  Horror/Scary
This week: Hyping up the Horror Edited by: Adriana Noir  
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| Hello again! I hope that the end of February finds you all well and inspired. Here in the States, spring is just around the corner. Finally an end in sight to that raging case of cabin fever. While I can't give you any tips for fighting that off, hopefully this week's issue helps you hype up the horror in your writing. |
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What do you do when you are writing a short story or a novel and the horror just seems to fall flat? We've all had moments where we envision a great scene, and the images we see in our head elicit the strongest of shivers, but when it comes to conveying that chill on paper . . . something fails to come through. It's one of the most frustrating obstacles a writer encounters. Using a short checklist may help pinpoint the problem and recapture the magic.
1. Make sure something is at stake. Be it the fate of the world, or your main character's survival, something has to be on the line. Nothing gets the heart pounding as hard as knowing everything could come to an end. The implication could be subtle, or in your face, but the effect will be the same. Who didn't shudder when Frodo was tangled in the spider's web? Or cringe as Cujo battered his head into the side of that broken down car? Why was this? The character's survival was at stake.
2. Check to see if you've covered all of the information necessary to make the moment scary. This includes taking the time to set up a bit of history/backstory. I know, I know. I can hear the groaning now, but let's think about this. Your readers need to understand what is creepy about this moment or the monster they are facing along with your characters. They don't instinctually know, as you do, that this is the biggest, baddest demon known to man. Or that the old lady next door shuffling through her garden, isn't tending to her weeds, but infected with a viral stand so wicked it threatens to wipe out humanity. Make sure you set these things up and show them to your reader before the confrontation. Then, refer back to number one and remind them of what is at stake.
3. Sometimes using reality as a contrast makes that moment all the more terrifying. In my WIP, the world economy has collapsed, sending mankind into a frightening free fall. Demons and angels roam the earth in constant battle over human souls. A bump in the night under these circumstances would hardly be terrifying. I included a brief scene of normalcy, where my character was rummaging through the racks of an abandoned store, "shopping" and laughing with a friend. I did this to remind her and the audience of what normal life used to be like. That sweet glimpse of reality set the stage for a much darker moment, when a homeless man staggered in, under the influence of a demonic force. It provided a stark contrast, so the horror would seem even more vivid in comparison. Think back to a few of your favorite movies or books and see how and where they might have used a similar technique.
4. Don't place unnecessary pressure on yourself by thinking you have to describe every morbid detail. Sometimes, less is more. Give the readers just enough to fill them in. Try describing just enough so they are not clueless as to what they are seeing, and then pan back. Let them fill in some of the details. If done right, their imaginations will run wild. Somewhere, a little voice in the back of their head will be asking more questions and heightening the horror. "Wait! What was that dark shadow? What was that grating whisper and the fingers Johnny felt clawing at his leg from under the bed? Was it too horrible to even describe?" These moments can help heighten the suspense. Just make sure at some point, you do include a pay-off.
There you have it. a quick four-point checklist. Hopefully it helps you get moving the next time you feel yourself stuck or uninspired.
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| |  | Atrocity (18+)
"Aw, it's just a big lonely monster, I'm sure it's nice..." - Famous last words.
#1661395 by Robert Kahil |
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What are some of your favorite tips and tricks to use when it comes to amping up the horror in your writing? Did you see any listed here? Do they differ from the ones that make you sit up and take note when reading or when watching a movie?
Quite a few of you e-mailed me with comments and questions this time around. I wanted to take the time to say thank you for those private exchanges, as well as the ones submitted to the newsletter. My favorite part about doing these editorials is interacting with each of you.  Now, on to the public comments:
Robert Kahil Well, I really enjoyed the recent edition to this horror newsletter. I've been looking for publishers with no luck for a long time. Thanks!
You're quite welcome! Glad I could be of some help. 
mikeypugs0134Thanks so much for picking my story I really appreciate it big time... It really makes my day when I see my name in there hahahaha~~~~
My pleasure! I aim to please. 
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Horror/Scary: March 02, 2011 Issue [#4264]
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