How to write

I’m a fan of horror stories, but I don’t care for lots of gore and guts.  Those who aren’t familiar with the horror genre may assume it is ultra violent and bloody, but the truly horrifying works are those that have a creepy atmosphere and high emotion.  Stephen King, the master of horror writings, spends a significant amount of time developing characters and mood.  There are a few gross out scenes along the way but for the most part he creates tension and fear in the unknown.  The reader’s imagination does a great deal of the work when it comes to notching up the fear factor.  

Your readers what thrills and chills, but they also want a good story. Don’t sacrifice quality writing for shock value. And don’t be afraid to mix in elements from other genres, such as suspense, romance or science fiction.  Readers are not only willing to suspend their beliefs to accept extraordinary circumstances, they are eager to do so. Horror stories allow us to escape into a world of peril without any real jeopardy.  

Start with a great hook to lure your reader into your dark imaginings.  Set the stage with an ominous atmosphere.  Pick vivid details by using all of the senses, immerse yourself in the world you are creating and pay attention to all you see, smell, hear, feel and taste:  a bone chilling breeze; a shadowy image; the air tainted with the smell of blood and fear; sweat on your tongue as you moisten your lips or the sound of a slavering beast at your back.  

Whether your characters are ghosts, witches, werewolves, vampires or some other creature, give them human emotions and characteristics.  They don’t have to be likeable, but they must be relatable to your readers. Anne Rice created very human characters in her vampire series, whether they were tortured, egotistical, cruel or sympathetic, they were relatable.  Frankenstein’s monster was a tragic figure, acting out in rage after he was abandoned by his maker and ostracized by men.

Give your characters (including your monsters) names, personalities, emotions, mannerisms and motivations and they will come alive on the page.  I’ve met many friends on the pages of books. I miss them when their story is done, and hope to see them again someday.  Among these friends, I count wizards, vampires, ghosts and monsters galore.