New Class! Creating Short Horror Stories that Sizzle and Sell

Women of the Weird West Anthology New sci-fi horror audio story: Negation

New Class! Creating Short Horror Stories that Sizzle and Sell

I’ll be teaching a Reach Your Apex workshop called “Creating Short Horror Stories that Sizzle and Sell” this Friday, May 23, 2025 at 2pm ET/11am PT. This course is for both emerging writers and established authors looking to explore the art of short horror fiction. Whether you’re new to horror or looking to hone your craft, you’ll learn how to create captivating short stories that will stay with the reader long after the final sentence.

Use code HORROR10 at checkout for $10 off: https://reachyourapex.com/product/creating-horror-short-stories-that-sizzle-and-sell/. Hope to see you there!

Sign up here to level up your short story writing! About the Course

The horror genre is experiencing a resurgence, with many magazines and anthologies seeking new short stories to haunt their pages. This course is for both emerging writers and established authors looking to explore the art of short horror fiction.

Whether you’re new to horror or looking to hone your craft, you’ll learn how to create captivating short stories that will stay with the reader long after the final sentence.

In this class, we’ll delve into the essential elements of writing horror short stories that resonate with readers and stand out in the slush pile. You’ll practice:

crafting a chilling hook that creates intrigue from the very first line,infusing atmospheric tension throughout, andusing characterization that elevates your story beyond cheap thrills.

From pacing to plot structure, we’ll explore techniques you can apply to short stories of any genre to make a powerful impact.

Through practical writing exercises and expert guidance, you’ll discover how to balance brevity with emotional punch and create stories that build suspense, evoke dread, and leave readers unsettled.

You’ll learn what does and doesn’t constitute a horror story, and how horror interfaces with other genres.

We’ll also cover the business side of horror writing with tips on submitting your work to publishers, insights into what editors are looking for, and how to avoid common pitfalls to give your story the best chance at success.

You’ll leave this workshop with the skills and confidence to write and submit short horror stories that’ll make an impression. Whether you’re looking to develop your horror writing chops or expand your reach as an author, this workshop is a great opportunity to take your short fiction to the next level.

Along with practical tips and writing exercises, you’ll leave this workshop with the foundation of a horror short story, as well as a better understanding of the short story market and horror publishing landscape in general.

DATE: May 23, 2025 – Friday TIME: 2PM ET | 11AM PT

About Your Instructor

KC Grifant is an award-winning Southern Californian author who writes speculative stories in the horror, fantasy, sci-fi and weird west genres. She authored the award-winning supernatural western Monster Gunslinger series and Shrouded Horror: Tales of the Uncanny.

She is editor of Women of the Weird West, and co-editor of Dread Coast: SoCal Horror Tales and Of Terrors and Tombstones, as well as creator of Weird West Fiction, a website that showcases diverse weird west authors.

In addition, she is a published short story writer, with dozens of tales appearing in podcasts, magazines and Stoker-nominated anthologies, including: PseudoPod, Andromeda Spaceways Magazine, Unnerving Magazine, Cosmic Horror Monthly, Dark Matter Magazine, Sley House Presents, the British SF Association’s Fission Magazine, Tales to Terrify, the Lovecraft eZine; Musings of the Muse; Dancing in the Shadows—A Tribute to Anne Rice; the Stoker-nominated Chromophobia; the Stoker-nominated Fright Mare: Women Write Horror, and many others.

She teaches genre and short story workshops and has been a moderator, panelist or speaker at dozens of conferences and events. In 2016, she co-founded the Horror Writers Association San Diego Chapter, an organization that helps to promote the horror genre and co-chaired its flagship international event, StokerCon, in 2024. She is also a member of numerous writing organizations and a Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association mentor. Aside from constructing imaginary worlds, she works as an award-winning science communicator and tries to keep up with two small wildlings.

Read my blog post, “The Power of Fear: How Short Horror Stories Can Jumpstart Your Writing,” for an overview of tips!