How to Become a Horror Writer
Your readers are on edge and fear creeps into their throats as they quickly read every word of the story, trying to find out what happens next and if their greatest fear will be realized. As a horror writer, you can engage and thrill your readers with vivid scenes, frightening characters and just the right words. Becoming a horror writer may well prove to be an exciting challenge, so read on to find out how.
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Instructions
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Read novels and short stories in the horror genre so you can become familiar with what works and what doesn’t work. Be sure that your reading list includes books by Stephen King, one of horror’s most popular and well-known writers (see Resources below).
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Hone your writing skills by writing every day, even if you only write a page or a few hundred words a day. You may even want to take a writing class so you can receive feedback from a professional writer (see Resources below).
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Go easy on the back story. Write only as much back story as needed, and start your horror story by getting to the point as soon as possible.
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Know how to use fear in your stories to scare your readers and keep them in suspense. Think about what really scares you and use that fear in your horror stories to frighten your readers.
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Be original in your horror stories. Unfortunately, there are stories and books in all genres that all seem to have the same plot line and characters, just with different names and settings, so think outside of the box and be original in your plot line and characters.
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Be realistic as much as you can be. Your readers know they’re reading fiction, but they also want to feel as though the story is at least plausible on some level.
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Start writing. Get your story on paper while worrying about editing and proofreading later.
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Keep writing. Once you’ve finished a short story or a novel, jump right in and start a new project.
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Find publishers for your horror story or novel and submit a proposal (see Resources below).
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Tips & Warnings
You don’t have to have a writing degree to be a writer. All you have to do is write and practice your craft.
Join horror writing organizations and network with other horror writers (see Resources below).
Choose a writing style that works best for you. Some writers prefer to sit down and just bang out their first draft ,while others like editing as they go along. Do what is best for you.
It’s easy to procrastinate when it comes to writing. Consider setting daily or weekly writing goals for yourself.
