How to Write Scary Stories for Kids

While it is true that kids really appreciate and need a sense of security, most still like to have a little fun with a good scare every now and then. If you have ever wanted to write a scary story for children, it is probably not because you wanted to traumatize them, but rather just let them be a little entertained. You can write scary stories for kids that will be great when read around campfires or on rainy nights inside.

Instructions

1. Consider your intended audience to determine what is appropriate. Preteens can usually handle something a little more frightening than a 5-year-old. Because of this, you need to determine what age group you want to write for to be sure you are considerate of the sensitivities to certain subject matter.

2. Think about what really scares you—especially at the age of your intended audience. Great horror writers draw from real life. If something truly scares you, consider using that as the motivation in your book. If you have a real fear of something, it will be easier to imagine your characters in situation where they will be faced with their fear, and it will be easier to assess how they would react.

3. Become familiar with the classics. You do not need to remake the bogeyman, but you can draw from sources to determine how to craft your book to make it the most effective for the audience.

4. Choose a villain. The villain can be supernatural, a scary monster, a person or anything else. Just remember to keep your intended audience in mind at all times to figure out what type of villain is appropriate for your story.

5. Make a plot outline. Sketch up a quick outline that maps how your story will progress. Allow yourself some wiggle room for artistic liberties when in the writing process.

6. Develop your main characters. Decide if the characters will be male or female, brave or weak, etc. Determine their motivations, their fears, their strengths and how that will work in your story.

7. Create suspense. Don’t give away too much information too early on. You need to keep your audience wanting to read more, but don’t constantly tease them without any sort of gratification. You want to keep your readers interested in turning the page, as frightening as it may be!

8. Use the conclusion to appeal to and satisfy your audience. If your scary story is for younger kids, you probably don’t want to give them nightmares. Consider a happy ending where the main characters stop the bad guy, and perhaps add a little comedic relief. If the story is for older children who can handle a little more of a scare, don’t feel the need to clean it up too easily. Make them scared enough to want to read the sequel!