 Horror/Scary: December 10, 2008 Issue [#2767] |
  Horror/Scary
This week: Edited by: darkin
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Reading a horror story, one that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the last page, is what every horror fan dreams of. Being scared, to the point that sleep is almost impossible, makes the read all the more worthwhile. Does that make us crazy? You bet!!!
My name is Darkin, and I’m your host this week for the Horror Newsletter.
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Horror Botany 101
A good horror story will scare the pants off the reader. Make them afraid to open the door, or turn off the lights for a long time after they've read it. A good horror story will make the reader wonder about that strange neighbor they have, or the ordinary looking kid behind the coffee shop counter they see every day.
And what makes horror scary is how the writer creates their story's world. Think of it kind of like growing a plant. A really icky plant. (Please forgive the gardening metaphors. I've been itching to start a salsa garden and can't wait for spring. )
First you need fertile soil. Your plant is going to need plenty of nutrients in order to take root. So you as a writer need to start your story off with a strong plot idea. Use your own fears to find the tale that scares you. When you're scared, you can scare your readers.
Feed your plant well. Every good horror story needs characters the reader can relate and care about. Why would your reader care if the monster is going to eat that person if you don't make the person someone they would want to live? A good horror story also needs a character the reader can be afraid of too. This character doesn't have to be human, but it does have to be something they can believe in.
Add plenty of water to keep your plot growing. You'll want to add twists and turns to your plot to keep your reader guessing with every page turned. You don't want your reader figuring out the plot before you can give them their final scare!
Sunlight is another crucial component. Or, as most horror writers can tell you, darkness. The darkest moment of your story should give your reader pause, making him nervous even if there isn't a reason to be nervous.
Harvest your plant at just the right time. The darkest moment is a crucial point in a horror story. It must be done when the climax is at its most nerve-wracking moment. Build your suspense until there is no other way out, then BAM! Hit your reader with the final piece of the puzzle. Use that suspense to make them jump in their seat.
Growing a plant takes a lot of time, much like growing a great horror story. Sometimes they come fast, but I feel the best ones are the ones that take a little time to come to the surface. Those are the stories that linger with me long after the light is out and the shadows are on the walls.
Thank you for taking the time to read. Happy Writing!
darkin
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Here are some items I found while traveling the highways and byways of Writing.Com!
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Thank you for allowing me to enter your world. If you have any comments, or questions, feel free to drop me a line. I'd love to hear from you!
darkin
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Submitted By: sleepy 
Submitted Comment:
Great article! I seem to get inspiration from these. I want to rush to my quiet writing area and let my fingers fly!
Thanks,
Sean
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Submitted By: billwilcox
Submitted Comment:
Heya Squirrel,
There is no better way to learn to write than by example. Read the best authors out there who write in your genre and follow their examples. My momma always told me, "If you wanna be successful, do what successful people do."
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Submitted By: bookworm243
Submitted Comment:
I loved how you posted all the steps to writing a horror story. As obvious as it may seem, most writers still have trouble doing all of those things. Great Newsletter.
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