How to Write a Fiction Book: 10 Steps You Can't Miss! by Hannah Yang

 

How to Write a Fiction Book: 10 Steps You Can't Miss!

So you want to write a novel.

Maybe you have a great idea for a story that you’d love to see on the page. Or maybe you just love reading books and want to try creating one of your own.

Regardless of your reasons, you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you a step-by-step guide to help you start writing your first novel.

Contents:

1. 10 Steps to Writing Fiction Novels
2. Conclusion: How to Write a Fiction Book

10 Steps to Writing Fiction Novels

Here are ten steps you can follow to write your first novel.

Step 1: Choose a Story Idea

The first step is to choose a story idea.

You might already have a compelling idea developing in your head. If you don’t, here are some prompts to get you started:

• Are there any experiences from your own life you can draw from?
• Are there any headlines in the news that intrigue you?
• Are there any images or photographs that you could turn into a story?
• Are there any popular stories you love that you could add a new spin to? (e.g. Sleeping Beauty in space)

It’s okay if you don’t know all the details of your idea at this stage. All you need is a basic premise, which we’ll be fleshing out as we go.

Once you have a list of possible story ideas, it’s time to choose the one you’re most excited about.

Don’t worry about what your friends will think of it, or how many readers will like it, or what critics will say about it.

Write the book that you would want to read. Follow your gut and choose the idea that sings to you.

Step 2: Define the Central Conflict

Every great novel needs a conflict. After all, there’s nothing less exciting than a book about someone waking up, having breakfast, and going about their normal life without running into any obstacles.

So before you commit to writing the idea you’ve chosen, make sure there’s a central conflict in play.

Ask yourself these two questions:

• What’s the protagonist’s main goal in this story, and why do they want it?
• What’s stopping them from achieving that goal?

Give the protagonist a really convincing reason for wanting to achieve their goal. The more the protagonist cares about their goal, the more invested readers will be in your story.

If they’re in this story for no apparent reason, it will be easy for readers to put the book down. But if their life, or their reputation, or their relationship with their family is on the line, readers will be hooked.

Once you know the protagonist’s goal, figure out what’s getting in their way. It might be an evil villain, a force of nature, or even the protagonist’s own fears and flaws.

If you want some ideas for what’s stopping your protagonist from achieving their goal, check out our article on the seven main types of conflict.

Let’s take The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins as an example. The protagonist’s goal is to win the Hunger Games because she promised her little sister that she’d come home alive.

The central conflict is that 23 other contestants are competing in the Games too and only one of them can survive. This is a great example of a story with a high-stakes central conflict.

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Step 3: Develop Your Characters

The next step is character development. It’s time to figure out who your story’s about.

Start with the main character.

First, figure out what they sound like. Are they talkative or quiet? What kind of slang do they use? What is their sense of humor like?

Next, work out what they look like. Do they have any defining gestures? What’s the first thing people notice about them?

Finally, and most importantly, understand their motivations and their internal characteristics. What are their flaws? What are their values? What are they afraid of? How will they change and grow over the course of this story?

One easy way to create character growth is to give your protagonist a flaw that connects to the central conflict in some way.

For example, if your protagonist’s primary flaw is that she’s afraid to trust anyone, the central conflict should force her to trust others in order to get what she wants.

That way, for better or for worse, she’ll have a different relationship with trust by the end of the story.

Once you have the protagonist planned out, it’s time to think about the antagonist and major side characters.

Ask yourself the above questions for each of your most important characters.

It’s okay if you don’t have them all figured out yet. Many authors write new characters into their novels as they go. As long as you know your main characters enough to start drafting, you’re on the right track.

Step 4: Set the Stage

Once you have your characters down, it’s time to decide where and when your story will take place.

You might want to set your story in a fictional world of your own making. Or you might want to set it right in your own backyard.

Maybe your story works best in a big city, or in a small village, or in a forest, or on a beach.

Time is an important component of setting, too. What decade is your story set in? How much time elapses over the course of your book?

Is it a single night, like in A Christmas Carol, or a year, like each book in the Harry Potter series, or decades, like in David Copperfield?

Whatever you choose, you should make sure the setting works well with your story concept and central conflict.

The time and place of your story will really affect its mood and atmosphere, and might even play an important role in how the conflict gets resolved.

Step 5: Plan Your Key Plot Points

At this point, it’s time to do the step that some authors love and some authors hate: outlining.

Outlining the important plot points of your story in advance will help ensure you don’t run into major roadblocks along the way.

There are countless different forms of classic story structure you can reference. Some, such as three-act structure, give you as few as three beats to work with.

Others, such as the Save the Cat beat sheet, give you dozens, with specific beats to hit throughout your story.

If you’re a pantser rather than a plotter, meaning that you prefer to discover the story as you write, you don’t have to create a detailed outline.

However, you should still plan out the key plot points to give yourself a sense of direction. At the very least, plan out the inciting incident, the midpoint turn, and the climax.

• The inciting incident, also known as the catalyst, is an event that changes your protagonist’s normal life and propels them into the central conflict of the story.
• The midpoint turn is a major discovery in the middle of the story that increases the stakes and forces the protagonist to become more proactive in pursuing their goal.
• The climax is the culmination of the main conflict of the story when the protagonist either achieves or fails to achieve their goal.

Knowing these three beats will give you a roadmap for your first draft.

Step 6: Pick the POV That Suits Your Story

Before you start drafting, you need to decide the point of view you’ll be writing in. Here’s a quick reminder of the four most common POVs in fiction writing:

• First person
• Second person
• Third person limited
• Third person omniscient

Each option comes with its own positives and negatives. For example, first person will feel more intimate than third person omniscient, but third person omniscient gives you access to more characters’ thoughts and feelings.

Point of view is also closely intertwined with form and structure.

For example, if your story takes the form of a confession from one person to another, first person makes the most sense. But if your story is a choose your own adventure story, second person makes the most sense.

Step 7: Set a Writing Schedule

Now that you have the basics of your book planned out, it’s time to plan your writing sessions.

Many people have an idea for a novel, but few actually make it to the finish line. That’s because writing a book takes a long time!

Remember that the key is consistency. If you don’t have hours of time to write, you can find smaller moments.

Every time you’re waiting in line, pull out your notebook. Every time you’re about to open a social media app, open the Notes app instead and work on your story.

You can set daily word count goals for yourself if you want. Depending on the genre you’re writing, a typical novel is between 60,000 and 100,000 words.

First, figure out when you want to finish your first draft, such as three months from now or a year from now.

Then, figure out how many words you need to write each day in order to accomplish that goal. For example, if you want to write 100,000 words in two months, you’ll need to write 1,667 words a day.

Using daily or weekly word counts will give you more manageable, bite-sized goals. You can track your word counts in a calendar, journal, or spreadsheet to keep yourself motivated.

Step 8: Write Your First Draft

Remember that first drafts are meant to be messy! It won’t be perfect. The point of this draft is just to conquer the blank page and tell yourself the story.

If you get writer’s block, remember that it’s okay to jump forward to a later scene. Many fiction writers draft their books out of order.

You can also use placeholders to keep yourself going. For example, if you’re stuck on a chapter, you can summarize that chapter in one or two sentences and just keep going.

You could make a mood board or playlist to get yourself into the mood of your book.

Don’t be too hard on yourself if you can’t hit your word count. Do whatever you need to do to get to the words “The End.”

Step 9: Put the Draft Away

This step is difficult, but necessary. Once you’ve finished your first draft, give yourself some distance from your book so you can come back to it with fresh eyes.

Put your manuscript in a drawer for at least a week, ideally a month. That way, you’ll be able to see its strengths and flaws more clearly when it’s time to edit.

Step 10: Revise, Revise, Revise

Now it’s time to take your messy first draft and make it better!

You should start with big-picture developmental edits.

For now, resist the urge to start making line-level edits, such as adding commas or rephrasing sentences. Chances are, you might not even need those paragraphs after your developmental edit.

Instead, focus on fixing plot problems, strengthening your character arcs, and adding or deleting scenes if necessary.

After those structural issues are solved, you can go back in and revise the smaller things, such as checking your transitions to make sure they’re flowing smoothly and making sure your dialogue is clear and readable.

ProWritingAid can help you edit your manuscript by checking your sentence structure, word choices, sensory details, and more.

Once you feel you’ve revised your book as much as you can alone, it’s time to ask other writers you trust, or beta readers within your target audience, to give you feedback on your manuscript.

If you plan to self-publish, you may even want to hire a professional editor to take a look at your story and help you improve it.

Conclusion: How to Write a Fiction Book

There you have it: our favorite tips for writing fiction.

Novel writing is a daunting task, but anyone can do it if they take the time to build their writing skills and work on their story consistently.

Do you have any favorite tips for writing a novel? Share them in the comments.

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 About the Author

Hannah Yang

Speculative Fiction Author

Hannah is a speculative fiction writer who loves all things strange and surreal. She holds a BA from Yale University and lives in Colorado. When she’s not busy writing, you can find her painting watercolors, playing her ukulele, or hiking in the Rockies. Follow her work on hannahyang.com or on Twitter at @hannahxyang.

People Who Have Never Forgotten the Way to Fairyland by L. M. Montgomery (Writing Quote)

 

People Who Have Never Forgotten the Way to Fairyland

 

by L. M. Montgomery

 

    There is such a place as fairyland - but only children can find the way to it. And they do not know that it is fairyland until they have grown so old that they forget the way. One bitter day, when they seek it and cannot find it, they realize what they have lost; and that is the tragedy of life. On that day the gates of Eden are shut behind them and the age of gold is over. Henceforth they must dwell in the common light of common day. Only a few, who remain children at heart, can ever find that fair, lost path again; and blessed are they above mortals. They, and only they, can bring us tidings from that dear country where we once sojourned and from which we must evermore be exiles. The world calls them its singers and poets and artists and story-tellers; but they are just people who have never forgotten the way to fairyland.

-- L.M. Montgomery

About the Author

Lucy Maud Montgomery OBE (November 30, 1874 – April 24, 1942), published as L. M. Montgomery, was a Canadian author best known for a collection of novels, essays, short stories, and poetry beginning in 1908 with Anne of Green Gables. She published 20 novels as well as 530 short stories, 500 poems, and 30 essays. Anne of Green Gables was an immediate success; the title character, orphan Anne Shirley, made Montgomery famous in her lifetime and gave her an international following. Most of the novels were set in Prince Edward Island, and those locations within Canada's smallest province became a literary landmark and popular tourist site – namely Green Gables farm, the genesis of Prince Edward Island National Park. She was made an officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1935. Wikipedia

Born: November 30, 1874, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Died: April 24, 1942, Toronto, Canada
Spouse: Ewen Macdonald (m. 1911–1942)
Children: Chester Macdonald, Stuart Macdonald, and Hugh Macdonald

L. M. Montgomery at Amazon

There is No Easy Way to Learn to Write by Robert Perm Warren

 

There is No Easy Way to Learn to Write 

by Robert Perm Warren

 

 There is no easy way to learn to write. There is no certain formula, no short cut, no bag of tricks. It is not a matter of memorizing rules or of acquiring a few skills. To write well is not easy for the simple reason that to write well you must think straight. And thinking straight is never easy.
 

From "Fundamentals Of Good Writing by Robert Perm Warren"

 

 About the Author 

Robert Penn Warren (April 24, 1905 – September 15, 1989) was an American poet, novelist, and literary critic and was one of the founders of New Criticism. He was also a charter member of the Fellowship of Southern Writers. He founded the literary journal The Southern Review with Cleanth Brooks in 1935. He received the 1947 Pulitzer Prize for the Novel for All the King's Men (1946) and the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1958 and 1979. He is the only person to have won Pulitzer Prizes for both fiction and poetry. Wikipedia

Born: April 24, 1905; Guthrie, Kentucky, U.S
Genre: Poetry, novels

Robert Penn Warren at Amazon

The Technique of the Mystery Story (1913) by Carolyn Wells ( PDF)

The Technique of the Mystery Story (1913)

 

by Carolyn Wells

(eText)

 

FOREWORD BY OLIVIA SALTER

The Technique of the Mystery Story is an exceptional guide for aspiring writers, eager readers, and enthusiasts of the mysterious and thrilling world of detective fiction. Authored by the prodigious Carolyn Wells, an esteemed writer and connoisseur of the genre, this book unravels the intricate art of crafting captivating mysteries, revealing the secret behind successfully weaving suspense clues and unexpected twists.

As an ardent admirer of mystery novels, I have often found myself immersed in the intricate puzzle that unfolds within these pages. Mystery stories possess the power to transport us to a realm where logic reigns supreme and every clue provides a tantalizing glimpse into the unknown. Through this foreword, I hope to convey my personal appreciation for Carolyn Wells' contribution to this beloved literary genre and shed light on the indispensable role her work plays in guiding both writers and readers alike.

First and foremost, The Technique of the Mystery Story serves as a beacon of guidance for budding authors who aspire to master the art of suspense writing. Carolyn Wells, with her wealth of experience and inherent wisdom, offers invaluable advice on creating compelling characters, constructing intriguing plots, and developing the suspenseful atmosphere necessary for a captivating mystery. Her concise yet comprehensive approach equips writers with the necessary tools to craft an enticing web of clues, red herrings, and resolutions that leave readers spellbound until the very last page.

Moreover, this extraordinary work serves as an essential companion for avid readers and enthusiasts of the mystery genre. By unraveling the secrets behind the construction of a mystery plot, Carolyn Wells invites readers to embark on a journey of discovery, prompting us to analyze and decode the carefully laid clues alongside the story's protagonists. Her illuminating insights encourage us to engage in a thrilling exercise of deductive reasoning, heightening our enjoyment and deepening our appreciation for the genre as a whole.

In addition to its technical aspects, The Technique of the Mystery Story also pays homage to the pioneers of detective fiction and highlights the evolution of the genre over time. By examining the works of esteemed authors like Edgar Allan Poe, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Agatha Christie, Carolyn Wells offers a fascinating exploration of the principles and conventions that have shaped mystery literature throughout history. This comprehensive survey of the genre not only educates readers on its rich legacy but also inspires us to delve further into the vast treasure trove of mystery stories waiting to be discovered.

In conclusion The Technique of the Mystery Story stands as a remarkable testament to Carolyn Wells' expertise, passion, and unwavering dedication to the craft. By imparting her profound knowledge and profound love for mystery writing, Wells empowers both writers and readers to unlock the secrets behind this captivating genre. Whether you aspire to unleash your creative potential as a writer or seek the thrilling experience of unraveling a masterfully crafted mystery, this book is an indispensable addition to your literary repertoire.

So, dear reader, I invite you to embark on this enlightening journey guided by the indomitable spirit of Carolyn Wells. Open this book, soak in the invaluable wisdom, and prepare to delve into the labyrinthine world of mystery with newfound enthusiasm and insight. May your path be adorned with intrigue, your mind challenged with enigmas, and your heart captivated by the unrivaled magic of the mystery story.

Happy reading! 

Olivia Salter

02/05/2023

 

AUTHOR OF "THE CLUE," "A CHAIN OF EVIDENCE," "THE MAXWELL MYSTERY," ETC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

CHAPTER I—THE ETERNAL CURIOUS
1. The Inquisition into the Curious is Universal
2. Early Riddles
3. The Passion for Solving Mysteries

CHAPTER II—THE LITERATURE OF MYSTERY
1. The Rightful Place of the Mystery Story in Fiction
2. The Mystery Story Considered as Art
3. The Claims of Antagonists and Protagonists

CHAPTER III—THE HISTORY OF MYSTERY
1. Ancient Mystery Tales

CHAPTER IV—GHOST STORIES
1. A Working Classification
2. The Ghost Story
3. Famous Ghost Stories
4. The Humorous Ghost Story

CHAPTER V—RIDDLE STORIES
1. Some Notable Riddle Stories
2. The Nature of the Riddle Story and Its Types

CHAPTER VI—DETECTIVE STORIES
1. What Is a Detective Story
2. Rise of the Detective Story
3. The Detective—Fictive and Real
4. Fiction versus Fact
5. The Interest of the Detective Story
6. A Summing Up

CHAPTER VII—THE DETECTIVE
1. The Real Detective and His Work
2. Fictive Detective Material
3. The Transcendent Detective
4. Pioneer Detectives of Fiction
5. Recent Detectives of Fiction
6. The Scientific Detective of Fiction
7. The New Psychology in Detective Stories
8. Other Types

CHAPTER VIII—DEDUCTION
1. Ratiocination in Early Detective Stories
2. Deduction Used in Every-day Life
3. The Analytical Element in the Detective Story
4. Poe's Detective—The Prototype
5. The Detective in the Novel

CHAPTER IX—APPLIED PRINCIPLES
1. The Detectives of Poe, Doyle, and Gaboriau
2. Individuality of these Detectives
3. The Real Sherlock Holmes

CHAPTER X—THE RATIONALE OF RATIOCINATION
1. Sherlock Holmes' Method
2. Lecoq's Method
3. Other Methods
4. Holmes' Method Evaluated
5. The Inductive and the Deductive Methods
6. Two Striking Examples

CHAPTER XI—CLOSE OBSERVATION
1. The Search for Clues
2. The Bizarre in Crime
3. The Value of the Trivial
4. The Tricks of Imitation

CHAPTER XII—OTHER DETECTIVES OF FICTION
1. Some Original Traits
2. Two Unique Detectives

CHAPTER XIII—PORTRAITS
1. Some Early Detective Portraits
2. Some More Modern Portraits
3. Some Less Known Portraits
4. Idiosyncrasies of Fictional Detectives
5. Favorite Phrases of Detectives

CHAPTER XIV—DEVIOUS DEVICES
1. Snow and Rain
2. Some Particularly Hackneyed Devices
3. Devices Which Are Not Plausible

CHAPTER XV—FOOTPRINTS AND FINGERPRINTS
1. The Omnipresence of Footprints
2. Other Miraculous Discoveries
3. Remarkable Deductions from Footprints
4. Fingerprints and Teeth-marks

CHAPTER XVI—MORE DEVICES
1. Tabulated Clues
2. Worn-out Devices
3. The Use of Disguise
4. Other "Properties"

CHAPTER XVII—FAKE DEVICES
1. The "Trace" Fallacy
2. The Destruction of Evidence
3. False Hypotheses
4. Errors of Fact and of Inference
5. The Use of Illustrative Plans
6. The Locked and Barred Room

CHAPTER XV—MURDER IN GENERAL
1. Murder Considered in the Abstract
2. Murder as a Fine Art
3. The Murder Theme
4. The Robbery Theme
5. The Mysterious Disappearance

CHAPTER XIX—PERSONS IN THE STORY
1. The Victim
2. The Criminal
3. Faulty Portrayal of the Criminal
4. The Secondary Detective
5. The Suspects
6. The Heroine and the Element of Romance
7. The Police 8. The Supernumeraries

CHAPTER XX—THE HANDLING OF THE CRIME

CHAPTER XXI—THE MOTIVE

CHAPTER XXII—EVIDENCE
1. The Coroner
2. The Inquest
3. The Witnesses
4. Presentation of the Evidence
5. Circumstantial Evidence
6. Deductions from Evidence
7. Deductions from Clues
8. Evidence by Applied Psychology
9. Direct Observation
10. Exactness of Detail
11. Theories of Evidence

CHAPTER XXIII—STRUCTURE
1. Length
2. The Short-Story and the Novel
3. Singleness of Plot in the Detective Story
4. The Question of Length
5. The Narrator in the Detective Story
6. The Setting

CHAPTER XXIV—PLOTS
1. The Plot is the Story
2. Constructing the Plot
3. Maintaining Suspense
4. Planning the Story
5. The Question of Humor
6. Some Unique Devices

CHAPTER XXV—FURTHER ADVICES
1. The Use of Coincidences
2. The Use of Melodrama
3. Dullness
4. Unique Plots and their Solubility
5. Women as Writers of Detective Stories

CHAPTER XXVI—FINAL ADVICES
1. General Qualities of the Detective Story
2. Correctness
3. Names
4. Titles

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How to Write a Horror Novel: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started, by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

 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!

 

 

Also see:

• Horror Writing Books at Amazon