Horror Writing - How To Write Horror
Here are some tips and tricks for writing horror.
The weaker sex. Have a female heroine instead of a male to create a sense of vulnerability. (Most horror movies from "Halloween" to "Scream" use this trick)
The skeptic. If you're writing a supernatural story have a skeptic in your gang (remember Scully in "The X-files"?) who can be the voice of reason. The skeptical part of the audience needs someone to identify with.
Go easy on the gore. It's not always necessary to use a lot of gore and buckets of blood. Remember that less is more. Sometimes what we can't see is the scariest of all.
Nail biting suspense. Let's say that we see a killer hiding in the backseat of the hero's car. Don't just let the hero get into the car and be attacked right away. Try to stop him from going to the car. He could come to the car and discover that he forgot his car keys at home, so he has to go back and get them. And when he comes back with the keys and is about to open the car door - his cell phone rings. He answers and stands there chatting for a while. And finally when he enters the car, maybe the backseat is empty, the killer is not there anymore. You get the picture. Do this and the audience will be on the edge of their seats
Create real characters. Model them after real people you know. If you base your horror hero on your best friend, then you know how your hero will react to any situation, you know what your hero will like and dislike. You know what kind of music he likes. You know his strengths and weaknesses. Your hero will feel more real because he's based on an actual living person (don't forget to ask your friend first.)
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