’t care about your characters, they won’t care about the horror they’re experiencing.
• Unoriginal ideas: The horror genre is full of tropes. Try to find a fresh angle or twist on familiar themes.
• Rushing the ending: The ending is crucial. Don’t rush it. Make sure it’s satisfying (or unsatisfying, depending on your goals).

What is the best way to build suspense in a horror story?

• Use foreshadowing to hint at what’s to come.
• Control the pace by slowing down the action when you want to build tension.
• Create a sense of mystery by leaving some things unexplained.
• Use vivid descriptions to engage the reader’s senses.
• Focus on the characters’ reactions to the terrifying events unfolding around them.

How can I make my horror story truly scary?

• Tap into universal fears: Death, the unknown, loss of control – these are all fertile ground for horror.
• Make the horror believable: Even if you’re writing about the supernatural, ground it in reality.
• Focus on the psychological impact of the horror.
• Create a strong atmosphere.
• Write with passion and authenticity.

Is it okay to use clichés in a horror story?

Yes, but with caution. Clichés can be effective if used well. However, they can also make your story feel predictable and unoriginal. The key is to find a fresh angle or twist on the cliché. Subvert expectations. Surprise your readers. Use clichés to your advantage.

How important is research when writing a horror story?

Research can be extremely valuable, depending on your story. If you’re writing about a specific historical period, a particular location, or a specific type of monster, research can help you create a more authentic and believable story. Research can also inspire new ideas and help you avoid common pitfalls. It can add layers of depth and complexity to your story.

Conclusion: Unleash Your Inner Fear-Monger

Writing a horror short story is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By following these guidelines, you can create a truly terrifying tale that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Remember to choose your subgenre carefully, develop a compelling concept, build believable characters, master the art of atmosphere and suspense, and edit your story ruthlessly. Most importantly, embrace your own fears and let them fuel your creativity. Now go forth and unleash your inner fear-monger!