The Psychology of Fear: Techniques for Writing Terrifying Horror

Once you hear the word "horror," what comes to mind are monsters, ghosts, and everything terrifying. While that is true, in recent times, horror novels have evolved from being just scary to also being exciting. What excites the readers is not the monsters themselves, but the ordinary people and their struggles with battling the extraordinary and supernatural. To write one, it's best to know what makes a good horror story and how to get it done.

Horror is about the differences between the solace of the known and the dread of the unknown. The best way to create this is to begin your story with your character in places people identify as places of comfort. A new house, a summer camp, a sleepover, a hotel stay, or a camping trip are some commonly used places. The more the character’s point of view reflects that of the audience, the scarier it will be when they encounter moments of terror.

Another key property of a gripping horror story is the tension. People have a common fear that things will eventually take a turn for the worse; you have to bank on this feeling. Use foreshadowing and suspenseful writing techniques to keep your readers on edge and keep them anticipating the impending doom. Remember, what's terrifying isn't the bang but the anticipation of it.

The most important aspect of any horror story is, of course, the fear factor. Start by creating a haunting setting that immerses readers in a world of fear and unease. Create a vivid and visceral experience for your readers. Using sensory language, describe the smell of decay, the sound of footsteps in an empty hallway, or the taste of blood in the air. Make them feel as though they are amid the horror.

Finally, the real can be scarier than the surreal. Create an emotional connection with your readers, not just through the common scares of werewolves, vampires, or ghosts, but by delving into deeper themes like real human fears, the darkness of the human psyche, and so on. Combine your imagination with real-life news stories as your inspiration. So, let your creative juices flow as you construct a spine-chilling horror story that will keep your readers up at night.

Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, remember that writing great horror takes more than just scares and monsters. For inspiration, look to masters of the genre like Clive Barker, whose visceral novels like "Hellraiser" and "The Books of Blood" showcase the power of character-driven horror.