Understanding the Basics of Writing in the Horror Genre
You can read horror novels any time of year. But, there is an extra thrill when you read a scary story in the weeks leading up to Halloween. For horror fans, Halloween is the best time of year, a time when the world widely embraces the genre. As October 31 quickly approaches, there is no better time to get drawn into a spooky tale.
Many people focus on horror on screen or as a costume, but horror literature has a storied past. There are countless subgenres within the horror genre that can be tailored to any taste. From the gothic horror of Frankenstein to the modern output of prominent authors, there is something for everybody. Common features of horror stories are ghosts, monsters, vampires, zombies, and anything else paranormal. However, horror books can also be funny, based in fantasy, or based on real life.
Regardless of what kind of horror story you are crafting, there are some basics to understand. Once you have a grasp on the basics, you can write any kind of horror story that appeals to you. This article will look at some factors to consider when you set out to write horror.
Writing to the Target Audience
As with every book you write, your target audience needs to be at the top of your mind. You always want to write to your intended audience, which will guide your writing process. Horror books can be for any audience based on the story you are telling.
Adults will likely be the intended audience for the most frightening horror books. This is true for the majority of stories with either graphic violence or true scares. When setting out to write a book for adult audiences, you do not want to speak down to them. Assume they are mature adults, write to their sensibilities. You will likely not need to hold back on your content or themes.
There are horror stories that are targeted at younger audiences, too. Teen readers are often drawn to elements of horror in their books as a fantastical way to get into reading. Similarly, there are horror books that can target pre-teens and children. When writing a horror book for younger audiences, customize it to your audience. Children may enjoy a Halloween picture book, while teenagers might crave something spookier.
Level of Scares
With the target audience in mind, the next natural question to ask is how scary your book will be. Horror is such a broad general that it can encompass books with no traditional scares to terrifying pieces of literature. For younger readers, your Halloween story might focus on trick-or-treating with minimal scares. As your audience gets older, you can introduce more scares into your writing. Fit the level of scares in your book with the content and intended audience.
Types of Scares
There are many ways to scare readers. While books often cannot have the jump scares typical of a horror film, they can still be terrifying. One way to scare readers is by depicting visceral violence or including vivid scenes of horror. Another option is to make your story more psychological and eerie, lingering in your readers’ minds. More abstractly, you can scare your readers with the unknown, highlighting fantastical spectacle and fictional monsters. No matter the type of scares you write, your goal is to have it stick with the reader.
Guiding Plot and Characters
As with any book, the characters and plot of your horror book will be of the utmost importance. The plot of your book will play into the genres and tropes you portray. For example, if you are looking to write a vampire novel, establish the rules of the universe. Keep everything consistent to create a well-rounded story. Never sacrifice a strong plot in favor of cheap scares or shock value. The best horror stories are remembered because they are well-written and leave an impact on readers.
When it comes to the characters, you want them to be well-defined and distinct. The more identifiable and realistic your characters are, the more your reader will care about them. This is especially true in horror when much of the tension comes from your characters being in peril. Have a plan for each of your characters and how they fit into the larger story. Naturally, some characters will be minor players, but make sure they serve the plot well.
Publishing Your Horror Novel
Starting the writing process can be daunting. So, once you complete your book, you will want to get it published. Once we approve your finished manuscript, our team at Cloverly will guide you through every step of the publication process. We have you covered, from copyediting the text of your book to helping craft an eye-catching cover. Your book can be a new Halloween classic!
