Brandon Cornett's Blog

How to Develop a Scary Atmosphere for a Horror Story

Horror writers can take their scary stories to the next level by creating the right atmosphere. It can make the difference between an “okay” story and a “wow” story.

But what is atmosphere, in a horror writing context? And how do you go about creating it?

Grab your headlamp and lace up your mud boots. We’re about to explore some techniques for developing scary atmosphere in fiction.

Understanding Atmosphere in Fiction

Atmosphere is not the same as setting. That’s the first thing as...

Horror Flash Fiction: The Ultimate Guide for Readers and Writers

Flash fiction comes in and out of style but never really fades away. As long as humans have short attention spans or limited leisure time, flash fiction will have its place in the world.

In this guide, we’ll explore the exciting world of horror flash fiction, in particular.

Side note: The Deadlands story project is built around horror flash fiction. So if you like this concept and want to see it in action, be sure to subscribe.

What Is Flash Fiction, Exactly?

Definition: “Flash fic...

Ready, Set, Scare: 10 Ways to Start a Horror Story, With Examples

A lot of aspiring horror writers have a hard time starting a story.

They have an idea for the story and maybe some character outlines.

But when they sit down to actually start writing … creative paralysis.

Does this sound familiar? If so, keep reading!

Seven Ways to Begin a Horror Story

Two things to know up front: (1) these are not the only ways to begin a story, and (2) there aren’t any hard rules when it comes to creative writing.

The short story form invites creativity and ...

How to Create a More Suspenseful Horror Story: A Writer’s Guide

Have you ever encountered a horror story that kept you nervously guessing and turning the pages until the very end, to find out what happens?

That’s suspenseful horror.

But how does one go about writing such a story? How can horror writers inject more suspense into their stories, to keep their readers engrossed?

Article summary: This guide explains what suspense is, what it’s made of, and how you can develop it when writing a horror short story or novel.

What Is Suspense, Exactly?...

How to Write a More Suspenseful Horror Story: The Advanced Class

Have you ever encountered a horror story that kept you nervously guessing and turning the pages until the very end, to find out what happens?

That’s suspenseful horror.

But how does one go about writing such a story? How can horror writers inject more suspense into their stories, to keep their readers engrossed?

This guide explains what suspense is, what it’s made of, and how you can develop it when writing a horror short story or novel.

What Is Suspense, Exactly?

In fiction, susp...

Building the Bones: 10 Ways to Structure a Horror Short Story

Horror short stories come in many shapes and styles. Some follow traditional story structures while others experiment with unorthodox forms.

But an aspiring writer has to start somewhere. This guide explains some of the most common story structures used in horror.

First Question: Are You a Plotter or a Pantser?

You might find it helpful to map out the structure of a horror story before you start writing it. Many writers do this. They build the bones first and then add the meat.

...

How to Describe Setting in a Horror Story

A good setting can take your horror story to the next level, creating realism and pulling the reader into your fictional world.

It can also make a scary story even scarier, by depicting an eerie or unsettling atmosphere.

But what is “setting” in the context of fiction? How do you choose one for your story? And how can you describe it in a way that enhances the reader’s experience?

This guide covers everything you need to know about setting, description, and sensory details within the co...

Why Do We Like to Read Scary Stories and Watch Scary Movies?

People read scary stories and watch scary movies for a lot of different reasons. But it mainly comes down to one thing.

These experiences allow us to explore fear in a safe space, while offering thrills, chills, and the occasional adrenaline rush.

Scary stories often deliver mystery and suspense, characteristics that can make any story more engaging.

But of course, there’s much more to it than that. So let’s explore some of the reasons why people like to watch scary movies and read scar...

How Do Horror Stories and Movies Affect Our Brains?

Horror fiction can release a flood of brain chemicals for a scary good time.

Horror stories and movies create a strong emotional response. You’ve probably experienced this firsthand. It explains why people cringe, tense up, and sometimes peek through their fingers.

But what’s the science behind these controlled scares? How do horror stories and movies actually affect our brains?

As it turns out, there’s a fascinating chemical reaction that takes place in the brain when we read scary...

What Makes a Story Scary, and How Can You Accomplish This Effect?

Have you ever read a scene in a horror story that literally gave you chills?

Or made the hairs on your arms stand up?

Or made you double-check the doors to be sure they were locked?

If so, you’ve experienced skillful horror writing.

But what is it about certain stories that evokes such a reaction? What makes a story scary, and how can you accomplish this in your own writing? Let’s explore…

What Makes a Story Scary?

Spooky stories conjure fear in a number of overlapping ways. It...