How to Write a Horror Story: 5 Tips for Writing Horror Fiction

The horror genre has long captivated readers by tapping into one of our most primal emotions—fear. Whether it’s the slow-burning terror of a psychological thriller or the jump-scare intensity of supernatural horror, writing a horror story is about evoking an emotional response that lingers with readers long after they’ve turned the final page. But how do you take your audience on such a harrowing journey? In this post, we’ll explore what defines the horror genre and share practical tips for writing horror fiction that chills readers to their core.

What is horror fiction?

Horror, at its essence, is a genre designed to evoke fear, anxiety, or dread. What sets it apart is that the central goal is not just to entertain, but to unsettle. Horror writers do this by placing characters (and, by extension, the reader) into situations where they are vulnerable to terrifying forces—whether supernatural, psychological, or something rooted in real-world dangers.

Horror novels often touch on themes of death, the unknown, and the darker aspects of human nature. However, it can be explored in many forms, from gothic haunted house stories to body horror, and even dystopian or apocalyptic scenarios. Legendary writer H.P. Lovecraft even pioneered the cosmic horror subgenre. Some common subgenres include:

• Supernatural Horror: Also called paranormal horror, this involves ghosts, monsters, or otherworldly entities. Examples: Stephen King’s The Shining and Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House.
• Psychological Horror: Delves into characters' minds to explore fear from within. Examples: Ira Levin’s Rosemary’s Baby or Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart.
• Body Horror: Focusing on the transformation or mutilation of the human body, such as in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. This can also intersect with paranormal stories, such as graphic depictions of werewolf transformations.

Each of these subgenres leverages different aspects of fear, but they all aim for the same goal: to unsettle and scare readers.

Tips for writing horror fiction

Build atmosphere slowly

One of the best ways to draw your reader into the horror is by creating a sense of growing unease. Horror thrives on anticipation! Rather than immediately introducing your reader to the central terror, take the time to set up an atmosphere that feels ominous. Focus on descriptions that evoke a sense of isolation or vulnerability—dark, empty streets, unfamiliar settings, or subtle, unexplained occurrences.

The setting in horror can be as much a part of the story as the characters themselves. Isolated locations, claustrophobic environments, and places imbued with their own history or malevolence can heighten the sense of danger.

For example, In The Shining, Stephen King spends a significant portion of the novel slowly building the eerie and oppressive atmosphere of the Overlook Hotel. The hotel itself becomes a character, and the reader feels the dread growing long before the real horror kicks in.

Focus on the characters

Your readers need to care about your characters for them to feel the fear. Craft characters with relatable traits—whether it’s their flaws, fears, or desires. This way, the audience will be emotionally invested when the horror strikes. The fear is far more significant when the characters feel like real people. In The Haunting of Hill House, Shirley Jackson’s protagonist, Eleanor, is deeply vulnerable due to her loneliness and psychological fragility. This makes the strange events in the house feel far more personal and terrifying, as the reader witnesses her unraveling.

No matter what kind of horror story you're writing, the best horror uses the psychological aspects of fear to amplify the experience. Delve into the minds of your characters and explore their internal fears—guilt, paranoia, or insanity. This adds layers to your story, making the horror more personal and visceral. A classic example of this is The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe; the terror is not external but internal, as the protagonist is consumed by paranoia and guilt over his crime. His own mind becomes his greatest enemy.

Use fear of the unknown

One of the most effective tools in horror is to leave key elements of your story ambiguous. The less readers know, the more their imagination can fill in the blanks—often creating something more terrifying than anything you could explicitly describe. This technique plays on the fear of the unknown, a fundamental aspect of human psychology.

Many horror movies take advantage of this strategy. For example, in The Blair Witch Project, the witch is never seen on screen, but the fear builds through the characters’ reactions to unseen forces and strange events. The unknown nature of the threat makes it even more terrifying.

Balance pace with suspense

While jumping into scare after scare is tempting, pacing is essential in horror books. Too much action can desensitize the reader, while too little can cause the story to drag. A successful horror story balances moments of suspense with periods of intensity. Create “lulls” where the tension builds, only to release that energy in shocking or terrifying moments.

Effective horror stories also often feature unexpected twists that shock the reader and leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s a revelation about the villain's true nature or an unexpected turn of events, a well-placed twist can heighten the horror and give readers an experience they won’t forget!

Beware of clichés

Each horror subgenre has popular tropes that readers enjoy, but many have been recycled so often that they are now considered clichés. If you want to write a gripping horror story that also feels fresh, consider how you might create something new from familiar tropes. For example, Grady Hendrix puts a new spin on the "final girl" trope in his horror novel The Final Girl Support Group. Taking a classic horror idea and twisting it into something that subverts your readers' expectations can help you stand out as a writer and make your stories even more scary!

Ready to write a horror story that chills?

Great horror fiction involves tapping into the reader’s deepest fears, whether they stem from the supernatural or psychological realms. By focusing on atmosphere, character vulnerability, pacing, and the unknown, you can create stories that haunt your readers long after they finish reading. As you craft your own horror tale, remember: the scariest things are often those that remain unseen and unexplained. Let your reader’s imagination do the work!