The irony of horror novels is that they are both fun to read and to write. It may not be difficult to come up with ideas for terrifying plot points and hair-raising scares, but it is much more challenging to create a formula that will combine all of your scare tactics into one compelling horror novel. Good horror novels, like all genres, require the right combination of ingredients. In this instance, it must be able to create the sensations that shock and paranoia. Here is a guide to writing a horror novel.
Personalize it – Your
Everybody is familiar with the classic trick horror movies use in order to create fear and tension: “Based on true stories”. It will surprise you to learn that most horror novels are based on real life experiences. It is not a frightening encounter with a creepy monster or ghost; rather, it is a personal moment that has triggered a fear in the author. Your horror writing will be more effective if you are open and honest. This will allow your readers to feel the immersion and relate to your story on a personal level.
You must be able to access your fears and write them down to create a compelling plot for a horror book. It will be simple to put your story together once you have the setting and backstory.
Give life and flesh to your characters
Horror novels are incomplete without characters. Your character’s design can make or break a horror novel. Characters in horror novels are more difficult to create than other genres. You need to make them more relatable. While the antagonist of your novel may be over-the-top (e.g., a terrifying zombie, ghost or other supernatural entity), the main character must still be fleshed-out and human.
Your characters should have a reason for being in this terrible situation. The terror caused by the antagonist should have a purpose. If readers don’t feel the same emotions as your characters, they won’t be interested in the scares that you create. Once this happens, the scares will begin to set in.
Play with your readers’ emotions
You don’t have to write a horror story. Mixing elements of humor, romance, and action will keep your readers engaged. This allows you to play with your readers’ emotions. One minute they might be laughing at a joke made by your character, the next they may be completely freaked out by an unimaginable and horrifying event.
When structuring your novel, shock, dread, and paranoia must be mastered. The emotion can be incorporated into your character’s personality, or embedded in the setting.
The best scare is a slow, steady plot
The plot’s pace is crucial for any genre to work well. You will be amazed at how fast-paced the plot is if you have read thriller books . For horror novels, however, the plot must be moved at a slower pace. To do this, you can intentionally lengthen your chapters and explain little details. If you can slow down, it will create tension and dread in your readers.
