Crafting Terror: A Guide to the Process of Writing Horror Fiction
Have you ever yearned to compose and shape your own epic Horror Fiction opus or design a bone- chilling short-story? Is it your own fear that’s holding you back? Are you too petrified to put words on a page due to your concern that your scares will fall short—or even worse—become unintentionally funny? What does it take to write successful horror fiction and how can you master the craft?
Good news! Writing Horror Fiction laden with palpable terror is frighteningly obtainable. The first step in your journey to instill fear and darkness in the hearts and minds of your readers is to deconstruct the genre in order to learn it inside and out. This feat is accomplished by identifying and learning the basic building blocks that make-up a piece of Horror Fiction. Then, once the key elements, techniques, and strategies are recognized, learned, and adhered to, you will be on your way to adding the ability of crafting terror to your writer’s arsenal.
A Guide to the Process of Writing Horror Fiction
The Horror Fiction genre, while radically different from other types of fiction, doesn’t differ greatly in the process of composition. As in many fiction genres, certain characters and archetypes must be included and used with purpose. In the case of Horror Fiction, these basic archetypal characters take the form of the individuals we root for to survive until the end, such as Heroes and Victims–and also the characters who pose threat to their very existence, such as Monsters and Villains. In addition to the characters, something equally as crucial to your story’s success is the setting; it should take on an active role in the plot, almost behaving like a character or presence all of its own—perhaps even having its own motivations.
Besides learning the what-to-do’s of Horror Fiction, it is key to develop the ability to recognize the what-not-to-do’s. Horror Fiction has the potential to turn mere words into an emotional response—to produce a genuine reaction of fear and terror in those who are brave enough to turn the page—but if painful pitfalls of the genre aren’t avoided, common clichés and tropes may terrify your readers in a manner entirely unintended.
Learn the Craft of Horror Fiction Writing with Our Horror Fiction Writing Course
Interested in delving further into the art of writing Horror Fiction? Then be sure to reserve your spot in Creative Writing Ink’s “Writing Horror Fiction” course led by published author and novelist, Kerry Hadley-Pryce. This six-week online course will provide you with every tool you’ll need to simply get started or to improve on the ideas that you already have. The class size is made-up of only ten participants, so individual help and guidance is ensured. However, since the class is limited to such a small size, spots are bound to fill-up quickly–so don’t miss out and reserve your own place over at www.creativewritingink.co.uk today!
