Horror writers can take their scary stories to the next level by creating the right atmosphere. It can make the difference between an “okay” story and a “wow” story. But what is atmosphere, in a horror writing context? And how […]
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!
Horror Flash Fiction: The Ultimate Guide for Readers and Writers
Flash fiction comes in and out of style but never really fades away. As long as humans have short attention spans or limited leisure time, flash fiction will have its place in the world. In this guide, we’ll explore the […]
Ready, Set, Scare: 10 Ways to Start a Horror Story, With Examples
A lot of aspiring horror writers have a hard time starting a story. They have an idea for the story and maybe some character outlines. But when they sit down to actually start writing it … creative paralysis. Does this sound […]
How to Create a More Suspenseful Horror Story: A Writer’s Guide
Have you ever encountered a horror story that kept you nervously guessing and turning the pages until the very end, to find out what happens? That’s suspenseful horror. But how does one go about writing such a story? How can horror […]
Building the Bones: 10 Ways to Structure a Horror Short Story
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 […]
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 […]