Top 10 Elements that Make a Good Horror Story
You need a certain type of setting for a horror story. It needs to set the tone, drive reader expectations, and be its own character. When I write, I see my story playing out as if it were a movie.
10 elements that make a good horror story:
1. Have the location be somewhat isolated. Make it difficult or impossible for characters to get away.
2. Remove all things that the characters can use to call for help.
3. Have some of the story take place in the dark. As humans, we all have an innate fear of the dark.
4. Someone has to die. Just don’t kill the dog.
5. Add in some quirky personality characteristics for the characters.
6. Make sure you have fear, suspense, and mystery wrapped into the story.
7. Show the scenes using all of the character’s five senses.
8. Always keep the reader guessing. When they think they have it figured out, throw in an unexpected twist.
9. Make sure the situation is believable so the reader feels themselves in the story.
10. And don’t forget to add hope. The characters need to believe they can survive.
Thank you for having me!
The Shattered Seam
Seam Stalkers #1
Kathleen Groger
Publication date: September 13, 2016
Genres: YA Horror, Paranormal
Spending spring break on an isolated island rumored to be haunted is not sixteen-year-old Sam’s idea of fun. Spending spring break with her uncle and his ghost-hunting film crew on an isolated island is even worse.
Way worse.
Her family’s secrets—and a genetic ability she can no longer deny—surface, along with the ghost of a rich serial killer who left behind a trail of trapped souls.
And he’s not through yet.
With only one chance for escape, Sam must embrace her family’s curse and close the Seam between the living and the dead. Or be lost, forever.
About the Author
Kathleen wrote her first story in elementary school about a pegasus named Sir Lancelot. It had no plot or conflict, but it sparked a dream. After serving a fifteen-year sentence in retail management, the bulk in big box bookstores, she turned her love of reading into a full-time career writing dark and haunting characters and stories. She writes paranormal, fantasy, suspense, horror YA books. She is a contributing member of READerlicious, writers who love readers. Check out her blogs here.
She lives by the mantra that a day is not complete without tea. Lots of tea. Kathleen lives in Ohio with her husband, two boys, and two attention-demanding dogs. When not writing or editing or revising, you can find her reading, cooking, spending time with her family, or photographing abandoned buildings.
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