I am currently researching and writing a horror story. The story is in my head. I want to share to the world, but I am not sure if people will buy it. I know that each person has a different opinion, but what makes a good horror story? Something you will definitely read/buy when you come across it? For me, I am thinking of a psychological horror kind of story. Something that may have a twist ending that is contrary to what you have read through. This was inspired by watching a Let's Play of "The Witch's House". Thoughts?
There are horror stories that have weird characters, gore, killings, torture, etc., but I find horror stories that stay with me are those that can turn a normal situation into horror. If you take Cujo - a horror story by Stephen King, it is a normal domesticated dog that is cause of horror. For people with imagination, it is a situation that can happen to anybody and that is the real reason for the horror. Another thing that you can do, if your plot permits, is to make the readers know something but not let the character know about it. So it creates suspense and you can finish it anyway you like. If you use torture, make sure it is protracted and clearly explained, from the perspective of the guy who is getting tortured.. Just a few tips. I am not a writer though, just an avid reader.
I see. I prefer not to include gore and killings into my plot. I want to mess with the mind of both the characters and maybe the readers. I will play around with a phobia that a character has and make it even worse, to suit the plot and my story. Thanks for the tips. ^^ I guess it is more of a mental torture if I think about it.
I find horror stories which focus on blood and gore disgusting. For me the perfect horror story should have an element of the supernatural in it. I know for a fact that what should terrify people are the evils that lurk around us but hidden from sight because we couldn't bear the sight of the dark and evil ones. I've heard stories of spirits attacking people. That now is what would scare me. Being attacked by something I can't see. Something I can't fight agaisnt because it's too powerful. Something unstoppable because it's incorporeal. Something you can't escape from because hey, where will you hide?
They are indeed. I prefer not to watch or create such thing. Maybe survival horror could have that in, but to write down the different ways how a blood can splatter does rhyme with my style. Spirits. Yes, one of the horror staple. I am thinking of demons. Especially that lurks in the mind. Now, that is more difficult to hide from. If it is inside your head, where will you go?
Horror stories that focus on blood and gore are really boring for me. They are almost comical and stupid and the easy horror option. That is not to say that I am adverse to blood and gore though. It just has to be done in the right way, to make it interesting. The only kind of horror that exists in my mind is psychological horrors. Nothing is scarier than what can originate in the mind.
I love psychological thrillers/horror. I have to say the plot must be unique, don't make it sound like a cliché. Make it a bit realistic, yes, don't put so many killings and gory details on it, I would go with something analytical, like the viewers must be able to think who's the real victim or the villain, let the audience imagine some things. Nothing beats an unexpected twist in the end, also, I love movies with endings that leave me hanging. Good luck!
Blood and Gore by themselves are repelling. But if a novel is written like "The Misery by Stephen King" it is chilling. That is one horrific story. I had trouble finishing it. Try to read that and see how gore can be used effectively.
Look at Paranormal Activity. it's what we weren't sure of or not knowing what's coming next that scared everyone. And nothing really happened for most of the movie! lol. Then when the one came out that explained what was happening.. I was over it. Done. Couldn't care less what happens next. The unknown is what truly scares people.. when they have to fill in the blanks themselves. Because when they fill in the blanks, it's their own fears, not yours (which narrows down the number of people who will be afraid)..and it's real. Once Paranormal filled us in.. it was too cheesy compared to the somewhat realistic things I was imagining. I just didn't like it anymore. Also.. I read a book once that during a scary part, I turned the page and literally jumped hahahahaa. I've never experienced that with a book before! Go against the grain.. people expect certain things or expect a certain outcome and usually predict accurately. Don't let them.
