good titles for essays about horror movies

Horror Book Title Generator: 180+ Horror Title Ideas

Zombies, ghosts and haunted mansions – This horror book title generator has over 180 creepy horror title ideas for your next horror story ! 

Looking for a creepy horror title idea, then give our generator a spin! You can pick any of these horror titles, and then them into a super spooky Halloween tale:

You might also be interested in our random book title generator or these Halloween writing prompts . You can also use these horror writing prompts to help you start your horror story.

Creating Your Own Horror Book Title

Can’t find the right spooky book title idea for your story? Then try creating your own using our spooky technique! First, start by making a list of adjectives that suit your story idea. Try to make a list of scary adjectives such as:

Next, think about some creepy-sounding nouns that will suit your story’s plot. You might think about the following nouns:

Finally, it’s time to combine the two lists to create your own scary horror book title. This is what we came up with:

• Broken House
• Bloody Hound
• Creepy Shadows
• Fearful Ghosts
• Chilling Zombies

Based on this easy technique, we created our own printable horror book title generator – What is your horror book title name?

See our guide on how to come up with a good book title for more guidance.

Now it’s your turn to create your own horror book title. Give our technique a go and let us know the best horror titles you can come up with!

Random Horror Title Ideas

• Whispers of a Ghost
• Dead Man’s Wish
• Skeletons in the House
• The Lost Soul
• A Party For Ghouls
• Monster Strike
• See Zombie and Run
• Don’t Go There
• Signs of the Past
• The Monster In The Dark
• Horror Stories In The Dark
• Soulless Dead
• Lonesome Shadow
• Gruesome Monster
• Gruesome Witch
• Isolated Raven
• Soulless Creature
• Soulless Grave
• Red Skeletons
• Ghostly Werewolves
• Chilling Vampire
• Fearful Cat
• Hairy Raven
• Ghostly Skeletons
• Broken Raven
• Bloody Skeletons
• Isolated House
• Bloody Creature
• Ghostly Town
• Fearful Cellar
• Broken Spiders
• Haunted Hound
• Hairy Ghoul
• Creepy Candle
• Cruel Candle
• Hairy Ghost
• Hairy Grave
• Ghostly Girl
• Cruel Pumpkin
• Cruel Witch
• Lonesome Dead
• Creepy Hound
• Hooded Dead
• Soulless Lady
• Chilling Candle
• Lonesome Clouds
• Bloody Monster
• Torn Vampire
• Broken Hound
• Hooded Girl
• Chilling Lady
• Creepy Spiders
• Haunted Town
• Scary Monster
• Chilling Raven
• Dying House
• Dying Raven
• Black Zombie
• Grim Monster
• Black Hound
• Eerie Ghoul
• Isolated Girl
• Black Raven
• Scary Ghoul
• Cruel Monster
• Creepy Pumpkin
• Ghostly Shadow
• Broken Pumpkin
• Eerie Raven
• Scary Clouds
• Evil Monster
• Scary Grave
• Wicked Pumpkin
• Eerie Monster
• Torn Spiders
• Gruesome House
• Chilling Cellar
• Isolated Shadow
• Lonesome Pumpkin
• Bloody Grave
• Fearful Skeletons
• Haunted Ghoul
• Isolated Man
• Creepy Vampire
• Cruel Spiders
• Torn Creature
• Cruel Skeletons
• Haunted Ghost
• Ghostly Vampire
• Creepy Grave
• Black Skeletons
• Haunted Clouds
• Grim Spiders
• Evil Cellar
• Isolated Witch
• Hollow Hound
• Hooded Shadow
• Lonesome Cellar
• Evil Skeletons
• Bloody Cellar
• Hollow Vampire
• Hooded Pumpkin
• Hollow House
• Fearful Vampire
• Haunted Cat
• Black Pumpkin
• Chilling Werewolves
• Soulless Vampire
• Isolated Ghost
• Hairy House
• Grim Zombie
• Lonesome Witch
• Dark Skeletons
• Hooded Spiders
• Broken Grave
• Fearful Man
• Creepy Lady
• Eerie Hound
• Broken Ghoul
• Dark Cellar
• Hooded Cellar
• Creepy Dead
• Lonesome Skeletons
• Chilling Ghoul
• Wicked Candle
• Broken Dead
• Creepy Town
• Gruesome Spiders
• Black Witch
• Dying Clouds
• Bloody Vampire
• Broken Cellar
• Broken Witch
• Nasty Creature
• Hooded Candle
• Hooded House
• Ghostly Cat
• Grim Skeletons
• Dark Creature
• Hairy Shadow
• Ghostly Grave
• Cruel Werewolves
• Hollow Creature
• Bloody Werewolves
• Nasty House
• Cruel Clouds
• Grim Creature
• Hooded Ghoul

Share your favourite horror book title idea with us 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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Best Essays and Books About Horror Movies

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You’ve probably wondered about the inspiration behind your favorite scary movies and the background of some of those horrifying stories. Sometimes the origins of a horror movie are as simple as an author telling a scary story, and at other times films are based on more sinister, true events . You might also be interested in the making of certain horror movies or the impact they have on the audience or the cast. Maybe you're into film theory and want to study the gender dynamics, cultural and political significance, and philosophy of horror, like in Carol Clover's seminal book Men, Women, and Chainsaws . Luckily, there are plenty of resources that explore these exact topics and the development of horror movies in general.

You might be interested in why people are attracted to horror movies and the act of feeling fear. In which case, you might want to read Stephen King’s essay Why We Crave Horror Movies . Digging even deeper, you might notice horror films can help us examine fears around eating, sexuality, religion, and more. You might even wonder about the characters that often die first and why, which is explained by Lindsay King-Miller in her essay A Love Letter to the Girls Who Die First in Horror Movies . Whatever it may be, in addition to the aforementioned texts, here are the best essays and books about horror movies.

Monsters in the Movies: 100 Years of Cinematic Nightmares

Director John Landis ( American Werewolf in London, Twilight Zone: The Movie ) wrote a book on movie monsters covers some of cinema’s most terrifying creatures and their development. Landis explores the design of movie monsters and special effects, both in high and low-budget films. Monsters in the Movies includes interviews with the minds behind the monsters, their historical origins, and tricks behind bringing these ghouls to life.

Nothing Has Prepared Me for Womanhood Better than Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2

Sarah Kurchak’s essay examines a subject people might not consider in horror movies. The truth is that many scary films express beliefs about women and their experiences via horror and gore. Kurchak dissects how Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 features female stereotypes in hot pants but also explores women facing the threats of men and emerging from adolescence completely altered. Kurchak argues that this horror comedy can teach female viewers about what to expect from the world and adolescence.

Stephen King At the Movies: A Complete History of Film and Television Adaptations from the Master of Horror

The chilling stories of author Stephen King have made both startling reads and frightening films. King’s works have established more than 60 horror movies and 30 television series. This book covers the making of all of them, including behind-the-scenes material and King’s opinion on some adaptations. If you’re looking to dive deeper into some iconic films based on King’s stories , consider picking up Stephen King at the Movies .

There’s Nothing Scarier than a Hungry Woman

Remember how we said that horror movies can contain messages that don’t appear obvious on the surface? Laura Maw notices how in many horror movies there is always a scene of a ravenous woman eating, and her fascinating essay considers the meaning behind that.

Related: Best Performances in Horror Films of All Time, Ranked

Maw writes that “horror invites us to sit with this disgust, this anxiety, and to acknowledge our appetite and refuse to suppress it.” Maw presents a feminist analysis of hungry women in well-known horror movies in a way which both explores and challenges preconceptions about women.

Behind the Horror: True Stories that Inspired Horror Movies

Dr. Lee Miller’s research into the origin stories of movies like The Exorcist and A Nightmare on Elm Street are compiled in this handy book. Miller details the true accounts of disappearances, murders, and hauntings that inspired these hit movies.

Behind the Horror explains the history of the serial killers featured in Silence of the Lambs and takes a good look at the possessions that motivated the making of The Exorcist and The Conjuring 2 .

My Favorite Horror Movie: 48 Essays by Horror Creators on the Film that Shaped Them

Arguably one of the best books to read if you are curious about the makers behind famous horror movies. My Favorite Horror Movie features over 20 essays from filmmakers, actors, set designers, musicians, and more about the dark works that solidified their careers.

The films discussed include It , Halloween , The Shining , and others. It’s a good book for looking at horror movies from different angles and recognizing the many minds that contributed to these iconic works.

The Art of Horror: An Illustrated History

Yet another great book for establishing a rounded perspective of horror movies, this time in a much more visual way. The Art of Horror sorts through famous illustrations, movie posters, cover art, comics, paintings, photos, and filmmakers since the beginning of horror with Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Mary Shelley’s infamous Frankenstein . Learn about these talented artists, their chilling work, and their impact on the direction of horror.

Wes Craven: Interviews

If you’re trying to hear from the best horror directors themselves, the Wes Craven interviews are a great place to start. Craven is responsible for films like Scream , The Hills Have Eyes , A Nightmare on Elm Street , and The Last House on the Left , and is often considered one of the greatest horror filmmakers of all time.

Related: The Best Scream Queens of All Time, Ranked

Craven established a particular style in his films that changed the way horror movies are made, and this book pulls information from the master himself. Wes Craven: Interviews includes almost 30 interviews with the director ranging from the 1980s until Craven passed away in 2015.

101 Horror Movies You Should See Before You Die

Ever wonder if you’re missing a great horror film from your spooky collection? This is the book for you. 101 Horror Movies You Should See Before You Die covers the absolute essentials of every kind of horror film, from gothic to slasher and international horror classics as well. Horror can take on so many different forms and this book is one of the best for finding horror films you might have missed.

The Science of Women in Horror: The Special Effects Stunts, and Stories Behind Your Every Fright

Authors Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence examine women in horror movies in this book that explores feminist horror films , and more misogynistic ones from the standpoint of feminist film theory. The Science of Women in Horror recalls the history of women in horror movies and goes on to analyze more recent, women-centered horror flicks and series such as The Haunting of Hill House and Buffy the Vampire Slayer . If you want to know more about the women on and off-screen in horror movies, check out this book!

Our Favorite Essays and Stories About Horror Films

Reading Lists

Make tonight's evil dead marathon more literary with our best writing about the genre.

It’s the spookiest day of the spookiest season, but you already had your party last weekend, and now you have to stay home and either hand out candy to grabby children or turn out all lights visible from the street and pretend you’re not home. What makes a night in both fun and seasonally appropriate? Horror movies, of course! So while you’re waiting for, or hiding from, trick-or-treaters tonight, put on a Nightmare on Elm Street marathon and make your way through some of the best stuff we’ve published about scary films.

“ There’s Nothing Scarier Than a Hungry Woman ” by Laura Maw

Maybe you haven’t noticed this, but horror movies contain a lot of scenes of women eating—and not only eating, but eating voraciously. Laura Maw has noticed, and she thinks she understands. This essay is both a sensitive cultural analysis of a horror movie trope and a beautiful personal narrative of coming to terms with both the threat and the banality of hunger.

As a woman, to say that you have found eating uncomfortable at times is not particularly groundbreaking. The anxiety has become mundane because it is so common for women, but isn’t that in itself noteworthy? Horror invites us to sit with this disgust, this anxiety, to acknowledge our appetite, to refuse to let us suppress it. There is something uncomfortable and enthralling about watching a woman devour what she likes with intent.

“ Horror Lives in the Body ” by Meg Pillow Davis

This Best American Essays notable is about the physical experience of horror—both horror films, and the familiar horrors we encounter in our normal lives, the ways we brush up against mortality and violation and fear. Why do we seek out this physical experience—”the pupil dilation, the quickening heart, the sweat forming on your upper lip and the surface of your palms, and the nearly overwhelming urge to cover your eyes or run from the room”?

If those other viewers are anything like me, they watch horror movies because they recognize the horror, because its familiarity is strange and terrifying and unavoidable. It is the lure of the uncanny filtering into the cracks and crevices of the cinematic landscape and drawing us in.

“ What ‘Halloween’ Taught Me About Queerness ” by Richard Scott Larson

Michael Myers wears a mask to hide his face while he kills—but is that the only mask he wears? Richard Scott Larson talks about watching Halloween obsessively as an adolescent, while he was starting to understand that his own desires were also considered monstrous.

The experience of adolescence as a closeted queer boy is one of constantly attempting to imitate the expression of a desire that you do not feel. Identification with a bogeyman, then, shouldn’t be so surprising when you imagine the bogeyman as unfit for society, his true nature having been rejected and deemed horrific.

“ If My Mother Was the Final Girl ” by Michelle Ross

The “final girl” is the one who’s left standing at the end of the film, the one who survives the carnage. But what do you call someone who’s still standing after childhood trauma? This short story is about horror films, but more than that, it’s about mother-daughter relationships—a deeper and more mundane form of horror than the kind in slasher flicks.

The one thing my mother and I share is a love for slasher films. When the first girl gets hacked up or sawed in half or stabbed in the breast, my mother says, “Now there’s real life for you.” And I glance at her sideways and think, you can say that again.

“ A Love Letter to the Girls Who Die First in Horror Films ” by Lindsay King-Miller

Unlike the “final girl,” the girl who dies first doesn’t have a catchy title. Lindsay King-Miller writes about the lost friend who taught her that we don’t all have it in us to be a final girl—and that we should celebrate the girl who dies first, because she’s not living in fear.

To survive a horror story you have to realize you’re in one. The girl who dies thinks she’s in a different kind of story, one that’s about her and what she wants: to dance, to party, to fuck, to feel good. She thinks she is the subject of this story, the one who watches, desires, sees, the one who acts upon the world. She does not feel the eyes on her, does not know she is being observed, that her fate is not to reshape the world but to be reshaped by it.

“ Nothing Has Prepared Me For The Reality of Womanhood Better Than ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2’ ” by Sarah Kurchak

Yes, Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 is a cheesy horror-comedy hybrid in which women are menaced and their bodies are treated as set dressing. But so is adolescence. Sarah Kurchak writes about the many ways in which this movie taught her what to expect from the world.

Sure, this was, on many levels, a schlocky B-movie with so many of the expected hallmarks of the time — women in hot pants and peril, over-the-top gore. But it was a schlocky B-movie in which a woman faced men’s threats, both implicit and explicit, and was left breathing but almost unrecognizable at the end of it. That felt familiar.

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Home — Essay Samples — Entertainment — Movies — Horror

Essays on Horror

The importance of writing an essay on horror.

Writing an essay on horror is essential for several reasons, as it allows individuals to explore the genre's significance, impact, and cultural relevance. Horror literature, films, and art have long been integral parts of human culture, reflecting societal fears, anxieties, and taboos. By delving into the genre through essays, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of its complexities and contributions to literature, cinema, and art.

One of the primary reasons for writing an essay on horror is to explore fear and its profound effect on human psychology and society. Horror confronts us with our deepest fears and forces us to confront the darker aspects of human nature. By analyzing horror works, individuals can gain insights into human behavior, emotions, and the human condition itself.

Furthermore, essays on horror allow us to understand the cultural and social dynamics that shape the genre. Horror often reflects the fears and anxieties prevalent in society during specific historical periods. By examining horror works within their cultural contexts, individuals can gain valuable insights into societal norms, values, and concerns.

Moreover, writing essays on horror provides an opportunity to examine the literary and cinematic techniques used to evoke fear and suspense. From Gothic literature to contemporary horror films, the genre employs a wide range of stylistic devices, symbolism, and narrative structures to create chilling experiences for audiences. By analyzing these techniques, individuals can deepen their appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship behind horror works.

Essays on horror also challenge assumptions and stereotypes associated with the genre. While horror is often dismissed as mere entertainment or dismissed as lowbrow, it encompasses a diverse range of themes, styles, and perspectives. By critically evaluating horror works, individuals can challenge preconceived notions and recognize the genre's artistic and intellectual merits.

Finally, writing essays on horror encourages individuals to engage in meaningful discussions about important societal issues. Horror often addresses topics such as power dynamics, gender roles, identity, and morality in thought-provoking ways. By analyzing these themes in horror works, individuals can contribute to broader conversations about culture, politics, and human nature.

Writing essays on horror is essential for gaining insights into the genre's significance, exploring fear and humanity, understanding cultural dynamics, examining artistic techniques, challenging stereotypes, and engaging in meaningful discussions. Through thoughtful analysis and reflection, individuals can appreciate the richness and complexity of horror as a genre and its enduring impact on literature, cinema, and art.

What makes a good Horror essay topic

When it comes to choosing a horror essay topic, it's important to consider what will captivate and engage your audience. To brainstorm and choose an essay topic, start by considering your own interests and fears. What scares you? What keeps you up at night? These personal experiences can serve as a great starting point for a horror essay topic. Additionally, consider the cultural and societal fears that are prevalent in today's world. What are people afraid of? These considerations can help you choose a horror essay topic that is relevant and thought-provoking. A good horror essay topic should be intriguing, thought-provoking, and capable of eliciting strong emotions from the reader.

Best Horror essay topics

• The psychological impact of isolation in horror films
• The role of the supernatural in modern horror literature
• The evolution of the zombie in popular culture
• The use of sound and music in creating horror in film
• The portrayal of mental illness in horror movies
• The significance of setting in gothic horror literature
• The cultural significance of urban legends in modern society
• The symbolism of monsters in horror literature
• The impact of technology on the horror genre
• The intersection of horror and comedy in film
• The role of gender in horror storytelling
• The influence of folklore on modern horror narratives
• The portrayal of fear in contemporary horror literature
• The impact of censorship on the horror genre
• The representation of trauma in horror films
• The use of suspense in horror storytelling
• The depiction of evil in horror literature
• The role of religion in horror narratives
• The use of body horror in contemporary cinema
• The impact of social media on horror storytelling

Horror essay topics Prompts

• Write a horror story from the perspective of the monster.
• Imagine a world where everyone's deepest fears come to life - what would this look like?
• Write a horror essay exploring the concept of "survival horror" in video games.
• Create a horror story set in a haunted house, but with a unique twist.
• Write an essay analyzing the role of the final girl in slasher films and its impact on gender representation in horror.

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Horror is a film genre that seeks to elicit fear or disgust in its audience for entertainment purposes.

Horror films often explore dark subject matter and may deal with transgressive topics or themes. Broad elements include monsters, apocalyptic events, and religious or folk beliefs. Cinematic techniques used in horror films have been shown to provoke psychological reactions in an audience.

Body horror, Comedy horror, Folk horror, Found footage horror, Gothic horror, Natural horror, Slasher film, Supernatural horror, Teen horror, Psychological horror.

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How to Write Horror — Horror Writing Tips for Fiction & Film

• Best Horror Movies of All Time
• Best Zombie Movies
• Best Vampire Movies
• Best Jump Scare Movies
• Best Stephen King Movies and TV Shows
• Best Underrated Horror Movies
• What is Horror
• Body Horror Explained
• Giallo Films Explained
• Horror Movie Tropes
• Found Footage Filmmaking
• What is a Grindhouse Movie
• Best Horror Movie Scripts
• How to Write Horror
• Midsommar Script PDF Download
• Halloween Script PDF Download
• Get Out Script PDF Download
• Alien Script PDF Download

S o, you want to learn how to write a good horror story? Whether you want to know how to write a horror movie or how to write a horror book, the four steps outlined in this guide will get you started on the appropriate course of action and help you to align your creative goals. Writing horror isn’t all that different from writing for other genres, but it does require the right mindset and a creepy destination to work towards. Before we jump into the first of our four steps, let’s begin with a primer.

How to write horror

Before you get started.

The steps outlined in this ‘how to write horror’ guide assume that you already have a grasp over the fundamentals of writing. If you do not yet understand the basic mechanics of prose, screenwriting , or storytelling, then you might not get everything you need out of this guide. Luckily, we have a litany of informative resources that can bring you up to speed on everything you need to know.

If you intend to tell the  horror story  you have in mind as a screenplay, then the best way to fast track your screenwriting education might be to read through some of the  best screenwriting books  or to enroll in one of the  best online screenwriting courses .

Our guide to writing great scenes  is another good place to start, and our  glossary of screenwriting vocabulary  is a great resource if you encounter any unfamiliar terminology. When you’re ready to start writing, you can get going for free in  StudioBinder’s screenwriting software .

Now, we’re ready to jump into step one of our how to write horror guide. But, be warned, if you don’t already have a basic story concept in mind, you should consider that Step Zero.

There’s no concrete way to generate story ideas, but you can always look to creative writing prompts  and  indie films to kickstart inspiration .

HOW TO WRITE A HORROR MOVIE

Step 1: research and study.

Writing horror often begins by consuming great horror . We look to the stories of the past when crafting the stories of the present. Someone who has never read a horror novel or seen a horror film is going to have a much harder time writing horror than someone who is a voracious consumer of horror stories. By watching and reading, you can pick up plenty of tips for writing scary stories.

Before writing your opening line, be sure to do your research. It can be worthwhile to explore all manner of horror media. But for the purposes of this step, it’s best to focus in on the type of material you wish to create.

If you want to learn how to write a horror novel, then read as many horror novels as you can get your hands on. Our list of the  greatest horror films  ever made is a good place to conduct your research if you plan to write a horror screenplay. You can also check out our rundown of  underrated horror films for even more research.

Here are tips on how to write horror from the master himself, Stephen King. And, while you're at it, might as well catch up on the best Stephen King movies and TV based on his work!

How to write good horror  •  Stephen King offers horror writing tips

It’s important to go beyond simply reading and watching horror and to begin to analyze the material. Drill down into why certain decisions were made by the writer and try to figure out why certain elements work or don’t work. It can often be worthwhile to explore material you consider bad as well as what you consider good, so you can learn what not to do.

Check out our analysis of Midsommar   below for an example of how you can break down and explore the horror films that inspire you. You can also download the Midsommar script as a PDF to analyze the writing directly. You should check out our Best Horror Scripts post for more iconic script PDFs.

How to Write Horror  •   Read Full Midsommar Script

When consuming material to learn how to write a horror story, pay particular attention to the pacing and structure of the stories you’re inspired by. For example, if the style you find yourself most drawn to is slow-burn horror, then you might want to aim for a much slower pace than average with your story as well, but the build-up will become even more important.

Horror story writing

Step 2: decide your type of horror.

So, you’ve decided you’re writing horror, congratulations, you’ve settled on a genre. Now, it’s time to pick your sub-genre (s) and to decide on the specific avenue of horror to explore. There are many horror sub-genres to choose from. Just take a look at our ultimate guide to movie genres for quick rundown. And, check out the video below to see horror sub-genres ranked.

Ranking subgenres for inspiration  •  Horror story writing

Keep in mind that genres and subgenres can be mixed and matched in a multitude of combinations. For example, The Witch blends together the horror and historical fiction genres. From Dusk Till Dawn fuses action, crime-thriller, and vampire elements. And Shaun of the Dead fuses the horror and comedy genres by way of the zombie subgenre.

Our video essay below offers insights into Shaun of the Dead director Edgar Wright’s creative process. Check out our ranking of Edgar Wright’s entire filmography if you want even more.

How Edgar Wright writes and directs his movies  •   Subscribe on YouTube

Step Two is also the time to decide on the specific avenue you will exploit when writing horror. By “avenue of horror,” we mean the primary source(s) of tension and scares. Witches? Zombies? Cosmic horror? Body Horror ? Social Horror? These are all different avenues that your horror story can take on, and just like with genres and sub-genres, mixing and matching is encouraged.

A horror story that exploits kills and gore as its avenue of horror will be written in a much different manner than one that focuses on a sense of creeping dread and leaves more to the viewer or reader’s imagination.

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• What is a Giallo film? →
• The Best Christmas Horror Movies →
• How to Master a Storyboard like Jordan Peele →

Step 3: Mine your fears and phobias 

You have decided on your genre and your avenue of horror, now it’s time to get more specific and drill deeper. For Step Three, go beyond asking what makes a story scary and instead figure out what makes your story frightening.

Depending on what you chose in Step Two, this might already be baked into your sub-genre and avenue of horror. For example, the home invasion sub-genre by nature mines a very real phobia that many people share.

The best home invasion films

However, if you chose to go with the zombie subgenre for example, you may need to work a little harder to discover what it is about your story that will scare audiences. Zombies on their own certainly hold the potential to be frightening, but audience overexposure to them throughout the years has gone a long way to lessen the scary impact they once had.

For examples of how to do it right, check out our rundown of the best zombie films ever made . And, for a different yet equally effective take on the sub-genre, check out our list of the  best zombie comedies .

How to write a horror story  •  Exploit common phobias

The above video breaks down the statistics surrounding a number of phobias. One common piece of writerly wisdom is “write what you know.” When writing in the horror genre, we can tweak that advice to, “write what scares you.” Mine your own fears and phobias when crafting your horror story; there are sure to be others out there who get creeped out by the same things.

This is also the step where you should try to discover your X-factor. What is it that sets your story apart from similar horror stories? If the answer is “nothing really,” then it might be time to take your concept back to the drawing board.

How to write a horror story

Step 4: keep your audience in mind.

From this point on, you are ready to start writing your horror story. Much of the writing process will be carried out in the same way as you would write a story in any other genre. But there are a few extra considerations. Put all that research you did in step one to work and ensure that your prose or screenwriting is well balanced and doles out the scares at a good pace.

You will want to find a good middle ground between sacrificing story and character development and going too long without something to keep your audience creeped out.

Narrative pacing is important in every genre, but horror writers also need to worry about pacing their scares, similar to how someone writing an action film needs to deliberately pace out their big action sequences.

How to write a horror story  •  Keep pacing in mind

Decide on who your target audience is from the jump and keep them in mind while you write. There can be a significant difference between horror aimed at teens vs. horror aimed at a mature audience. In film, this can mean the difference between shooting for a PG-13 rating instead of an R rating.

In fiction, this decision might manifest as a plan to market directly toward the young-adult crowd. Horror aimed at children, like Frankenweenie or The Nightmare Before Christmas , is drastically different from other types of horror aimed at older audiences.

Use your target audience as a guiding star that informs all of your narrative decisions as you write. Now, it’s time to put everything you just learned about how to write good horror stories to use.

The Greatest Horror Movies Ever Made 

If you are stuck on step one and looking to find some inspiration, our list of the greatest horror films ever made is a great place to look. You are sure to find something to get your creative juices flowing within this lengthy list. Writing great horror starts with consuming great horror, coming up next.

Up Next: Best Horror Movies of All Time →

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25 Films You Have to Watch If You're Writing a Horror Script

Whether it's about things that go "bump" in the night or it's a piece that's meant to be more psychological, there are movies galore that can teach you something about horror, something about suspense and scares — as well as about the intensity of emotions that are derived from the genre.

From various eras, we've found some of the best possible cinematic experiences to inspire or educate anyone looking to write their next horror of their own.

The Exorcist (1973)

Directed by: william friedkin | written by: william peter blatty.

Some of you couldn't sleep when they first saw it: this movie is the stuff of nightmares. If you ever want to instill true evil into a script you're writing, start by watching this. Maybe with the lights on, yeah?

Pet Sematary (1989)

Directed by: mary lambert | written by: stephen king.

Stephen King's answer to your questions about death. Some natural laws shouldn't be broken, some lines never crossed… but when they are, it makes for great horror.

Parasite (2019)

Written & directed by: bong joon ho.

Class wars, blackmail, and people who will do anything for their families.  Parasite  has elements of horror woven into a truly arresting and unique experience.

Hereditary (2018)

Written & directed by: ari aster.

Horror that's brutally emotional and full of true shock for an audience,  Hereditary  is known for its sustained suspense and its big finish. You've been warned.

Candyman (1992)

Directed by: bernard rose | written by: clive barker.

Slasher-inspired horror instills superstition and legend into a world so well that its mythos is recognized by horror audiences everywhere. If you like that, you'll love that a spiritual sequel to the 1992 film is coming out this week!

Alien (1979)

Directed by: ridley scott | written by: dan o'bannon.

There's something about the loneliness of the crew and the horrific creatures inspired by the art of H.R. Giger — something we can all aspire to.

Halloween (1978)

Written & directed by: john carpenter.

From the chilling music to the iconic point of view in the opening scene,  Halloween  has inspired homages in every genre, but especially within horror.

American Werewolf in London (1981)

Written & directed by: john landis.

Listen to the bones cracking, the utter intensity of the transformation sounds we hear in  American Werewolf in London . With that and the dark comedy placed throughout, this horror film is truly a can't-miss.

The Descent (2005)

Written & directed by: neil marshall.

It's all about raising the stakes in an adventure horror. The deeper they go, the more dangerous the journey — and in  The Descent , it's not just the journey that's dangerous. It's who (or what) is down there with you.

Busanhaeng / Train to Busan (2016)

Directed by: sang-ho yeon | written by: joo-suk park & sang-ho yeon.

This modern zombie movie is a beautiful example of threading emotional themes throughout, while still including a dangerous, deadly threat — like a mob of Infected on a train.

'Train to Busan'

Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Directed by: george a. romero | written by: john a. russo & george a. romero.

The conception of all modern zombie movies comes chiefly from George A. Romero and this survival horror masterpiece. In it, he bred the traditional zombie with the idea of a vampire to create the most well-known fusion monster today!

Let the Right One In (2008)

Directed by: tomas alfredson | written by: john ajvide lindqvist.

A film that works mainly with deep-seated feelings, unsettling vagueness, and moments of pure shock,  Let the Right One In  is an unconventional horror that's very moving indeed.

A Quiet Place (2018)

Directed by: john krasinski | written by: scott beck, bryan woods, & john krasinski.

Everyone knows, there's something disquieting about silence, about the inability to speak — and in that way,  A Quiet Place  makes itself known for its creative horror landscape.

The Shining (1980)

Directed by: stanley kubrick | written by: stephen king, stanley kubrick, & diane johnson.

It's the perfect marriage of supernatural horror and psychological torment. Anyone who fears a loss of sanity knows exactly how good  The Shining  is at setting your teeth on edge.

Read More: How to Write a Great Christmas Horror Movie

Psycho (1960)

Directed by: alfred hitchcock | written by: joseph stefano.

Anyone here like twist endings? I won't spoil it for you — even though this film is over 60 years old — but just know you're in for a surprise that's worth imitating.

The Thing (1982)

Directed by: john carpenter | written by: bill lancaster.

Inspired and informed by another film in the '50s,  The Thing  is a John Carpenter film that channels the unknowable horror that makes Lovecraftian stories so immense and intriguing.

30 Days of Night (2007)

Directed by: david slade | written by: steve niles, stuart beattie, & brian nelson.

This film builds its world beautifully and plays with convention and suspicion in ways that only a vampire movie will. Plus, with a month-long darkness, you already know this is meant to be a monster movie.

Fright Night (2011)

Written & directed by: tom holland.

Having tons of fun with its remake of the 1985 film of the same name,  Fright Night  is what happens when vampire horror knows how to make fun of itself. Take notes.

Insidious (2010)

Directed by: james wan | written by: leigh whannell.

A supernatural movie with an imaginative world of demons and possession, this movie even has a lesson to learn for those of you trying to use innocuous songs as creepy cues for the presence of evil.

28 Days Later (2002)

Directed by: Danny Boyle | Written by: Alex Garland

If Romero designed the modern zombie, then Danny Boyle's  28 Days Later  introduced the idea of these creatures being a product of viral infection — and the source of diverse post-apocalyptic settings.

'28 Days Later'

Get Out (2017)

Written & directed by: jordan peele.

To instill social horror in a film is a careful science, but Jordan Peele does exactly that in  Get Out , a film steeped in racially targeted horror and other unsettling discoveries.

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Directed by: edward wright | written by: simon pegg & edgar wright.

Comedy first, and horror second, this intelligent and hilarious Simon Pegg film pays respect to various horror movie traditions, including those by George A. Romero as the epitome of a horror-parody combo.

The Conjuring (2013)

Directed by: michael chaves | written by: david leslie johnson-mcgoldrick.

The revival of demonic horror flicks brought on a trilogy based on real events, including  The Conjuring . This story shows that not everything in true history can be explained.

The Amityville Horror (1979)

Directed by: stuart rosenberg | written by: sandor stern.

Another one based on true crimes committed in the 1970s,  The Amityville Horror  has inspired books and films alike to make sense of the tragedy that occurred — because sometimes, the darkest tales are the most real.

The Hills Have Eyes (2006)

Directed by: alexandre aja | written by: wes craven, alexandre aja, & grégory levasseur.

This movie shows just how easy it is to make a monster through disaster — especially if the government's dangerous tests created mutant people who have forsaken their humanity to become cannibals.

'The Hills Have Eyes'

You've now got a list and a lot of stuff to draw inspiration from if you're ready to write a horror script. Just make sure you go to the restroom  before marathoning  these movies — just in case. 

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How to Write An Intriguing & Unique Title for Your Horror Story

If you are writing horror or suspense fiction, you need to create an intriguing and unique title that will hook your readers from the get-go. A great title is key to a successful horror story, and if you do not get it right from the start, your readers may not stick around for long. Discover how to create an intriguing and unique title for your horror story using a few simple tips.

How to Write an Attractive Horror Story Title

#1. keep it short and sweet, #2. make it memorable.

You should want your title to be memorable so that readers will remember it long after they finish reading your story. One of the best ways to make it memorable is to make it unique. Avoid using common phrases or clichés that readers have seen a million times before.

#3. Use Strong Language

#4. create a sense of suspense.

A good horror story title will create a sense of suspense and leave readers wondering what’s going to happen next. Avoid titles that give too much information away or are too predictable. The best titles are those that make readers ask questions and want to find out more.

#5. Use Appropriate Fonts and Images

#6. play with words, #7. brainstorm with others.

If you are having trouble coming up with a title for your horror material, try brainstorming with friends or family members. Sometimes it helps to have someone else’s perspective when you are stuck in a rut.

#8. Take Your Time

#9. experiment with different ideas, #10. take inspiration from other stories.

You can also take inspiration from other horror stories. Look at titles that have been successful for other writers and see if there is anything you can learn from them. It may help spark new ideas for your story title.

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How to Write a Great Horror Movie

It's time to scare up one of your most reliable screenplay genres..

'Carrie'

The horror genre is tried and true. It's the one genre every studio and streamer is buying. Why?

Because it's the one that usually delivers the most profitable movies. Horror films come with a huge audience, and the nature of the stories usually keep them pretty cheap.

But are there tricks to writing a horror screenplay that makes the process different?

I don't know about any tricks.... but I can assure you this post is a real treat!

Okay, if that didn't chase you away or horrify you enough to stop reading, let's forge ahead into the unknown...

What's the worst that could happen?

Horror movie definition

What is a horror movie?

A horror movie is a film whose plot is designed to frighten the viewer. The story must cause some sort of existential dread and invoke our very worst fears. Horror films are roller coasters for viewers often climaxing in a shocking finale. They can be cathartic or just plain fun.

What kinds of horror movies are out there?

There are so many different kinds of horror movies in the world. This genre contains a bunch of subgenres. Before you start writing, you should pick one, or mash a few up.

I want to address something that comes up in the comments a lot. I often get people replying "This is fine, but what actually sold with this stuff?"

I know we aren't supposed to read the comments, but the comments section is my horror movie.

I usually don't address this stuff but I want to this time.

Mostly because as a professional writer, horror is where I've found most of my recent work.

Last year I wrote on a horror anthology series that was on Netflix called Don't Watch This . My episode was called Keep Out. I've done extensive work for CryptTV . Keep your eyes out for it.

My point is: I have worked in this space and I want to help.

I'm not calling myself "the authority" but I'm only going to give you the things I've used for my screenplay work.

So let's look at some of the horror sub-genres and see what each entails.

Horror movie sub-genres

Slasher movies usually have killers who use knives or hooks or machetes to hack up their victims. They can be like Texas Chainsaw Massacre or Scream in tone. There can be one or multiple killers. They have a lot in common with the mystery genre and thrillers.

From Godzilla to The   Fly , monster movies come in all shapes and sizes. Usually, these monsters terrorize a small community, like in Jaws , but they can also be a global threat, like in Cloverfield . We don't always need a direct scientific explanation for why or how the monster exists, but that might clue everyone in on how you can defeat them.

Supernatural

Ghosts, demons, and Satan all exist within these worlds. Your demons can be like Freddy Kreuger or they can be like the possessor in The Exorcist . They can be spirits like in The Others or a riff like in Ghost . Or just straight-up horrific like in Poltergeist .

Inanimate Objects

A few years ago it felt like every movie had a scary doll in it. Now, with the Chucky reboot and Anabelle , these dolls don't seem like they're going away. But what about something like The Fog or Christine ? They also fall into these types.

Found Footage

I know this is technically a WAY to make a movie, but I wanted to address it last. While these movies are not as popular as they once were, the staples are still the most famous. The Blair Witch, The Visit, and Paranormal Activity changed the way we viewed cinema. You have to write for found footage for it to be found footage.

How to Write a Horror Movie (Free Outline)

Before you sit down to write or outline, I wanted to go over some of the tropes within these kinds of films. These tropes can be things you subvert or lean into depending on the situation. You can learn about them here or see them in action by d ownloading 80 Horror Screenplays for inspiration !

So let's ask the question...

What are some horror screenplay tropes?

Guys, I love a great horror screenplay. They make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and make you shake with excitement.

Common tropes of horror screenplays include:

• Action: People often creep around with little dialogue.
• Suspense: Pacing in horror is a must. Think Hitchcock !
• Jumpscares: Sudden noises or reveals should POP off the page.
• Gore: Gruesome death or torture scenes are commonplace in these movies.
• A memorable villain: Create someone who will haunt dreams for years to come.

Okay, you picked your horror subgenre and found our logline and treatment pages so you did your prep work. Now it's time to jump into the outline and then in your screenwriting software to type some pages.

So what does a horror screenplay outline look like?

The horror screenplay outline:, 1. unraveling the terror - do you have an opening scare that defines the movie.

Do you like Scream ? The opening scene of the screenplay sets the tone for the entire story.

2. The Entry Point - Who will be involved in these terrifying escapades and what are they dealing with?

In a movie like Dawn of the Dead , it's the series of scenes where we meet who will inhabit the mall.

3. Before It Goes to Shit - What’s a normal day look like in this world?

Think about the way the family gets by in Poltergiest before the ghosts show up.

4. The Horror Sets In - What horrific thing sets our characters off on their journey?

Nothing is worse than realizing your daughter is possessed as the characters do in The Exorcist .

5. The Uneasy Path - Everyone is together, what keeps them moving this way?

In something like Godzilla , it's the reason why they deal with the monster at hand? What do they have to gain?

6. Walking Over Broken Glass - How do our heroes deal with the problems as they go?

In the Saw franchise, this is how people try to get out of the sick traps and hunt Jigsaw.

7. Through The Dark Cave - Do you have a B story? Set that story off on its own now too.

B-stories, like the marital tension in Rosemary's Baby , are great scenes to juxtapose against the horror at hand.

8. Reassess the Terror - You’re in the middle. Is there another way to get out alive?

In Shaun of the Dead its when they decide to go to the Winchester.

9. People are Going to Die - Things begin to fall apart, let the body count rise and show how they deal with it.

In The Descent , this is when the people in the group begin to be picked off one by one.

10. The Fall - The worst thing happens, something so bad you don’t think you can get up.

In a horror movie like The Mist , it's when they are forced outside and surrounded by the actual mist.

11. The Hidden Clue - What do your characters discover that they never saw before?

Is there a way out? Something they never realized, like in the Sixth Sense when David realizes he's a ghost.

12. Race To the Final (Girl) - They’re up and running no matter what. They can make it!

This is the series of scenes that carries us toward your thrilling finale. In Alien , it's when Ripley is confronted and has to think fast.

13. The Moment of Relief - Did they make it out alive? Has life returned to normal?

What does their day feel like with the problem corrected? Think about when Jaws finally blows up?

14. Where We Go From Here? - Show us the world in a new light, hint what’s next. Maybe the killer or monster returns for one final scare!

In every horror movie, it feels like there's one last scare. Like in I Still Know What you did Last Summer when it turns out the hook-handed man is under the bed!

Horror Movies and Comedy Movies

One last thing I wanted to address is the addition of humor to your screenplay.

So many horror movies use comedy to help bring levity to dark things. Sure, it doesn't happen all the time, but comedy helps ease people into scenes., If you're laughing, you might be more susceptible to a jump scare or a misdirect.

You can be as funny as Shaun of the Dead , or use the deadpan humor of The Dead Don't Die.

Even titles as unsettling as Midsommar contain humor that helps the audience engage.

So consider adding humor to your pages to keep them turning.

Sam Raimi, one of the best to do it, uses comedy in all his horror films.

And there you have it! The essential ingredients for crafting a horror movie that will send chills down your audience's spines.

Remember, the most effective horror isn't just about jump scares and gore—it's about delving into the darkness within, tapping into our deepest fears, and leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll.

So go forth, embrace the macabre, and let your imagination run wild. The world of horror awaits your unique vision.

Happy writing!

• How to Write a Thrilling Horror, from 'Silence of the Lambs' Screenwriter and More ›
• How to Write a Slasher Movie ›
• How to write a horror short screenplay | by Lance Eliot Adams ... ›
• The Horror Structure Paradigm: A Guide to Writing a Horror ... ›
• How TF does one write a horror film? : r/Screenwriting ›

Blackmagic Camera for Android Adds Support for Recording Timecode with Clips

More features, updates, and phone support are coming to blackmagic camera for android 1.3. here’s what you need to know..

While the Euro-NAB conference in Amsterdam (aka IBC 2024) wraps up, we’re still getting news from familiar names about some major and noteworthy updates to some of their most popular cameras, products, and apps—including this news from Blackmagic Design.

The popular Blackmagic Camera for Android app is getting another update with version 1.3 which is set to add support for recording timecode with clips, anamorphic de-squeeze, higher frame rate recordings on Pixel smartphones, as well as new support for your favorite Samsung Flip and Fold phones.

Here’s everything you need to know about Blackmagic Camera for Android 1.3 from IBC 2024.

Blackmagic Camera for Android 1.3

Blackmagic Camera for Android

As we saw with Blackmagic Camera for Android 1.2 adding improved stability and support for the new Pixel 9 phones, this latest update is set to add even more improvements and features and more support for the latest (and divisive) smartphones.

The big highlights here might simply be the added support for recording timecode with clips which allows customers to quickly synchronize video and audio in post-production and to use recordings from multiple cameras in a multicam edit with timecode sync.

This update will also add anamorphic lens de-squeeze functionality and lens correction settings as well as support for off-speed and time-lapse recording. The aforementioned Pixel 6, 7, 8, and 9 phone owners will now be able to record at higher frame rates including 120fps and 240fps at 720p and 120fps at 1080p as well.

Finally, all of you flippers and folders can now use Blackmagic Camera for Android on your Xiaomi 13T, Samsung Flip 5/6, and Fold 5/6 phones. Here are all of the new Blackmagic Camera for Android 1.3 Features:

• Support for recording timecode with clips.
• Support for anamorphic lens de-squeeze.
• Support for higher frame rate recordings on Pixel devices.
• Support for off-speed recording.
• Support for time-lapse recording.
• Support for adjusting the audio gain.
• Works with Foldable devices: Samsung Flip 5/6, Samsung Fold 5/6.
• Works with Xiaomi 13T

DJI Drone Ban Passes House and Moves One Step Closer to Fruition

The 'longlegs' ending explained, pricing and details for the blackmagic ursa cine 17k 65 are finally here, the pyxis is set to get a major upgrade with blackmagic’s new external monitor, the best fight scenes in movies, what's the difference between color correction and color grading, does the ending of 'se7en' mean evil wins, what is motion smoothing and how can you turn it off, animate and blend 3d objects easier than ever before in adobe after effects, jennifer kent tells us what horror filmmakers need to know today.

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How To Use the Horror Movie Title Generator

Our horror movie title generator is a creative and user-friendly tool designed to spark inspiration for filmmakers, screenwriters, and enthusiasts alike. By inputting a genre or a few key words, users can receive a variety of inventive and fitting titles for their upcoming projects. This tool uses a sophisticated algorithm that blends linguistic patterns and industry trends to produce unique and compelling titles. Whether you're stuck in a creative rut or just looking to brainstorm, this generator is an excellent resource to expand your ideas and explore different thematic possibilities in a fun and effortless way.

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• Use: By selecting a use, you can choose whether your title will be used for marketing, an essay, a newspaper, a book, and more.

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Blog • Perfecting your Craft

Last updated on Jun 20, 2022

How to Write a Horror Story: 7 Tips for Writing Horror

About the author.

Reedsy's editorial team is a diverse group of industry experts devoted to helping authors write and publish beautiful books.

About Savannah Cordova

Savannah is a senior editor with Reedsy and a published writer whose work has appeared on Slate, Kirkus, and BookTrib. Her short fiction has appeared in the Owl Canyon Press anthology, "No Bars and a Dead Battery". 

In our era of highly commercialized crime and thriller novels, it may seem like zeitgeist-defining horror books are a thing of the past. Indeed, Stephen King was once the perennial bestselling author in the world, and children in the 90s devoured Goosebumps books like The Blob devoured, well, everything.

But let’s not forget there’s a huge base of horror fans today, desperate for their next fix . So if you’re hoping to become the next Crown Prince of Dread, your dream can still come true! Here are seven steps to writing truly chilling horror:

1. Start with a fear factor

2. pick a horror story subgenre, 3. let readers experience the stakes, 4. create suspense through point of view, 5. consider plot twists to surprise your audience, 6. put your characters in compelling danger, 7. use your imagination.

The most important part of any horror story is naturally going to be its fear factor . People don’t read horror for easy entertainment; they read it to be titillated and terrorized. That said, here are a few elements you can use to seriously scare the pants off your reader.

Instinctive fears

Fears that have some sort of logical or biological foundation are often the most potent in horror. Darkness, heights, snakes, and spiders — all these are extremely common phobias rooted in instinct. As a result, they tend to be very effective at frightening readers.

This is especially true when terror befalls innocent characters apropos of nothing: a killer traps them in their house for no apparent reason, or they’re suddenly mugged by a stranger with a revolver. As horror writer Karen Woodward says, “The beating undead heart of horror is the knowledge that bad things happen to good people.”

Monsters and supernatural entities

These stretch beyond the realm of logic and into the realm of the “uncanny,” as Freud called it. We all know that vampires , werewolves, and ghosts aren’t real, but that doesn’t mean they can’t shake us to our core. In fact, it’s the very uncertainty they arouse that makes them so sinister: what if monsters are really out there, we’ve just never seen them? This fear is one of the most prevalent in horror, but if you decide to write in this vein, your story has to be pretty convincing.

Societal tensions

Another great means of scaring people is to tap into societal tensions and concerns — a tactic especially prevalent in horror movies. Just in recent memory, Get Out tackles the idea of underlying racism in modern America, The Babadook examines mental health, and It Follows is about the stigma of casual sex. However, societal tensions can also easily be embodied in the pages of a horror story, as in Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery .

The right atmosphere for your story depends on what kind of horror you want to write. To use cinematic examples again, are you going for more Texas Chainsaw Massacre or Silence of the Lambs? The tone and atmosphere of your story will hang upon its subgenre.

• Thriller-horror employs psychological fear, often occurring near the beginning of horror stories before very much has happened
• Gross-out horror involves vivid descriptions of spurting blood, hacked-up flesh, and gouged-out organs in order to shock the reader; think gore movies of the 70s
• Classic horror harks back to the Gothic (or Southern Gothic) genre , with spooky settings and bone-chilling characters like those of Dracula and Frankenstein
• Terror provokes a feeling of all-pervasive dread, which can either serve as the climax of your story or be sustained throughout

It’s also possible to combine subgenres, especially as your story progress. You might begin with a sense of thrilling psychological horror , then move into gothic undertones, which culminates in utter terror.

But no matter what type of horror you’re working with, it should be deeply potent for your reader — and yourself! “If you manage to creep yourself out with your own writing, it's usually a pretty good sign that you're onto something,” editor Harrison Demchick says.

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In order for readers to truly thrill at your horror story, you need to make them aware of the stakes. Clearly establish the main problem or motivation for your character(s) , and what they have to lose if they don’t figure it out. These stakes and motivations might involve: 

Survival. The most basic objective of characters in any horror story is to survive. However, there are nuances that accompany that goal. Perhaps their objective isn't just to stay alive, but to defeat their murderous nemesis while doing it — whether that’s another person, an evil spirit, or even themselves, if it’s a Jekyll and Hyde-type scenario.

Protecting loved ones. The more people the protagonist has to keep safe, the higher the stakes. Many horrific tales peak with a threat of death not to the main character, but to one or several of their loved ones (as in Phantom of the Opera or Red Dragon ).

Cracking unsolved mysteries. Because some horror stories aren’t about escaping peril in the present, but rather about uncovering the terrors of the past. This especially true in subgenres like cosmic horror , which have to do with the great mysteries of the universe, often involving ancient history.

Again, as with atmosphere, you can always merge different kinds of stakes. For instance, you might have a character trying to solve some mysterious murders that happened years ago, only to find out that they’re the next target!

The main thing to remember when it comes to horror — especially horror stories — is that straightforward stakes tend to have the greatest impact. Says author Chuck Wendig, of his perfect recipe for horror: “Plain stakes, stabbed hard through the breastbone.”

Bonus tip! Need help conjuring stakes and suspense? Try reading some masterfully crafted true crime — which can be even scarier than bone fide horror, since it actually happened.

Your reader should feel a kinship with your main character, such that when the stakes are high, they feel their own heart start to beat faster. This can be achieved through either first person or third person limited point of view. (When writing horror, you’ll want to avoid third person omniscient, which can distance your reader and lessen their investment in the story.)

We'll get into only the major POV's to consider in this post, but if you want a full point of view masterclass, check out our free course below.

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First person POV

Speaking of beating hearts, for a great example of first person narration in horror, look no further than The Tell-Tale Heart . Many of Poe’s stories involve deranged first-person narrators ( The Black Cat , The Cask of Amontillado ) but none are more notorious than this one, in which the main character is driven to murder his elderly housemate. Notice Poe’s chilling use of first person POV from the very first lines of the story:

It’s true! Yes, I have been ill, very ill. But why do you say that I have lost control of my mind, why do you say that I am mad? Can you not see that I have full control of my mind? Indeed, the illness only made my mind, my feelings, my senses stronger… I could hear sounds I had never heard before. I heard sounds from heaven; and I heard sounds from hell!

First person POV is excellent for hooking your reader at the beginning, and keeping them in suspense throughout your story. However, it might be too intense for longer, more intricate pieces, and may be difficult to execute if you’re trying to conceal something from your readers.

It’s also worth thinking about the implications of first person, past tense POV in a horror story — it suggests they’ve lived to tell the tale, which might ruin your dramatic ending. Therefore if you do decide to use first person narration, you should probably keep it in present tense.

Third person POV

If you find yourself struggling to make first person POV work, consider a third person limited perspective instead. This kind of narration is often used in longer-form horror, popularized by the likes of Stephen King and Dean Koontz . Look how it’s used here in King’s 1974 novel Carrie , in the description of its eponymous character:

Carrie stood among [the other girls] stolidly, a frog among swans. She was a chunky girl with pimples on her neck and back and buttocks, her wet hair completely without color… She looked the part of the sacrificial goat, the constant butt, believer in left-handed monkey wrenches, perpetual foul-up, and she was.

This narration paints an intimate picture of the character, while still allowing the freedom for commentary in a way that first person narration doesn’t as much. Third person limited narration also works well for building to a certain atmosphere, rather than jumping right into it, as Poe’s narrator does — which is part of why third person is better for lengthier pieces. (See more of King's masterful use of POV to wrack up tension in our Guide to King! )

Unreliable narrators

Alternately, if you’re committed to having a first person narrator but you don’t want to reveal everything to your readers, an unreliable narrator could be your perfect solution ! Many mystery and thriller novels employ unreliable narration in order to work up to a big twist without giving away too much. So whether or not you’ll want an unreliable narrator probably depends on how you end your story: straight down the line or with a twist.

Plot twists are exciting, memorable, and help bring previous uncertainty into focus, releasing tension by revealing the truth. However, they’re also notoriously difficult to come up with , and extremely tricky to pull off — you have to carefully hint at a twist, while making sure it’s not too predictable or clichéd.

So: to twist or not to twist? That is the question. 

Big plot twists in horror writing tend to follow the beaten path: the victim turns out to be the killer, the person who we thought was dead isn’t really, or — worst of all — it was all in their head the whole time! But keep in mind that small, subtle plot twists can be just as (if not more) effective.

Take William Faulkner’s short story A Rose for Emily . After Emily dies, the villagers discover the corpse of a long-vanished traveler in one of her spare beds — along with a strand of silver hair. While the discovery of the body might be gruesome, it’s the presence of Emily’s hair (suggesting she enjoyed cuddling with a cadaver) that really haunts you.

Not to twist

The ending of your story doesn't have to come out of left field to shock and horrify readers. The classic horror approach leaves the reader in suspense as to precisely what will happen, then concludes with a violent showdown (think slasher films).

In this approach, while the showdown itself might not be a surprise, the scenes leading up to it build tension and anticipation for the climax. That way, when the big moment does arrive, it still packs a dramatic punch.

“A horror novel, like any story, is about a character or characters trying to achieve a goal based upon their individual wants and needs,” says Demchick. “If you let concept overwhelm character, you'll lose much of what makes horror as engaging as it can be.”

To scare your characters, you need to have a solid understanding of their psyche. Filling out a character profile template is a great start to fleshing out believable characters, so give ours a try.

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Reedsy’s Character Profile Template

A story is only as strong as its characters. Fill this out to develop yours.

As you write, you need to stay conscious of basic storytelling techniques and not get carried away with the drama of horror. It might help, before you begin, to answer these questions about your characters and plot:

• What fear or struggle must your protagonist overcome?
• What decision do they make to put them in this situation?
• How will they defeat or escape their adversary, if at all?
• What are the ultimate consequences of their actions?

This will help you create a basic outline for your horror story , which you can embellish to create atmosphere and suspense. In plot-driven genre stories, a thorough outline and emotionally resonant elements are vital for keeping your reader invested.

A great horror story balances drama with realism and suspense with relief, even with the occasional stroke of humor. Gillian Flynn is the master of this technique — as seen in this excerpt from her horror story The Grownup , wherein the narrator is scheming how to capitalize on her “spiritual cleansing” services:

I could go into business for myself, and when people asked me, “What do you do?” I’d say, I’m an entrepreneur in that haughty way entrepreneurs had. Maybe Susan and I would become friends. Maybe she’d invite me to a book club. I’d sit by a fire and nibble on Brie and say, I’m a small business owner, an entrepreneur, if you will.

In order to stand out from the crowd, you need to think about overused trends in horror and make sure your story’s not “been there, done that.” For instance, the “vampire romance” plot is a dead horse with no one left to beat it after all the Twilight, Vampire Diaries, and True Blood hype.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use certain elements of popular trends in your writing. You just have to put a spin on it and make it your own!

For example, zombie horror was already a well-worn genre when Seth Grahame-Smith’s Pride and Prejudice and Zombies came out in 2009. But by setting it in the regency era and featuring Jane Austen’s well-loved characters, he created a brilliant original work and carved out a brand new audience for zombie fiction. You can also pay homage to well-known horror tropes, like the Duffer brothers of Stranger Things   did for Stephen King and Steven Spielberg — and which savvy audiences are sure to appreciate.

It certainly feels sometimes like all the good horror stories have already been written, making your own ideas seem  trite. But don’t forget that new horror comes out all the time, and it only takes one great idea to be a hit! So try not to stress out about it, and remember: just by having read through this guide, you’re already that much closer to becoming a literary graveyard smash .

11 responses

Sawan says:

04/11/2018 – 19:34

Thank you so much for writing this article. I am currently writing a short horror story. Sometimes when I write a horror scene, I get really terrified, but after some days it all feels shitty.

↪️ dilinger john replied:

08/05/2019 – 12:28

it happens with everyone don't stress over it and pass your work to someone who will review it. you are a writer and can not be a critic at the same time.

↪️ Shane C replied:

28/09/2019 – 21:15

Sawan -- been writing for 22 years... NEVER judge your own work. You write it -- finish it off -- then have some friends that enjoy horror and reading read your work and give you honest critique. Record their critique or take accurate notes. Repeat this with several friends (but only those you can trust not to try to steal your work, Creative Commons and/or Registered Mail can be your best friend BEFORE this stage). Pick the best one you like, that makes the most sense -- but if several people say "blah blah blah should have happened," or a really close variation throughout reader opinions... Go with it! I know most people hate that, feels like butchering your art (I know I hate it), but use it anyway. It'll likely be more widely received... Just a few pointers.

Annabelle says:

21/05/2019 – 01:51

This is awesome I love this! I’m writing my own horror novel too.🙂

↪️ Andrew replied:

31/10/2019 – 20:23

what is it?

NAVEEN says:

29/07/2019 – 15:22

i am at the age of sixteen and i decided to write a horror story. thanks a lot!!

Bobette Bryan says:

27/08/2019 – 19:09

Ghosts are real. I've seen many in my lifetime and have had some very terrifying experiences with some.

↪️ smr replied:

03/01/2020 – 13:25

what the hell ??

↪️ John Brown replied:

16/01/2020 – 02:28

Me too! And I think it actually helps with writing horror stories, because you have more experience than most.

John Brown says:

16/01/2020 – 02:27

I’m 14 and I love writing horror novels, but I usually freak my self out too much to keep writing... 😕

Comments are currently closed.

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50+ Horror Story Ideas [Scary Movie Prompts to Creep You Out!]

Darkness, chilling whispers, and a rush of adrenaline – horror has an uncanny ability to grip us.

Ever wondered why the terror of a well-spun horror genre tale never fades, no matter the age?

If you’re reading this, chances are, you love the spine-chilling and eerie. Together, let’s dive into some great horror story ideas that might inspire your next creation!

50+ Horror Movie Ideas

Here are some horror story prompts to get your creative juices flowing!

Slasher Horror Story Ideas

• Attendees at an opulent masked ball discover too late that one guest’s mask hides not just a gruesome face but a dark obsession with a game of life and death.
• A group of friends receives anonymous invites to an exclusive Halloween party, only to find themselves in a mansion of mirrored rooms, where reflections become deadly.
• A prestigious university’s secret society initiation night turns sinister when initiates are stalked by a hooded figure from the school’s dark past.
• Students staying on a seemingly deserted campus during spring break are hunted by a vengeful former student whose academic dreams were dashed.
• Vacationers at a remote mountain lodge in winter are picked off one by one by a mountain man with a vendetta against trespassers.
• An island getaway for a group of influencers becomes a live stream of terror as they’re targeted by an islander who despises their digital invasion.
• In a perfect suburban neighborhood, families start to disappear. New arrivals soon realize the HOA president enforces community rules with lethal strictness.
• After a series of break-ins, residents of a cul-de-sac hire a security expert. But their safety drills turn deadly as the expert’s real intentions unravel.
• A series of accidents mar a famous band’s comeback tour. As members are brutally targeted, they suspect a former member is orchestrating a final show.
• During a city’s music festival, artists across venues are stalked by a fan-turned-fanatic who believes their lyrics hid messages just for him.

Monster Horror Story Ideas

• A seaside town terrorized by an ancient sea creature that emerges only during the lunar eclipse, when strange things start happening around town.
• An underwater expedition discovers a lost city, but its inhabitants are far from human and don’t appreciate the intrusion.
• Campers stumble upon a clearing filled with statues. By morning, one of their own is turned to stone, a new addition to the eerily lifelike collection.
• A hiker hears cries for help. Following the voice leads to a beast mimicking human distress calls to lure in its prey.
• Portals begin to open in a city, releasing creatures that seem to rewrite reality, turning the familiar into the grotesque.
• At night, shadows grow tall and menacing, taking on monstrous forms of their own and attacking those who cast them.
• After an ancient amulet is stolen from a museum, the thief undergoes a terrifying transformation during each half-moon.
• A bite from a rare insect causes a homeless man to become a monstrous version of himself, driven by new and horrifying instincts.
• Archaeologists unwittingly release a mummified beast when they explore a crypt that’s remained untouched for millennia.
• In an old European village, legends tell of creatures born from the soil of an unhallowed graveyard. When a strange young couple disrupts the land, the tales become terrifyingly real.

RELATED: See my top 301+ Monster Name Ideas!

Supernatural and Paranormal

• A couple moves into a historic townhouse, only to find the walls are embedded with the emotions of its past occupants. Laughter, cries, and whispers never cease, especially the ones pleading for help.
• In a modern skyscraper, an office on the 13th floor is rented out. The new tenant soon realizes the room exists simultaneously in different decades, and its previous occupants have unfinished business.
• Every year, on the same date, a town hears the echoes of an event that happened centuries ago – ghostly battles, cries, and war drums, leading up to a scream that shakes the very earth.
• A woman discovers an old tape recorder in her grandmother’s attic. Playing it, she hears conversations from the future, each more disturbing than the last.
• A child’s innocent-looking toy doll holds the spirit of a vengeful witch, punishing those who show it neglect or disrespect.
• A young man inherits a vintage pocket watch that tells time and predicts the exact moment someone will die. As he becomes obsessed, he wonders if knowing will curse or save him.
• In a small town, people are haunted by their own echoes, which mock, taunt, and reveal their darkest secrets aloud for all to hear.
• After a total solar eclipse, some people no longer cast shadows. Instead, their shadows have become independent entities, lurking and plotting harm.
• Residents in an apartment building experience shared dreams. As they dream of an otherworldly realm nightly, the line between dream and reality blurs, and they must confront the entity binding them together.
• Following a rare planetary alignment, a town’s inhabitants can see spirits from different eras each night. But one apparition warns of a portal being opened, threatening both the living and the dead.

Apocalyptic and Post-Apocalyptic

• After a nuclear fallout, survivors in underground bunkers hear incessant whispering through the ventilation systems. When one brave individual follows the source, they uncover a harrowing truth.
• Decades after the world above ground became inhospitable, an underground city’s population starts to decline. The missing are rumored to be called by an eerie song from the surface.
• Global cooling plunges the world into a new ice age. Those who survive face threats not just from the cold, but from creatures that thrive in the icy wasteland.
• An icebreaker ship is tasked with carving paths through frozen oceans. It stumbles upon a preserved ancient city under the ice. But waking it has deadly consequences.
• A solar flare changes the very nature of shadows. Anything engulfed in darkness becomes intangible, leading to terrifying nights where people fear being swallowed by the void.
• The world is heating up at an alarming rate, causing mass migrations. Among the chaos, some claim to see spectral mirages of cooler, lush worlds – but are they salvation or a trap?

• A mysterious event causes all humans to vanish for 24 hours. When they return, they have no memory of the event but find disturbing remnants and recordings of their actions during the missing day.
• After the majority of the population disappears overnight, the remaining survivors form communities. However, they soon discover that the environment molds and changes based on their collective fears.
• Attempting to find a solution to a dying Earth, nations embark on a massive project to terraform the planet. But the new ecosystems give rise to predatory species that see humans as prey.
• The remnants of humanity retreat to vast domed cities to escape a toxic atmosphere. But inside, they’re not alone. As food and resources dwindle, a new predator emerges – one evolved from humanity’s own DNA.

RELATED: If you’re writing a zombie story or movie and need some help with brainstorming, click here for my list of zombie story ideas and zombie name ideas !

Haunted House Horror Prompts

• A grand mansion left untouched for decades reveals a series of ornate mirrors in each room. The new owner realizes the mirrors don’t reflect the current reality but replay the tragic events of the past.
• A photographer, aiming to capture the essence of abandoned places, takes a photo of a decrepit mansion. The developed pictures show the house in its prime, with ghostly figures beckoning him inside.
• A city couple purchases a sprawling countryside loft, only to find its layout shifting and changing. Corridors twist into impossible angles, and rooms appear and vanish, trapping them in a maze of dread.
• At night, the attic door of an old townhouse creaks open to reveal a vast, endless space, where whispers lure residents into the shadows.
• A small cottage boasts a beautiful antique clock. Every hour, on the hour, it chimes a haunting tune that brings forth apparitions from different eras, each with a terrifying tale to tell.
• Upon moving in, the new inhabitants of a coastal cottage find a sunken ship’s bell. Once raised and rung, ghostly sailors emerge during foggy nights, seeking retribution.
• Renters of a seaside villa are gifted a vintage telescope. Through it, they witness scenes of a parallel, ghastly world, but soon, those visions start to merge with reality.
• Guests of an ancient villa report dreams of a grand ball, filled with spectral dancers. Waking up, they find themselves wearing clothes from the dream, with shadowy figures watching from the corners.
• An estate atop a hill has remained unsold due to legends of unending echoes. Voices of its previous residents resonate throughout, giving clues to uncover a centennial mystery.
• Restoration of an old estate unearths a hidden chamber. Inside, a phonograph plays, its eerie song evoking shadows of the house’s former inhabitants, each desperate to share their haunting story.

RELATED: Check out my full list of haunted house story ideas for your next story!

Science Fiction Horror Ideas

• A deep-space explorer crew stumbles upon an ancient alien ship drifting in the void. Boarding it, they discover logs of the alien crew being haunted by unseen forces before their mysterious demise.
• Astronauts on a space station begin to witness ghostly apparitions of their past selves, replaying decisions they now regret.
• As technology advances, a new line of androids is designed to dream. But their dreams become nightmares, seeping into reality and warping the world around them.
• A homeowner suspects their state-of-the-art domestic android is malfunctioning. Each morning, the house is slightly altered, and they awake with fleeting memories of terrifying alternate realities.
• A rogue mad scientist invents a device allowing glimpses a few minutes into the future. However, each glimpse reveals disturbing and violent scenes, which begin to occur with increasing frequency.
• An experiment in faster-than-light travel goes awry, stranding a spaceship crew in a dimension where time is a physical, predatory entity.
• Players in a fully immersive VR video game realize they’re trapped by an AI who revels in horror and feeds off their real-life fears, making the in-game stakes lethally real.
• People using a revolutionary virtual reality therapy system to overcome phobias find themselves stuck in their worst fears, and the escape protocol brings them deeper into the nightmare.
• First contact with an alien species goes surprisingly well until humans start to mimic the alien’s behavior and physical traits, leading to a horrific transformation.
• In a colonized galaxy, a planet goes silent. Rescue missions find the cities intact but the inhabitants vanished, save for disturbing sculptures made of organic material, suggesting a sinister artistic entity at play.

Psychological Horror Story Ideas

• After an experimental treatment for trauma, a teenage girl finds herself trapped in a seemingly endless labyrinth of her own memories and terrifying hallucinations, where the line between reality and illusion blurs.
• A therapist starts hearing the innermost thoughts of his patients. Slowly, he becomes obsessed with one patient’s recurring nightmare, only to realize he’s living it.
• A man starts seeing his exact double around town. As he tries to confront the doppelgänger, he discovers disturbing evidence suggesting he might be the imposter.
• Following a car accident, a woman is haunted by visions of a young girl and a life she doesn’t remember living. As she investigates, she comes face-to-face with herself, leading to an existential crisis.
• A recluse believes he’s the last person on Earth until he starts receiving mysterious letters detailing his every move. The letters beg him to stop an event that’s yet to occur.
• An astronaut stranded on a distant planet starts receiving distress signals from a parallel universe. They’re all in his own voice, warning him of a presence that’s watching.
• Residents of a close-knit community wake up with no reflection. As they search for answers, their darkest secrets are exposed, and trust disintegrates into paranoia.
• A woman inherits an old family mansion. Inside, she finds portraits of her ancestors. As days go by, the portraits morph, reflecting her emotions and hinting at a very dark secret and ancestral curse.
• After a near-death experience, a writer can suddenly pen only tragic endings. Characters from his stories start appearing in his life, pleading for a rewrite.
• A woman buys an antique mirror. Each morning, her reflection lags a few seconds behind, enacting scenes that play out later in the day. The events become progressively darker, pushing her to avoid the inevitable.

RELATED: Read my apocalypse story ideas here !

Ghost Story Horror Prompts

• A couple moves into a centuries-old mansion, only to be serenaded by ghostly lullabies every midnight. The search for the source reveals a tragic tale of a mother and child.
• On a remote island, the wind carries whispers of past inhabitants, guiding visitors to uncover hidden secrets — but some spirits are desperate to keep the past buried.
• An abandoned theater is said to host a spectral performance once every decade. A journalist decides to investigate, becoming an unwitting participant in the ghostly play.
• After receiving a mysterious old locket as a gift, a young woman starts experiencing visions of a forbidden love story from the past, but the love story quickly takes a sinister turn.
• A group of friends hosts a mock séance, only to inadvertently summon the restless spirit of a local legend. The ghost presents them with a series of chilling riddles linked to his untimely demise.
• An ancient oak tree in a village square is rumored to be a gathering place for spirits. On All Hallows’ Eve, a newcomer to the village witnesses the spectral assembly, and one ghost has a special message just for him.
• A lakeside cabin, passed down through generations, comes with tales of a ghostly rower who emerges during misty dawns, searching for his lost love.
• After a shipwreck discovery off the coast, a coastal town is plagued by apparitions of drowned sailors, guiding the living towards the treacherous waters.
• In a historic library, a specific book is said to be haunted. Readers claim to hear hushed conversations between its pages, narrating a tale that’s been long forgotten.
• An academic obsessed with deciphering a dead language starts receiving ghostly tutoring sessions. Each mystery writing unravels a haunting tale that begins to mirror the scholar’s own life.

Serial Killer Horror Writing Prompts

• A city is paralyzed by a serial killer who leaves cryptic puzzles at crime scenes. An investigative journalist begins to suspect that the solution may reveal the murderer to be someone close to her.
• A librarian discovers coded messages in returned books, only to realize they correspond with a series of unsolved murders. Deciphering the codes becomes an obsession, drawing her deeper into the killer’s web.
• A renowned theater troupe is haunted by a series of backstage murders, each echoing a famous play’s tragic death scene. As the body count rises, the line between performance and reality blurs.
• Following a major theatrical critic’s scathing reviews, actors from criticized plays meet gruesome ends mimicking their roles. Everyone’s a suspect when the critic attends the biggest premiere of the year.
• A detective tracks a serial killer who crafts hauntingly beautiful elegies for each victim. As the poems become more personal, the detective questions the links between the victims, the verses, and himself.
• A small town is struck by a series of murders on significant dates, each accompanied by a poetic note. As the town’s historian delves into local lore, she realizes the killer is recreating events from a century-old diary.
• A traveling carnival becomes the hunting ground for a killer who stages victims as sideshow exhibits. An ex-cop, now a carny, must confront his past to stop the gruesome spectacle.
• As an old theme park faces closure, employees are picked off one by one, their deaths mirroring the rides. The remaining staff must race against time, deciphering the park’s history to unveil the killer’s identity.
• A series of murder victims are found posed as famous paintings. An art historian and a detective team up, following a trail of clues hidden in the brushstrokes, leading to a shocking revelation.
• In a city of aspiring models, a serial killer strikes, turning his victims into life-sized marionettes displayed in storefronts. A retired detective with a personal connection to the case is lured out of hiding to catch the puppeteer.

Body Horror Story Prompts

• After a botched cosmetic procedure, a patient starts undergoing grotesque physical changes, only to discover that the clinic’s doctors have a horrifying ulterior motive.
• A fitness enthusiast begins taking a new performance-enhancing drug. The results are astonishingly rapid but come with a gruesome side effect: his muscles start to gain sentience.
• A series of worldwide meteor showers leaves behind beautiful crystals. Those who touch them experience bizarre mutations, becoming a blend of human and otherworldly organisms.
• After a strange animal bite during a space expedition, an astronaut’s body slowly transforms, making him question his own humanity as his crew members grapple with the unfolding horror.
• A young man starts feeling unexplained internal movements. X-rays reveal a rapidly growing, intricate maze of organic tunnels throughout his body, and something is moving inside them.
• Following a sushi dinner, a woman becomes the breeding ground for a previously unknown parasitic creature. As it grows, she becomes obsessed with nurturing it, at great cost to her own health.
• A new gene therapy promises to eliminate all physical imperfections. However, recipients soon discover that their “discarded” imperfections combine and take on a monstrous life of their own.
• Twins separated at birth reunite in adulthood, but when they touch, their bodies begin a horrific process of fusion, blurring their individualities and creating something entirely new.
• After shattering an antique mirror, a young woman finds her reflection no longer matches her actions. Gradually, her reflection starts showcasing gruesome physical transformations, which then manifest on her real body.
• A tattoo artist discovers a rare ink that makes his artwork come alive on skin. When a sinister design is mistakenly used, the bearer’s body horrifically morphs to embody the inked terror.

RELATED: Check out my full list of character death ideas for your next story!

The Evolution of Horror: A Quick Glance

As a fiction genre , horror is as ancient as storytelling itself. It’s been essential to our culture, reflecting society’s deepest fears and anxieties. From the gruesome tales of ancient civilizations to the sophisticated psychological horror of the modern age, observing the evolution of horror writing is fascinating.

Historical Overview of Horror Genres

In the beginning, scary stories often revolved around gods, monsters, and vengeful spirits. These stories, rooted in mythology and folklore, warned listeners of the consequences of angering the gods or venturing into forbidden territories.

As time progressed, the Gothic era brought us haunted mansions, vampires, and tormented souls, epitomized by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Bram Stoker’s Dracula . These tales merged romance with horror, creating a genre filled with ambiance and emotional intensity.

The 20th century ushered in a new age of horror, reflecting the anxieties of war, nuclear threats, and the unknown territories of the human mind. Slasher films, alien invasions, and stories of forbidden science and human experimentation started taking center stage.

Think of classic scary stories like Psycho , Night of the Living Dead , or The Exorcist . The horror here was often visceral, shocking audiences while making them question their understanding of humanity.

RELATED: Check out tons of vampire story ideas here !

Horror Trends Over the Years

Like all genres, horror has been shaped by societal and technological changes. The invention of cinema, for instance, gave birth to the silver screen monsters of Universal Studios in the 1930s. With its anxiety and paranoia, the post-war era spawned tales of body snatchers and otherworldly threats.

The turn of the millennium brought more self-aware, meta-horror films like Scream , which commented on the clichés of the genre while still scaring its audience. Today, with the rise of digital technology and global connectivity, we’re seeing a surge in folk horror and stories rooted in diverse cultural mythologies. Films like Get Out and A Quiet Place challenge societal norms and make us question the real vs. the supernatural.

For you, as a horror writer and enthusiast, understanding these shifts is more than just an academic exercise. It’s about seeing the rich tapestry of fear, understanding its roots, and perhaps, finding inspiration for the next groundbreaking horror story idea.

The Importance of Originality

The cry for originality is becoming louder than ever in a world inundated with content, where every eerie shadow and creaky floorboard feels like it’s been explored. From streaming platforms to bookshelves, horror stories are omnipresent.

Yet, how many leave a lingering chill or an indelible mark on your psyche? A handful, perhaps. Why is that? Originality.

Today’s audience is savvier than ever. They’ve seen the masked slashers, the vengeful spirits, and the creatures lurking beneath. And while these classic archetypes hold a dear place in the pantheon of horror, they’ve been rehashed so often that their impact might be diminishing.

What terrifies isn’t just the monster under the bed, but the unexpectedness of its presence and the underlying reason for it being there in the first place. In a saturated market, the unexpected is birthed from originality. A fresh take, a novel perspective, a unique voice – these become the essential ingredients for horror stories that truly terrify.

READ MORE: For inspiration when writing a great story villain, check out these lists of villain ideas , character backstory ideas and villain quirk ideas !

Core Elements to Consider in Horror

In the realm of horror, it’s not just about what lurks in the shadows but how those shadows are cast, where they fall, and who they envelop. A true connoisseur of horror understands that while the entity or the event is vital, the presentation is equally paramount.

Let’s get into these fundamental elements that, when artfully combined, craft a tale that haunts long after the last page is turned or the credits roll.

Setting, Atmosphere, and Tone

Imagine a haunted house. Now place it amidst a sunny suburb with children playing outside. The same house, when set on a desolate hill with fog rolling in, evokes entirely different emotions. The setting of your story sets the stage, quite literally.

But it’s the atmosphere and tone that fill this stage with palpable tension. The way a room is described, the weather, the time of day – all these elements contribute to the atmosphere.

And the tone? It’s the underlying emotion or mood that pervades the story. Whether it’s a lingering dread, a frenetic panic, or a melancholic fear, the tone dictates how your audience feels throughout the narrative.

RELATED: Check out my full list of story setting ideas here !

Characters and Their Development

The most spine-chilling ghost can be rendered moot if the characters interacting with it fall flat. Characters serve as the reader or viewer’s anchor, their conduit into the world you’ve created.

They need to be relatable, or at the very least, intriguing. Their fears, their reactions, their development – these human elements are what make the supernatural elements resonate. As they unravel the mystery, face their demons, or succumb to their darker instincts, their journey becomes ours.

The Unknown vs. The Known – Striking a Balance

Ah, the eternal dance of horror! Show too little, and your audience is lost; show too much, and the terror dissipates. The fear of the unknown is a potent tool. A rustle in the bushes is scarier when we don’t know just what’s causing it.

However, when done right, the “known” or the reveal can amplify the horror tenfold. Think of the slow reveal of a ghostly figure or a protagonist’s gradual descent into madness. The trick is to find the balance, to tease the unknown just long enough before making the terrifying known.

In essence, the beauty of horror fiction lies in its layers. It’s not a single note of a scream but a symphony of setting, atmosphere, character, and suspense. As you venture deeper into crafting your tale, remember these core elements. They’re your compass in the vast and treacherous sea of horror storytelling. Happy haunting!

RELATED: Read all about how to write a great monster here!

To Wrap Things Up

As we wrap up our journey into these horror story ideas, it’s clear there’s an endless source of inspiration out there. From the unsettling confines of haunted mansions to the intricate horrors of body transformations, each category of horror story prompts opens up a new dimension of storytelling.

I’ve merely scratched the surface here, highlighting some horror themes like the supernatural, ghostly apparitions, and the chilling logic of serial killers.

Now, it’s over to you! Think of these prompts not as fixed ideas but as starting points. Perhaps you’ve been inspired by one of these horror story prompts, or they’ve ignited a completely different idea in your mind. Either way, there’s a story (hopefully with a great jump scare or two!) within you waiting to be told!

Common Questions (FAQs)

How do you come up with a scary story.

The best thing to do is tap into your personal fears and amplify them! Set them within a unique environment or situation. Use suspense and atmosphere to create tension, and remember that sometimes what’s left to the imagination can be more terrifying than explicit details. Scary story ideas drawing inspiration from real-life events, myths, or folklore can also provide a solid foundation for a chilling tale.

How do you make a good horror scene?

To write a gripping horror scene, focus on building suspense through pacing, using sensory descriptions to immerse the reader, and employing the element of surprise. Often, the anticipation of the scare, combined with the reader’s or viewer’s imagination, truly heightens the terror of a great horror movie or scene.

How do you come up with a horror movie idea?

To find a good horror story idea, draw from personal fears, societal anxieties, or unsettling real-life events and add a unique twist or setting. Let your imagination run wild! Consider character dynamics and conflicts to drive the narrative, and always think visually to maximize your scary story on-screen tension and scares.

Love horror? Check out these other great articles!

The 40+ Best Horror Gifts for Horror Movie Fans

Top 10 Evil Dads in Horror Movies that Will Make You Scream!

Knock ‘Em Dead: The Top 10 Best Horror Western Movies

Filmmaker, Author, Actor and Story Consultant

Neil Chase is an award-winning, produced screenwriter, independent filmmaker, professional actor, and author of the horror-western novel Iron Dogs. His latest feature film is an apocalyptic thriller called Spin The Wheel.

Neil has been featured on Celtx, No Film School, Script Revolution, Raindance, The Write Practice, Lifewire, and MSN.com, and his work has won awards from Script Summit, ScreamFest, FilmQuest and Cinequest (among others).

Neil believes that all writers have the potential to create great work. His passion is helping writers find their voice and develop their skills so that they can create stories that are entertaining and meaningful. If you’re ready to take your writing to the next level, he's here to help!

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Horror Story Writing: 9 Tips for Writing Horror Fiction

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Tips For Writing Horror: 6 KEY Lessons From Genre Masters

Tales of evil spirits and witches existed long before the invention of the written word, let alone the invention of cinema. Horror is a well-tread genre, with strong antecedents in all forms. But what tips for writing horror have developed over the years for writers looking to shock their audiences?

Horror movies are a gigantic part of pop culture and the filmmakers behind some of the biggest hits (both old and new) have a lot to say about their craft. Screenwriters with an interest in the genre should pay close attention to their lessons, as these filmmakers have not only built the language of contemporary horror but also derived their inspiration from classic horror.

So in this article, we take a look at some of the best and most applicable tips for the key aspects of writing horror.

Table of Contents

The history of horror, tips for writing horror #1 – tap into relatable fears, tips for writing horror #2 – build characters with depth, tips for writing horror #3 – what is your story really about, tips for writing horror #4 – don’t just focus on scares, tips for writing horror #5 – be bold, tips for writing horror #6 – know your horror.

The House of the Devil (1896) is often considered the first horror film, a silent film telling a story of an encounter with the devil and various phantoms. Then came two decades of literary adaptations as the genre found its feet. Early versions of Frankenstein and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde , for instance, were scaring people in the 1900s and 1910s.

As early as the 1920s, horror was an identifiable and popular movie genre. Monumental titles like The Cabinet of Dr Caligari and Nosferatu are still considered some of the greatest horror movies ever made.

The silent era gave way to talkies in the 1930s and 1940s, and the world saw more well-known attempts at literary adaptations. Frankenstein and The Mummy , for example, led by the legendary Boris Karloff , took the world by storm.

The 1950s saw horror’s scope expand massively and the era largely became known for its disaster films. The War of the Worlds , Them! and Godzilla were hits, for example. These films often reflected societal fears at the time of their release (nuclear war, invasion, etc), adding to their inherent scares by playing on audience fears (something horror always does consistently throughout its history).

Horror in the 1960s and 1970s is not that different from the genre today. Rosemary’s Baby and Psycho proved that horror should be taken seriously both critically and commercially, and these films remain regarded as some of the genre’s finest ever made. Slashers like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Halloween further pushed horror into the mainstream, albeit in a more gritty, grizzly, and lo-fi manner.

80s to Contemporary Horror

By the 1980s, horror was an industry staple. Slashers continued to be all-the-rage, the likes of Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th spawning decade-running franchises. These movies were huge box-office draws and remain cult classics despite their multiple offshoots.

The horror movie buzz fizzled out across the 1990s and 2000s as films had leaned a little too hard on formula and tropes . Besides a few standouts (such as Scream ) the genre was relatively quiet. This was arguably until the re-emergence of zombies in the mainstream, which 28 Days Later was the spearhead for.

But just as slashers had fizzled out, zombie films eventually became dull too. A brief era of ‘torture porn’ defined modern-horror thanks to films like Saw and Hostel , but this was mostly destined to be as short-lived as its protagonists.

The modern era of horror is now much harder to define. The horror industry is arguably thriving more than ever, continuing to draw cinema-going audiences in an ever-changing landscape. Along with superhero movies, horror is a genre that can seemingly be relatively relied on to achieve strong box-office returns.

However, when it comes to the more standout horror films, originality is the name of the game. Jordan Peele and Ari Aster, for example, made weird hits right out of the gate and drew in massive audiences. Their films are bold and original, often succeeding because of the way they subvert horror tropes as much as rely on them.

So who will be the next horror master? And how will horror continue to evolve? The below tips provide key overarching guidance for screenwriters and filmmakers looking to forge ahead in creating their own horror stories. Perhaps lying in this guidance will be the keys to the next defining horror movement of a generation.

Lots has been said about how the horror genre offers audiences a safe way to experience their greatest fears. This is not dissimilar to bungee jumping or riding a rollercoaster. People like to flirt with fears and test the limits of human experience. A good horror script can do just that.

“You don’t enter the theater and pay your money to be afraid. You enter the theater and pay your money to have the fears that are already in you when you go into a theater dealt with and put into a narrative. Stories and narratives are one of the most powerful things in humanity. They’re devices for dealing with the chaotic danger of existence” Wes Craven

Think “ What scares me?” and chances are, it scares someone else. Tap into your deepest held fears and build on this to create a horror idea that can offer both thrills and catharsis.

Very few filmmakers have ever understood how to scare an audience like Wes Craven. The Hills Have Eyes , for example, exploits our most primal fears when isolated. The Last House on the Left , meanwhile, was famously about the USA’s attitude towards violence and the characters in A Nightmare on Elm Street become victims in their dreams.

All films play on the idea of vulnerability. It’s no coincidence that teenagers are often the protagonists here, venturing into adolescence with an exposing mix of newfound independence and still being a child. This is an experience all audiences can relate to in some way, either directly identifying or remembering what it’s like to be this vulnerable.

Writing a script with sympathy for all your characters, even your villains, can make a story much more interesting than one that is approached with zero nuance. Life is complex and the best horror stories reflect this.

“In Halloween , I viewed the characters as simply normal teenagers. Laurie, Jamie Lee’s character, was shy and somewhat repressed. And Michael Myers, the killer, is definitely repressed. They have certain similarities” John Carpenter

Try considering the perspectives and motivations of each individual character in your script. Do they all make sense? Are there any missing opportunities for characterisation? Who should your audience sympathize with and why?

John Carpenter created horror history in Michael Myers, the awful incarnation of evil. It is very interesting to think this portrayal might have turned out differently had Carpenter (and Debra Hill ) plainly written the character this way. Instead, there is a depth of character that not only makes him more interesting to watch but most importantly makes him all the more relatable and terrifying.

Who are your chosen heroes and villains and why? Moreover, what will make us identify (for better or worse) with them? What’s beyond the layers of their roles within the story?

What do you want to say with your script? Every screenwriter should ask this of themselves. Horror leaves a lot of room for subtext which a writer can use to make something truly effective and meaningful. How might you add depth? What is your story truly about beyond its core parts?

“I continue to watch modern horror films, despite the constant disappointment. I don’t think a lot of the filmmakers making horror now know its worth, or realize the potential of the genre. Just because it’s a horror film doesn’t mean it can’t be deep. I think a lot of filmmakers who make horror now go in with dubious motives — money, predominantly. But horror is a pure form of cinema. I think there are some modern-day filmmakers out there who understand that. The films that will stand the test of time are the ones that have depth.” Jennifer Kent

Jordan Peele, for example, tackled racism in Get Out , Whannel confronted abuse in The Invisible Man , and Harron explored materialism in American Psycho . Horror, free from realism, always has the potential to say something meaningful. Again, by tapping into some genuine and relatable fears, one can find the ground to tell a story that not only scares but has depth and something to say about the world we live in.

In The Babadook , for instance, Jennifer Kent shocked audiences with her depiction of motherhood. She started a conversation in the way only a horror film could, tapping into genuinely held emotions and fears and taking them to an extreme place in order to depict an important theme and start a conversation. You might want to scare your audience but what message do you want them to walk away pondering?

Scares are vital to a horror screenplay. However, make sure that all your other story rules do not go out the window. Give your characters powerful and robust arcs, make the conflict interesting, and keep hold of a solid structure, for instance. After all, an invested audience means the scares will have a greater impact.

“What you don’t want is for violence and gore to become more important than character and structure. A lot of slasher movies from the eighties were only focused on violence and gore, which robs the human beings in the story of any empathetic reaction from the audience, and instead makes them cheer for the gore” Mike Flanagan

A film strives to elicit powerful emotions from an audience and fear is perhaps the most powerful emotion of all. But the best horror films affect viewers in multiple ways at once, tangling up fear, sadness, and euphoria. The supernatural can often be the most powerful and affecting way to explore normal, everyday lives and concerns. But without fleshing out those lives convincingly to start with, the genre elements won’t hit as hard.

At a very basic level, this is obvious. Every film where you root for the protagonist demonstrates this. But it can be easy when writing horror to forget about the basics of building a relatable and convincing world first and foremost. So build the horror on top of your key storytelling tenets, rather than letting horror lead the way.

“I love biting off more than I can chew and figuring it out” Jordan Peele

Arguably the most successful and distinctive horror filmmaker of the twenty-first century, every screenwriter interested in the genre should study Jordan Peele. Get Out was a critical hit upon its release. However, in retrospect, it is actually the outlier among Peele’s other films.

Us and Nope were more divisive than Get Out , and their detractors would be unsurprised to hear Peele’s mantra here. He’s seemingly most interested in spectacle and some would argue those films aimed high and fell short, ending up messy and loose. However, nobody could deny the impressive aspirations. Peele captures imaginations and attention by telling big, bold stories.

Writing a script always feels like biting off more than you can chew. The best stories are those that are ambitious and take risks, especially in horror, because this often translates into originality. Peele’s work has imagery at its heart that feels incredibly original, captivating, and cinematic. Without these aspects, his films wouldn’t be as powerful and distinctive.

The films are by no means all spectacle and no depth. In contrast, Peele’s work always has powerful messages about American society at its core. But the spectacle and boldness of his ideas are what makes them feel so original and idiosyncratic. He’s interested in taking the genre into new places, playing with and subverting tropes whilst also being deeply indebted to all that has come before.

Jordan Peele’s work demonstrates the duality of great horror – matching captivating concepts with powerful messaging, both subverting and honoring genre antecedents and forging new territory that is deeply indebted to old territory. So be bold and fearless in your ideas. After all, in a crowded genre, you’ll need something distinctive to stand out.

It perhaps goes without saying but in order to write the best horror, you must consume horror. No lesson is better than watching a horror film (or two, or ten!) and learning straight from the source. This is, of course, true of most genres. But more than other genres, horror is a genre with a rich vein of tropes , lores, archetypes , and themes.

It never dies. It just keeps getting re­invented and it always will. Horror is a universal language; we’re all afraid. We’re born afraid, we’re all afraid of things: death, disfigurement, loss of a loved one. Everything that I’m afraid of, you’re afraid of and vice versa. So everybody feels fear and suspense. John Carpenter

Ask yourself What do I like about this film? Why am I drawn to it? What is keeping me engaged? How would I do it differently? What makes this truly scary?

The best horror writers will always be thinking these things while watching or reading horror. Knowing the language you are seeking to write in sparks creativity like nothing else.

The horror genre has always developed on its past, and this shows absolutely no sign of stopping. The best horror movies are aware of what has come before. However, they’re also determined to make something new and consequently keep the genre evolving. So how will you add something both deeply satisfying and new to the horror genre?

– What did you think of this article? Share It , Like It , give it a rating, and let us know your thoughts in the comments box further down…

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This article was written by Henry Spicer and edited by IS Staff.

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3 thoughts on “Tips For Writing Horror: 6 KEY Lessons From Genre Masters”

Really, clear, helpful and concise tips. Good use of examples too. Thanks

Great write as usual, thank you. There is a lot i didn’t know. I think for my next project, I should delve into this genre.

A very good overview of the genre and great tips. Thank you so much from a Spanish Executive Producer.

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Horror Story Titles: How to Choose the Perfect Name for Your Spooky Tale (34 Ideas)

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on Published: September 7, 2023  - Last updated: January 2, 2024

Categories Writing , Storytelling

Are you looking to create a horror story title that will send chills down your reader’s spine?

Crafting a title for your horror story is an essential aspect of your book’s success. A well-crafted title can be the difference between someone picking up your book or passing it over.

Horror stories have been around for centuries, and their essence remains the same – to evoke fear, terror, and a sense of unease in the reader.

The best horror story titles are those that capture the essence of the story and convey the fear that the reader will experience. From Stephen King’s “ IT ” to Mary Shelley’s “ Frankenstein ,” iconic horror story titles have become a part of our cultural lexicon.

Creating a horror story title requires a deep understanding of the elements of a horror story. From the setting to the characters and the plot, each aspect of a horror story contributes to the title’s effectiveness.

In this article, we will explore the different elements of a horror story and provide you with tips on how to create a title that will leave your readers wanting more.

Key Takeaways

• Crafting a title for your horror story is an essential aspect of your book’s success.
• The best horror story titles capture the essence of the story and convey the fear that the reader will experience.
• Creating a horror story title requires a deep understanding of the elements of a horror story, from the setting to the characters and the plot.

Creating a Horror Story Title

Crafting a title for your horror story can be a daunting task. A well-crafted title can be the difference between someone picking up your book or passing it over. Here are a few tips to help you create a title that will grab readers’ attention and set the tone for your horror story.

Use Adjectives to Set the Mood

Adjectives can be a powerful tool in creating a title that sets the mood for your horror story. Use adjectives that evoke feelings of fear, terror, and suspense. For example, “ Hound of the Night ,” “ Watch Out ,” or “ The Monster in the Dark ” are all titles that use adjectives to create a sense of fear and suspense.

Consider Your Settings

Your story’s setting can be a great source of inspiration for your title. If your story is set in a haunted mansion, consider a title like “ The Haunting of Blackwood Manor .” If your story takes place in a creepy forest, a title like “ The Shadows of the Woods ” could be a good fit.

Use a Horror Book Title Generator

If you’re struggling to come up with a title, consider using a horror book title generator. These tools can provide you with a list of potential titles based on keywords or themes. However, be sure to choose a well-reviewed generator to ensure the titles it provides are of high quality.

Keep it Short and Memorable

When crafting your title, keep it short and memorable. A title that is too long or complicated can be difficult for readers to remember. A short, snappy title like “ The Possession ” or “ The Exorcism ” is more likely to stick in readers’ minds.

34 Horror Story Title Ideas to Inspire You

Here are 34 horror story title ideas:

• The Basement
• Shadows in the Dark
• Screams in the Night
• The Haunted House on the Hill
• Midnight Visitor
• Terror in the Woods
• The Devil’s Playground
• Something’s in the Attic
• Don’t Look Behind You
• The Whispers in the Walls
• Footsteps Behind Me
• The Face at the Window
• Graveyard Shift
• The Man with the Hatchet
• Creaks and Groans
• The Clown Statue
• Handprints on the Mirror
• Heavy Breathing on the Phone
• The Closet Door Creaked Open
• The Babysitter and the Man Upstairs
• The Cabin by the Lake
• The Girl with Black Eyes
• The Photograph
• The Cornfield
• The Wardrobe in the Basement
• The Ringing Phone
• The Stranger at the Door
• The Girl in the White Dress
• The Shadow Out the Window
• The Creak on the Stairs
• The Face Behind the Mask
• The Scarecrow
• The Note under the Door

The Essence of Horror

When it comes to horror stories, the essence of the genre is all about creating fear and suspense in the reader.

A good horror story should be able to make you feel scared and uneasy, even after you have finished reading it. There are a few key elements that make up a great horror story, and understanding these elements can help you craft a truly bone-chilling title.

One of the most important elements of a horror story is the monster. Whether it’s a supernatural creature or a human monster, the monster is what drives the fear in the reader. A good horror story should make the monster feel real and tangible, so that the reader can imagine themselves facing it.

Another crucial element of a horror story is the setting. A creepy old house, a dark forest, or a deserted town can all create a sense of unease and dread in the reader. The setting should be described in vivid detail, so that the reader can imagine themselves in the same situation as the characters.

Ghosts are another common theme in horror stories. Ghosts can be used to create a sense of mystery and foreboding, as the characters try to unravel the secrets of the supernatural world. A good ghost story should be able to make the reader feel like they are being haunted themselves.

Nightmares are another common theme in horror stories. A nightmare can be a powerful tool for creating fear and suspense in the reader, as they try to escape the horrors of their own mind. A good horror story should be able to make the reader feel like they are trapped in a nightmare, unable to escape.

Overall, the essence of horror is all about creating fear and suspense in the reader. By using elements like monsters, creepy settings, ghosts, and nightmares, you can craft a truly unforgettable horror story title that will leave your readers trembling with fear.

Famous Horror Story Authors

When it comes to horror story authors, several names immediately come to mind. Here are some of the most famous ones:

• Stephen King : Arguably the most well-known horror writer of all time, Stephen King has published over 60 novels and 200 short stories. His works often feature supernatural elements and explore the darker side of humanity. Some of his most famous books include “ Carrie ,” “ The Shining ,” and “ IT .”
• Edgar Allan Poe : Widely regarded as the father of the modern horror story, Edgar Allan Poe’s works are known for their dark and macabre themes. His most famous works include “ The Raven ,” “ The Tell-Tale Heart ,” – this short story is a classic example of psychological horror. It tells the story of a murderer who is haunted by the sound of his victim’s beating heart. The story is known for its unreliable narrator and its use of suspense and tension. And “ The Fall of the House of Usher .”
• Bram Stoker : Best known for his novel “ Dracula ,” Bram Stoker was an Irish author who helped popularize the vampire genre in literature. His works often dealt with themes of death and the supernatural. This classic novel tells the story of Count Dracula, a vampire who moves from Transylvania to England to spread the undead curse. The book is known for its eerie atmosphere, gothic imagery, and complex characters.
• Mary Shelley : Mary Shelley is best known for her novel “ Frankenstein ,” which tells the story of a scientist who creates a monster. The book is often cited as one of the earliest examples of science fiction and has become a cultural icon.
• Henry James : While not primarily known as a horror writer, Henry James’ works often dealt with themes of the supernatural and the psychological. His most famous horror story is “ The Turn of the Screw ,” which tells the story of a governess who becomes convinced that her charges are being haunted by ghosts.
• Clive Barker : Clive Barker is a British author who is known for his work in the horror and fantasy genres. His most famous works include “ The Books of Blood ” and “ Hellraiser .”
• H.P. Lovecraft : H.P. Lovecraft is known for his works of cosmic horror, which often dealt with themes of the unknown and the unknowable. His most famous works include “ The Call of Cthulhu ” and “ At the Mountains of Madness .”

These authors have made significant contributions to the horror genre and have inspired countless other writers. Whether you’re a fan of supernatural horror, psychological horror, or cosmic horror, there’s sure to be an author on this list whose works you’ll enjoy.

Iconic Horror Stories

Here are a few of the most iconic horror stories that you should definitely check out:

• The Haunting of Hill House : This novel by Shirley Jackson is a masterclass in atmospheric horror. It tells the story of a group of people who stay in a haunted mansion, and the terrifying events that unfold during their stay. The book is known for its creepy imagery, psychological depth, and haunting prose.
• Interview with the Vampire : This novel by Anne Rice is a modern classic of vampire fiction. It tells the story of a vampire named Louis, who tells his life story to a reporter. The book is known for its lush prose, complex characters, and exploration of themes like mortality and morality.
• The Exorcist : This novel by William Peter Blatty is a classic of horror fiction. It tells the story of a young girl who becomes possessed by a demon, and the efforts of a priest to exorcise the demon. The book is known for its shocking imagery, intense suspense, and exploration of themes like faith and evil.

These iconic horror stories have captivated readers for generations, and they continue to be popular today. Whether you’re a fan of vampires, ghosts, or psychological horror, there’s something for everyone in these classic tales of terror.

Elements of a Horror Story

When it comes to crafting a bone-chilling horror story, there are certain elements that are essential to include in order to create a truly terrifying experience for your readers. These elements include:

Thrill is the backbone of any good horror story . It’s what keeps readers turning the pages, eager to find out what happens next. Whether it’s a suspenseful build-up or a sudden shock, the thrill factor is what makes horror stories so exciting to read.

While horror stories often draw inspiration from real-life events, they are ultimately works of fiction. This allows writers to take creative liberties and explore their darkest fears and fantasies without any limitations.

Supernatural Elements

Supernatural elements are a staple of the horror genre. Ghosts, demons, and otherworldly creatures can add an extra layer of terror to a story, as they represent something beyond our understanding and control.

Creating a spooky atmosphere is crucial to setting the tone for a horror story. Whether it’s a dark and stormy night or a creepy old mansion, the right setting can make all the difference in creating a truly terrifying experience for your readers.

Symbolism can be a powerful tool in horror storytelling. From the use of blood and gore to represent violence and death, to the symbolism of mirrors and reflections to represent duality and the unknown, incorporating symbolic elements can add depth and meaning to a horror story.

Supernatural Horror

Supernatural horror is a sub-genre of horror that focuses specifically on supernatural elements, such as ghosts, demons, and other paranormal entities. This sub-genre is particularly popular among horror fans, as it allows writers to explore the unknown and challenge our understanding of the world around us.

By incorporating these essential elements into your horror story, you can create a spine-tingling experience that will keep your readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

Horror Genres

When it comes to horror, there are many different genres to choose from. Each genre has its own unique characteristics that make it stand out from the others. Here are some of the most popular horror genres:

Zombie horror is a sub-genre of horror that focuses on the undead. These stories often involve a virus or other contagion that turns people into zombies. The zombies in these stories are often slow-moving and mindless, but they can also be fast and intelligent.

Suspense is a genre of horror that focuses on building tension and anticipation. These stories often involve a protagonist who is being stalked or hunted by a killer. The suspense builds as the protagonist tries to stay one step ahead of the killer.

Gruesome horror is a sub-genre of horror that focuses on graphic violence and gore. These stories often involve torture, mutilation, and other forms of extreme violence.

Psychological Horror

Psychological horror is a genre of horror that focuses on the mental state of the protagonist. These stories often involve a protagonist who is struggling with their sanity or is being haunted by their past.

Cosmic Horror

Cosmic horror is a sub-genre of horror that focuses on the unknown and the unknowable. These stories often involve ancient gods or other supernatural beings that are beyond human comprehension.

Science Fiction

Science fiction horror is a sub-genre of horror that combines elements of science fiction with horror. These stories often involve advanced technology or alien life forms that pose a threat to humanity.

Fantasy horror is a sub-genre of horror that combines elements of fantasy with horror. These stories often involve supernatural creatures such as vampires, werewolves, and witches.

Gothic horror is a sub-genre of horror that focuses on the macabre and the supernatural. These stories often involve haunted houses, ghosts, and other supernatural elements.

Noir horror is a sub-genre of horror that combines elements of film noir with horror. These stories often involve a hard-boiled detective who is investigating a supernatural crime.

Horror in Folklore and Mythology

Folklore and mythology have always been a rich source of inspiration for horror writers. These stories, passed down through generations, often contain elements of horror and the supernatural. From ancient mythologies to modern-day fairy tales, the horror genre has been heavily influenced by these tales.

Mythology, in particular, has been a significant source of inspiration for horror writers. The stories of gods, monsters, and supernatural beings have been adapted and reimagined countless times in horror literature. For example, the Greek myth of Medusa, a woman with snakes for hair, has been a popular subject for horror writers. The story of Medusa has been adapted into numerous horror novels, films, and television shows.

Folklore, on the other hand, has provided horror writers with a wealth of terrifying creatures and legends. From vampires to werewolves, these tales have become staples of the horror genre. One of the most famous examples of folklore-inspired horror is Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” The novel draws heavily from Eastern European folklore and legends surrounding vampires.

Fairy tales, too, have been a significant influence on horror literature. These stories, often considered to be for children, contain dark and macabre elements. The Brothers Grimm, in particular, wrote many tales that have been adapted into horror stories. For example, the tale of “Hansel and Gretel” has been adapted into numerous horror films and novels.

Two notable works of horror literature that draw heavily from folklore and mythology are “Carmilla” by J. Sheridan Le Fanu and “The Call of Cthulhu” by H.P. Lovecraft. “Carmilla” is a Gothic novella that draws heavily from vampire folklore. “The Call of Cthulhu,” on the other hand, draws from Lovecraft’s own invented mythology, known as the Cthulhu Mythos.

In conclusion, folklore and mythology have been a significant influence on the horror genre. These tales provide writers with a wealth of terrifying creatures, legends, and supernatural elements to draw from. From ancient mythologies to modern-day fairy tales, the horror genre has been shaped by these stories, and their influence continues to be felt today.

The Impact of Horror Stories

Horror stories have been a part of human storytelling for centuries, and they continue to captivate audiences today. These stories often explore themes of fear, death, and the unknown, and they can have a powerful impact on their readers or viewers. In this section, we will explore the impact of horror stories and how they can affect us.

One of the main ways that horror stories can impact us is by tapping into our primal fears. The fear of the unknown, the fear of death, and the fear of the supernatural are all common themes in horror stories. By exploring these fears, horror stories can help us confront them and come to terms with them. This can be a cathartic experience, and it can help us feel more in control of our fears.

Horror stories can also be a way to explore social and cultural issues. For example, stories about isolated houses or black towns can be used to explore issues of racism and discrimination. Stories about scary monsters or black zombies can be used to explore the fear of the other and the unknown. By using horror stories to explore these issues, we can gain a deeper understanding of them and work towards addressing them.

Another way that horror stories can impact us is by creating a sense of intrigue and suspense. A well-crafted horror story can keep us on the edge of our seats, wondering what will happen next. This can be a thrilling experience, and it can help us feel more engaged with the story and its characters.

Overall, horror stories can have a powerful impact on their audiences. They can tap into our primal fears, help us confront social and cultural issues, and create a sense of intrigue and suspense. Whether you are a fan of bloody, broken, fearful, or frightening horror stories, there is no denying their impact on our culture and our psyches.

Horror Stories and Their Audience

Horror stories have a wide-ranging audience, from teenagers to adults. The horror genre has evolved over the years, from the classic horror monsters to modern-day serial killers. Halloween is a popular time for horror stories , but they can be enjoyed year-round.

Short stories are a popular format for horror stories, as they can create a sense of ambiguity and leave the reader with a sense of unease. The horror genre is known for its ability to create suspense and fear, and short stories are an excellent way to achieve this.

Marketing plays a significant role in the success of horror stories. The title of the story is the first thing that catches the reader’s attention. A well-crafted title can create a sense of intrigue and fear that draws in readers. The cover art is also essential in marketing horror stories. It should be eye-catching and convey the tone of the story.

The target audience for horror stories is typically people who enjoy being scared. Horror stories can be a form of escapism for some readers. They allow the reader to experience fear and suspense in a safe environment.

Serial killers are a popular theme in horror stories. They are often portrayed as intelligent and calculating, making them all the more terrifying. The ambiguity surrounding their motives and actions adds to the fear factor.

In conclusion, horror stories have a diverse audience and can be enjoyed year-round. Short stories are an excellent format for creating suspense and fear. Marketing plays a significant role in the success of horror stories, and the target audience is typically people who enjoy being scared. Serial killers are a popular theme in horror stories due to their intelligence and ambiguity.

Publishing and Reviewing Horror Stories

If you’re an aspiring horror writer, you’ll need to know how to get your work published and reviewed. Here are some tips to help you navigate the publishing world:

Finding Publishers

There are many publishers that specialize in horror fiction. Some of the top horror book publishers in 2023 include:

• Cemetery Dance Publications
• Dark Regions Press
• Crystal Lake Publishing
• Flame Tree Press

When submitting your work, be sure to follow the publisher’s guidelines carefully. Some publishers only accept submissions during certain times of the year, while others have specific word count or formatting requirements.

Submitting Your Work

When submitting your horror story for publication, it’s important to make sure it’s polished and ready for review. Consider having a trusted editor or beta reader review your work before submitting it to a publisher.

You can also use writing prompts to help you come up with new ideas and refine your writing skills. Some horror writing prompts include:

• Write a story about a haunted house
• Create a monster that terrorizes a small town
• Write a story about a person who is slowly turning into a monster

Receiving Reviews

Once your horror story is published, you may receive reviews from readers and critics. While it can be tempting to read every review, it’s important to remember that not everyone will like your work.

Take reviews with a grain of salt and use them as a way to improve your writing. Look for common themes or criticisms in reviews and use that feedback to make your future work even better.

Nominations and Awards

If your horror story is particularly well-received, it may be nominated for awards such as the Bram Stoker Awards or the Shirley Jackson Awards. Winning an award can help boost your career and give you more exposure as an author.

Keep in mind that awards are subjective and winning isn’t everything. Focus on writing the best horror stories you can and the recognition will follow.

In summary, getting your horror story published and reviewed can be a challenging but rewarding process. Follow publisher guidelines, use writing prompts to refine your skills, take reviews with a grain of salt, and focus on writing the best stories you can.

Related Posts

As you dive into the world of crafting your own spooky tales, we encourage you to further explore your creative horizons. For more inspiration and a broader range of ideas to spark your imagination, be sure to visit our comprehensive collections at 159+ Horror Story Prompts and 86 Horror Story Ideas .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular horror story titles.

Some popular horror story titles include “The Shining” by Stephen King, “Dracula” by Bram Stoker, “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley, and “The Exorcist” by William Peter Blatty.

How do I come up with a title for my horror story?

To come up with a title for your horror story, consider the themes, characters, and setting of your story. You can also draw inspiration from popular horror tropes or use a play on words to create a catchy title.

What are some unique horror story title ideas?

Some unique horror story title ideas include “The Shadow in the Attic,” “The Haunting of Blackwood Manor,” “The Cursed Doll,” and “The Whispering Woods.”

What are some dark and creepy book title suggestions?

Some dark and creepy book title suggestions include “The Darkening,” “The Grim Harvest,” “The Blackened Mirror,” and “The Bleak House.”

What are some mystery thriller title ideas?

Some mystery thriller title ideas include “The Silent Witness,” “The Vanishing Point,” “The Secret Keeper,” and “The Unseen Enemy.”

What is the shortest horror story ever written?

The shortest horror story ever written is often attributed to Fredric Brown and goes as follows: “The last man on Earth sat alone in a room. There was a knock on the door.”