CJAggett is one host of The WCCS. He is a horror writer and has written 2 horror novellas, short stories, and a horror screenplay. Below is some advice he has for budding horror writers.
If you're interested in writing horror, you're in good company. Horror is one of the most popular genres in literature and film, and it's a great way to tap into people's deepest fears and anxieties. But how do you go about writing a truly terrifying story? Here are a few tips to help you get started.
First, it's important to understand what makes horror so effective. At its core, horror is about creating a sense of unease and dread in the reader or viewer. This can be achieved through a variety of techniques, such as using vivid imagery, creating suspense, and playing on common fears and phobias.
One of the most important elements of horror is setting. The setting of your story should be eerie and unsettling, whether it's a dark and foreboding forest, a creepy old mansion, or a rundown urban landscape. The setting should be described in vivid detail to help create a sense of unease in the reader.
Another important element of horror is character development. The characters in your story should be well-rounded and believable, with their own fears and motivations. This will help the reader to identify with them and make them more invested in the story.
When it comes to pacing, horror is all about building tension. The story should start off slowly, with hints of something sinister lurking just out of sight. As the story progresses, the tension should increase until it reaches a climax. This can be achieved through a variety of techniques, such as foreshadowing, red herrings, and misdirection.
Finally, don't forget about the ending. The ending of your horror story should be satisfying and resolve the conflicts you've built up throughout the story. However, it should also leave the reader feeling a sense of unease, so that the story stays with them long after they've finished reading it.
In conclusion, writing horror is all about tapping into people's deepest fears and anxieties. By understanding what makes horror effective, creating a eerie setting, developing believable characters, building tension, and crafting a satisfying ending, you can write a horror story that will keep your readers on the edge of their seats.