Horror short stories come in many shapes and styles. Some follow traditional story structures while others experiment with unorthodox forms. But an aspiring writer has to start somewhere. This guide explains some of the most common story structures used in […]
Author: Brandon Cornett
I write gritty sci-fi thrillers about rogue AI and killer robots, and you can participate. Subscribe to the Machine Wars newsletter so you can participate!
How to Describe Setting in a Horror Story
A good setting can take your horror story to the next level, creating realism and pulling the reader into your fictional world. It can also make a scary story even scarier, by depicting an eerie or unsettling atmosphere. But what is […]
Why Do We Like to Read Scary Stories and Watch Scary Movies?
People read scary stories and watch scary movies for a lot of different reasons. But it mainly comes down to one thing. These experiences allow us to explore fear in a safe space, while offering thrills, chills, and the occasional […]
How Do Horror Stories and Movies Affect Our Brains?
Horror fiction can release a flood of brain chemicals for a scary good time. Horror stories and movies create a strong emotional response. You’ve probably experienced this firsthand. It explains why people cringe, tense up, and sometimes peek through their […]
What Makes a Story Scary, and How Can You Accomplish This Effect?
Have you ever read a scene in a horror story that literally gave you chills? Or made the hairs on your arms stand up? Or made you double-check the doors to be sure they were locked? If so, you’ve experienced skillful horror […]
The Dark Fantasy Fiction Genre Explained
Dark fantasy delivers eerie and sometimes horrific stories that blend genres. They often use magic and other fantasy-based elements combined with an undercurrent of horror. If you like speculative fiction in general but haven’t tried dark fantasy in particular, you […]
How to Write a Horror Story With a Shocking Twist
Horror stories and twist endings go together like peanut butter and jelly. They both achieve results by surprising the reader in some way. They catch us off guard, creating an emotional afterburn that lingers on. But how do you accomplish […]
Five Important Elements of a Post-Apocalyptic Story or Novel
If you’re thinking about writing a post-apocalyptic short story or novel but don’t know where to begin, you’ve come to the right place. Welcome, doomsday scribe. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most important elements found within post-apocalyptic […]
How to Structure a Zombie Novel
If you’re going to write a zombie or post-apocalyptic novel (as opposed to a short story), I recommend using one of the traditional structures. This is especially important for new and inexperienced writers. The novel structures listed below have been […]
How to Create a Zombie Virus: Fictional & Real-World Inspiration for Writers
Welcome to the zombie virus workshop! I created this guide for fiction writers who want to build a story around a zombie virus or similar disease outbreak. Here’s what you’ll find in this guide: We’ll get started in just a […]