How to Write a Horror Novel: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started
by Ryker J. Phoenix
Horror novels are one of the most popular genres in the world, and for good reason. They are suspenseful, thrilling, and often terrifying. If you have ever wondered how to write a horror novel, or if you are just getting started, this blog post is for you. In this post, we will outline everything you need to know in order to write a horror novel. We will discuss the different types of horror, the different elements that make a horror novel successful, and give you tips on how to create suspense and tension in your novel. By following our advice, you will be able to write a terrifying novel that will leave readers begging for more. So whether you are a beginner writer or an experienced horror fan, read on to learn everything you need to know to write a horror novel.
1. The Best Tips for Writing Horror
If you're a horror fan, then you know that the genre is all about suspense and tension. And you also know that to write a truly successful horror novel, you need to create believable characters and scary scenes.
In this post, we're going to discuss some of the best tips for writing horror, from developing your characters to planning your scenes. We'll also give you some tips for making your novels more readers-friendly. So let's get started!
2. How to Write a Horror Novel
If you're thinking about writing a horror novel, then you're in the right place! We're going to go over everything you need to know in order to get started.
First and foremost, you'll need to decide what type of horror novel you want to write. There are three main types of horror novels: ghost stories, slasher, and psychological horror.
Ghost Stories: These are the classics. They usually involve a haunted house or an entity that's trying to kill people.
Slasher: These are the type of horror novels that involve a character that's being chased by someone or something.
Psychological Horror: These novels involve horror because of the psychological trauma it causes. For example, a character may be haunted by their past.
3. What is Horror?
Horror is a genre of speculative fiction that typically deals with the fear of the unknown. It's a genre that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and has been around for centuries.
While horror can be written in any genre, it's often classified according to its setting. Horror set in the past is often called historical horror, horror set in the future is called science fiction horror, and horror set in the present is called psychological horror.
In order to write horror, you need to know what makes a good horror story. A good horror story must have:
- A compelling plot
- Characters that the reader can connect with
- The tension needs to be high
- The scenes need to be scary
- A terrifying monster or villains
- An eerie atmosphere
- Scary scenes
Once you have a good plot, it's time to start writing your scenes. A good scene will involve:
- A tension-filled scene
- A scene with a monster or villains
- A suspenseful moment
- A shocking climax
Once you have a good plot, tension-filled scenes, scary scenes, and a suspenseful climax, it's time to finish up your novel. A good way to finish your novel is to:
- Proofread your novel
- Edit your novel
- Get feedback from your friends and family
Once you have finished your novel, it's time to publish it and share it with the world!
4. How to Write a Scary Scene
There are a few things you need to consider when writing a scary scene.
First, make sure the setting is spooky. If it's not creepy then it will fall flat. Second, make sure you have suspenseful dialogue. Keep the reader guessing what is going to happen next. Third, make sure the characters are believable. If they are not believable, the reader will not be able to invest in the scene. Finally, Show, Don’t Tell Your Story - We have already discussed how in writing horror novels you have to create an environment for the readers to go through a certain emotion you want them to feel. A good story shows the readers where to go, without telling them. Avoid over-explaining a scene. Let the readers connect to your story and picture the scene in their minds.
By following these tips, you'll be on your way to writing a horror novel that will keep your readers on the edge of their seats.
5. How to Write a Character
There are three things you need to know to write a horror novel: your protagonist, your antagonist, and your setting.
Your protagonist is the main character in your horror novel and is usually the one who is exploring the scary parts of the story. They should be relatable to your reader and have a driving force to keep them turning the pages. They should also be flawed and make mistakes, which will make them more relatable.
Your antagonist is the character or characters who are trying to kill your protagonist or stop them from achieving their goals. They should be complex and have a backstory that is different from your protagonist's. They should also be terrifying.
Your setting is the place where your horror novel takes place. It can be a scary house, a creepy town, or a haunted ship. You should also include details about the weather, the time of year, and the people in your novel.
By understanding these three things, you'll be on your way to writing a horror novel that is both terrifying and enjoyable to read.
6. How to Write a Plot
Have you ever seen a horror movie and found yourself screaming at the screen? The genre of horror is all about scaring the crap out of people, and it's not always easy to do. If you're thinking of writing a horror novel, it's important to have a good plot.
A good plot will keep your readers engaged from beginning to end. The horror genre is all about suspense, and if you don't build up enough suspense, your readers will quickly lose interest.
7. Tips for Writing Horror
There's a reason Stephen King is one of the biggest names in horror writing and it's not just because of the hits he's written over the years. He knows how to write horror and he knows how to keep readers hooked. In this article, we'll be looking at some of the tips that will help you write horror like a pro.
1. Start with a great premise.
The first and most important element of any horror novel is the premise. This is the idea that starts the story and determines the direction the novel will take. If you can nail the premise, you'll have set the stage for a successful horror novel.
2. Make the characters believable.
One of the reasons readers are so drawn to horror stories is because of the characters. If the characters are believable and sympathetic, the reader will be emotionally invested in their fate.
3. Balance fear and suspense with humor.
Although horror is meant to be scary, it shouldn't be completely bleak. In order to balance out the fear, you need to have some moments of humor. This will help to lighten the mood and keep the reader engaged.
4. Use setting to enhance the atmosphere.
One of the most important elements of a good horror story is the setting. This can be anything from the moody darkness of a haunted house to the claustrophobic feel of a dark alley. Use the setting to enhance the atmosphere and add to the fear.
5. Use gore sparingly.
Although gore is a key component of horror, overuse of it can quickly become tiresome. Use it sparingly and only when it truly adds to the story.
6. Keep the ending suspenseful.
The ending of a horror novel should be suspenseful. If you don't deliver on this promise, the reader will be disappointed and may even turn off from horror writing altogether.
7. Use plot twists to keep the reader guessing.
One of the best ways to keep the reader engaged is to use plot twists. This is where the reader is not sure what is going to happen next. By keeping the reader guessing, you'll keep them reading until the end.
8. Don't forget the psychological aspect.
Your horror story should be scary for more than one reason! Psychological thrillers are another common subgenre of horror writing which focuses on an ordinary character who undergoes a disturbing transformation into someone evil and deranged after facing stressors in their lives. The focus here isn’t necessarily on what's happening around them but how they react to what happens as well as coping with loss or guilt feelings.
Horror stories are often more than just entertainment – they can be a way for writers to explore the dark side of human nature.
So don't be afraid to delve into the psychology of your characters and make them as complex as possible. Good horror writers often focus on the psychological horror in their stories instead of just relying on graphic imagery and gore.
Also see: Horror Writing Tip: The Biggest Mistake Amateur Horror Writers Make
8. How to Write a Sequel to Your Horror Novel
Writing
a sequel to your horror novel can be a daunting task, but it's
important to remember that it's not as hard as it seems. In fact, it's
really just a matter of following the same steps you took to write the
first novel and then adding in some new twists and turns.
For
example, if you wrote a horror novel about a group of friends who are
terrorized by a killer, you could follow up the novel with a sequel in
which the killer is revealed and the friends have to fight to survive.
Or, you could have one of the friends become the killer in the sequel
and the other friends have to try to stop him.
You
could also follow up the novel with a series of sequels in which the
same characters are terrorized by different killers. Or, you could have
different characters terrorized by the same killer in different sequels.
Whatever route you choose, make sure that you keep your readers guessing and that they never know what will happen next.
9. How to Market Uour Horror Novel
Writing
a horror novel is a daunting task that can be greatly improved with the
right marketing strategy. Here are some tips to help get your novel in
front of the right readers.
1. Research your audience.
Before
you even begin to write, you need to know your audience. Are they the
type of people who enjoy horror novels? Are they open to new
experiences? What are their interests? Once you have a good idea of your
target audience, you can begin to craft your novel around their
desires.
2. Create a promo campaign.
Once
you have a good idea of who your audience is, you need to create a
promo campaign that will help them find your novel. Promote your novel
on social media, blog sites, and even in libraries.
3. Use marketing tools.
Once
your novel is out there and your promo campaign is underway, you'll
need to use marketing tools to help promote it. This could include
things like book trailers, author profiles, and even sales letters.
4. Generate word of mouth.
One
of the most important things you can do to promote your novel is
generate word of mouth. This means getting your novel in the hands of as
many people as possible and letting them tell their friends and family
about it.
5. Write a great novel.
The most important thing is to write a great novel. If you can do that, the marketing will take care of itself.
10. How to Sell Your Horror Novel
If you're thinking about writing a horror novel, then you'll want to know the ins and outs of the publishing process. In this post, we'll outline all the steps you need to take in order to get your novel ready to sell.
1. Research your genre.
First and foremost, you'll want to do some research into the genre of horror you're writing in. This will help you to understand the expectations of your audience and give you a starting point for your story.
2. Plan your story.
Once you know the genre you're writing in, you'll need to plan your story. This will help to ensure that your novel is cohesive and flows from one chapter to the next.
3. Research your market.
Once you have your story planned, you'll need to research your market. This will help you to determine the size and scope of your novel, as well as the target demographic.
4. Write a synopsis.
Once you have your story planned and your market researched, it's time to write a synopsis. This will give potential readers an overview of your novel and help you to determine if it's the right fit for them.
5. Write your novel.
Once you have a synopsis and a draft of your novel, it's time to write it. This can be a daunting task, but with a little patience and effort, writing your horror novel will be a rewarding experience.
Conclusion
Some people love horror novels, and others can't stand them. But regardless of your opinion, we believe that writing a horror novel is a skill that everyone should have. In this blog post, we are going to teach you everything you need to know to get started writing a horror novel. We hope that after reading this post, you will be inspired to give writing a horror novel a try. Good luck and we wish you the best results!
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