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...