How to Write Effective Horror

[@ojoslocos4225]

When you mentioned symbolism, it reminded me of the horror story “Tommy Taffy: The Third Parent”, about a monster that inserts itself into the lives of happy families as a ‘third parent’, and tears them apart through forms of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. It was already disturbing on its own, but it really hits home when you find out that the ‘third parent’ was meant to symbolize domestic/child abuse, and how the abusive side of a parent can often seem like a whole different person. To this day I recognize it as an example of everything right with symbolism in horror stories.

[@sausagepeels428]

Oh, now I want to read it

[@nextgrips]

oh god fuck no not tommy taffy

[@gaminganimators7000]

I was imagining a mistress or something but then you the abuse part

[@torytellstales]

@@sausagepeels428 Trust me, you DONT want to read it, it will disgust you or make you pissed off. It did fir me, but yet again that's probably what made that story so effective

[@u_t_d_s_h-1_a]

Horror novels are the most fun to read. . .

[@williamperryjr1324]

BASIL OKOCHA I agree! Stephen King writes great horror stories!

[@toringaming723]

I agree, he doesn't write novels but short stories and that mastermind is HP love craft 😍

[@sausagepeels428]

I think I have a thing for it because it gives that thrill and makes my heart beat faster, like the sudden alert feeling my body goes into, as if I'm riding a rollercoaster. Some people may not like that experience, but I love it and hope others can enjoy it too, that's part of the reason I want to write a spook story myself.

[@kjc715]

They include EVERYTHING. Science fiction, fantasy, realistic fiction, and of course, horror itself.

[@saradoka4539]

Agree 👍 writing one myself.

[@gaylord3115]

I have my horror novel done, the only word is- *Stock Market*

[@rebeccav.920]

THIS THREAD ??? WHAT

[@joseluih4367]

i k e a

[@makaylashaw8501]

Cant pick a direction

[@lasily2863]

that’s two words

[@mbossy-22-63]

That aged well

[@mrpay4444AYypIgEDLbwfZm4kjaQk]

Reality scares alot of people.

[@Reedsy]

Haha that is true!

[@edmontonboy99]

But can often be disappointing

[@baileygreen2324]

Then write reality

[@edmontonboy99]

Micayla Yeap You knew I’d come here?

[@Papepada]

Oop-

[@jacket6213]

Me: About to write a short horror story. Shaelin: *makes a video on horror* Me: "I dont know how, I dont know why, but I love you for this. Stay awesome".

[@Reedsy]

Just my spooky psychic powers

[@dorkle9085]

@@Reedsy :(] how did u do that?

[@toringaming723]

I saw a kid jump into the puddle in one dismal morning, instead, his whole body went through the puddle that seemed only three inches deep, I listened to the ground and heard distorted screaming. I jumped in the puddle and found myself in the bottom of deep black waters of monotonous waves and saw the blasphemous abominations of smooth gelatin-like creatures tearing the boy apart as his now stretched guts we're unrecognizable. They were like stumbling upon a mountain and had a thousand shapes of horror that no man has seen. It's lighting bolt like arms reached towards me before I knew it I was on the ground, above the puddle. I'm writing this as an appreciable mental strain that has transpired, knowing what hides in the shadow of the black voyage of waves that we don't know fully.

[@miyaiyee7012]

I really love your manner of writing style! 💕

[@toringaming723]

Thx!

[@roseviolet4147]

Immediately drew me in. Keep going!

[@vjan.1939]

That's impressive I love to read your full story dude It is super scary!!!!

[@mannequinman5638]

I like this a lot!! If you ever decide to post a longer version somewhere, lemme know.

[@18wolfspirit]

One of my novels is inspired by Junji Ito's Uzumaki. It takes place in an island town where the residents begin ineplicably behaving in a more animalistic manner, ultimately transforming into various animals that symbolize various aspects of their personality, some violent and others not so much.

[@bilbebop3693]

That sounds like an amazing story. Thank you for sharing it it's definitely one I'm checking out.

[@18wolfspirit]

@@bilbebop3693 No, I haven't written it, it's just one of my ideas.

[@loneneotank.5687]

Sounds like a mix of uzumaki and all tommorrows. I like it.

[@yvesgomes]

Uzumaki sure is one hell of an inspiration.

[@rh3medy]

"Monster as a Metaphor" True. I remember there was this whole subreddit on a theory that the demogorgon was just a manifestation that eleven created

[@badfoody]

I'm writing a horror book. This really helps It's strange, ive read so much horror but having a hard time writing this story

[@shiyuhe3499]

I’m writing a penny-dreadful themed story set in Victorian London, (inspired by The case of Lady Sunnox) a murder mystery and this was really helpful!

[@e____marlborough]

i kinda want to read this . .

[@j.jnerdamy320]

That sounds awesome

[@seanlloydgardiner]

When are you releasing this

[@cgfftrophilessspursfan9952]

Sounds great!

[@gwroly]

I personally think that one of the best ways to build long range suspense is by starting at the end. Like for example the start of my horror novel I'm writing it starts like this: As charlie sat, looking at the wall ahead of him, he thought to himself "it wasnt supposed to end like this" he turned to his friend,who sat dead with a bullet in between his eyes "I never wanted it to end like this you know" and as charlie looked forward again, staring blankly at the wall ahead of him, he started to reminisce of the good times. And I go to the beginning of the whole story and work my way up to that point.

[@charbar8756]

Love that! And my name is Charlie LOL

[@qoq7794]

@@charbar8756 CHARLIE WHY'D IT END THIS WAY???!!

[@Jj-nn9yn]

@@qoq7794 lmaoo

[@cursivebobcat8964]

I agree! Though make sure not to spoil your own story. Showing that a character is dead may remove some of the stakes, as the audience knows that they are going to die, and as a result is less invested in them. A possible work around is: “It wasn’t supposed to end like this. He turned to the dead man sitting next to him…” As the audience knows someone *will* die, but not who.

[@Inexil3]

I’m trying to write a scary story for my language arts class and this is very useful, so thank you. I was really struggling to make it scary and this helps

[@theautisticartist9370]

When I really, really want to come up with something and I don’t wanna write my written down ideas, I draw something and make up a story for it. Like the immortal one.

[@thunder5x]

I really believe in number 5 and remember to create great and likable characters otherwise people might start rooting for the monster

[@torytellstales]

Definitely agree, I prefer when the protagonists in horror novels/movies are good people, otherwise you don't have a reason to be afraid for them, or you could make the good protagonist turn evil. Edgar Allan Poe's story "Hop-Frog" and Stephen King's "Carrie" are good examples of a loveable character being driven to do a reinous act, and the fear is that that the worst was brought out of those good characters

[@loneneotank.5687]

Maybe that's an idea, could you care for a monster? Despite the horrific things it's done? Despite it was never or is no longer human? And somehow make the reader a monster too, rooting for the, creatures.

[@drewgold1]

This is a lot of what I’ve been doing in my book and short film of the same story. Awesome advice, and made me more confident ! Thank you

[@jayk5969]

LOVE that intro tho!

[@K.e.a.r.a.]

Thank you so much, unfortunately I'm one of the kids who arent sitting my exams this year because of covid-19 and my teachers want us to write essays to grade us on instead. This really helped 😊

[@Sci-Fi_Freak_YT]

I’m currently rewriting one of my horror stories so that it’s longer and makes more sense. Me and my parents are terrified of it but it was just to fast paced and short.

[@davies1738]

I almost feel bad hitting the 'like' button. You were on a spooky 13.

[@shanthi4855]

I feel do accomplished that these are applicable to my book lmao My story does have monsters and ghosts and the like but the story is supposed to show how abuse, trauma, neglect especially as a child is carried through life. My main character faces horrific things but when the one thing that scares him the most is his father it shows how much he had an impact on my character.

[@sethothvinvridvaazhvhel3593]

Thank you this has helped me greatly progress in my short stories.

[@SnugJohnson]

I’ve watched every video I can fine on tips for writing horror and this is by far the best and most helpful. Thankyou!

[@narrativenoob]

I have been brainstorming ideas for a horror story. The general ideas are that it’s about a young man who is getting messages from an anonymous woman, and slowly finds out this woman is stalking him. Basically, it’s a guy on the receiving end of a crazy Yandere. Some ideas I’ve had involved this woman trying to kill him when he rejects her and must fight for his life or the girl in photos that are sent to him is a girl who went missing and he’s trying to find her. I don’t have many more specific ideas on this, but it’s definitely a start.

[@nashwagemakers]

Thanks alot I've been writing something but ive been stuck on how to represent the antagonist and use suspense this really helps

[@mojok7070]

I'm into writing a novel mainly supernatural creatures. I mean I started writing a vampire novel and I've gone over three times and changed it as well. I mean I struggle to make a good novel because he like what I wrote at the moment yet going over it again and don't feel it like I did when I started writing it.

[@GloriousDestiney]

Alright time to write about: 1- myself whenever anyone looks at me 2- my nightmares 3- the monsters around me 4- school Thats gonna be good

[@tederawilliams1469]

I love horror, it's one of my favorite genres; although it's very hard to write because you have to know what scares people. Comedy is another genre that's hard to write because you may say funny things to your friends that's funny too them, but it doesn't mean it's funny to everyone.

[@Reedsy]

I've heard Jordan Peele say that comedy and horror require the same writing skill: surprise!

[@zookeeps1340]

Also another thing to do (in my opinion) is use everyday things for example if you are writing a torture scene use a bandaid to keep somebodies eye open, Use a spoon or fork to take out an eyeball, etc, basically use everyday objects (for example Junko Enoshima when she tortures a dude she uses these two, I recommend trying to find the clip, it is anime though and isnt gory but still)

[@johnmohrston1870]

i wanted advice on horror so i clicked the vid, and thanks! And your voice is just beautiful. Seriously

[@AnjaliSharma-jf9ds]

I'm so inspired by this! I'm gonna write my first story tommorow! I would do it now but it's midnight

[@victorbryan5482]

When you master horror, you've mastered writing

[@tracyl9975]

I absolutely adore horror. This was very helpful!

[@newandreview]

I am very impressed with your knowledge base. I see a very old head on young shoulders. Keep it up. I have learnt a lot from you. Thank you.

[@ctrain8900]

Happy Halloween to you

[@fatbitch7168]

You definitely deserve more views

[@juliehamel8330]

I'm currently worling on a little D&D game to spook some bored players (not my usual style) and your video game me good inspiration. Thank you.

[@vilmundurgunnarsson3904]

I’m actually writing my own “novelisation” of American Werewolf in London not only as an exercise what it feels to write a horror novel but how it feels as a writer to juxtapose the balance of legitimate atmosphere and comedy

[@chelseadanico877]

Awesome video and great advice, I actually really needed it . I’m planning on turning my first book that I titled the great battle for amarykhanta into a creepy pasta series. The video really helped get me started, thanks 🌟😎💕❤️ great job and well done on the video, I absolutely loved and enjoyed it

[@Shuren555]

(POV) you’re trying to learn how to make your stories scarier rather then a child trying to describe the torture of homework.

[@j.jnerdamy320]

I'm writing a short story based on Tam Lin. It takes place in the present with someone walking into the Howard woods to find their brother's lost child. They end up getting lost and end up in the world of the fey which has become quite desolate. It still needs a lot of work and im worried about the antagonists I have

[@xXMordSchlagXx]

This is going to be really useful for my horror novel “GOD“

[@williamperryjr1324]

Thanks for the advice! :)

[@thatcreggcell1534]

Writing a story where aliens have created clones to slowly take over the world. The main character undergoes torture on the hands of his clone. I'm still trying to figure out how to write it all properly

[@redluna6067]

where will you upload it?

[@thomaswind7240]

See Legend of Boggy Creek trailer on KZbin. Afterwards, say out loud what you saw. Note the significance of the boys age, how he can't see what is around him, and most importantly the fence and finally you hear it but you know you have to go in it's direction. Note the countdown of the sun going down to build suspense. The terror of the boys face from the beginning. He knows something you don't. Pulling people out of windows from outside. It's not bump scares but what makes people afraid. Not giving them enough information to feel comfortable. Now I'm scared. :)

[@ButterCookie1984]

I'm currently publishing my sci-fi and getting ready to start on my horror novel.

[@z0mbi3d0llz]

I'm working on writing a first book of mine it's basically a bunch of mini horror story's where instead of surviving like expected the main character usually dies but I don't really know how to add symbolism does anyone have good tips for that?

[@puppeteerist7475]

I just found this channel because i have to write a crime short story

[@rtwo7538]

You are very knowledgeable. I love your videos and incite.

[@ravegrrl4118]

When she mention uncanny valley i immediatly thoutht of the lady from the red room scene in scaries storys to tell in the dark movie

[@TreasureByMeasure]

WRITE THE NEXT LINE: (open to all) Even after a fifteen-minute bake at ninety-three degrees, Mindy thought the Cuisinart utility knife still felt like cold steel between her ribs.

[@capuchinosofia4771]

Somehow, she was still alive. Alive, and being cooked. Meeting that cannibal online turned out worse than she thought.

[@NecyrbWolf]

Bleeding. Pain. This was nothing new to Mindy. This was barely deeper how she spent her teenage years chasing endorphins. Mindy knew this was far from her end. Charles though, Charles won't be posting again after tonight.

[@custommediacreations]

I’m trying to write a horror story and this helped so much, I was trying to make it creepy but I felt like I wasn’t getting anywhere. I didn’t know where to add some light moments or if I was adding too much lightness, thanks for the help.

[@taylerrenee9710]

The build up of suspense and dragging it out for SOOO long reminds me of the tv show “Pretty Little Liars” I watched this show for soooooooo long to find out who “A” actually was!!!

[@Privatewelt]

6 seasons to be specific

[@adhvayisstupid8]

oh yeah we got all my drawings in the uncanny valley

[@snppyfirecracker0564]

Thank you UWU I'm writing a novel that takes place in 1952 about a masked menace who's obsessed with this town and won't stop killing until he gets his message through that his targets come clean and sacrifice themselves for a town that despises them. Its split along five sections and I plan on doing more with my masked man of a serial killer. How do you suggest picking between a old weathered Halloween mask that's meaningful to him, or a drama mask that he so happens to pick up and says "Oooh my identity will be safe". Reply if you encourage me to get through. This'll be all digital this time around on my computer. Used to write on notebooks I write seven book so far and am willing to write something that is going to be deleted on acidents. Coment twice if this is plagiarism, and if so, tell me what that movie or book is it.

[@HoopsMacabre]

Hello Reedsy! My name is Hoops, pleased to meet you! I’m trying to write a horror novel of my own, the most brutal horror novel ever. I’ll be gladly listening to your videos while I work, wish me well and I hope you find vast future successes as well! Your fellow macabre writer, Hoops

[@PalmettoGD]

My name is literally Reed and I write short horror stories, I think this is destined for me

[@niharikamodi8541]

Who ever read this comment may god make your mom or dad live 100+

[@keelobrown4991]

uncanny valley just instantly makes me think of the moonlight man from geralds game

[@AuristheBand]

Nice tips. Thanks for this

[@Hummingbirdie3267]

I’m going through my own horror story...the terror of the blank page

[@andrejparunovic]

That girl that gives advice, she is ever so cute

[@sack1036]

What everyone thinks: "A horror movie when if the parent fails, their children dies, that sounds good, but too scary so no,"

[@daddycremecake4260]

I'm writing a horror story about a ghost hunter in an abandoned mall, it has long hallways that are fairly large, with an office with two hallways, both are cramped too, and it has a bunch of old stores, along with this massive auditorium, which in the dark, with a flashlight, is impossible to see anything until you get close to it. And there is a monster(I won't spoil what it is if it gets published) with him. There is more to it tho than that. This video really helps me with it, thank you!

[@clairedelunatic3682]

I'm writing a sort of psychological spooky(not sure I could categorize it as horror) story, and doing my research here.

[@tusharniras]

Just a more thought about Uncanny Vally: It does not just apply to humans but also to animals and other friendly stuff. For Example: A creature Almost looks like a CAT but something is really wrong with it

[@CinemaMacabro]

One of the best Metaphor monsters used in horror was Jeepers Creepers, if you know about the screenwriter and director Victor Salva he was a registered sex offender, he had molested a child in his film the Clownhouse, did time and surprisingly had a film produced by Ford Coppola. The Creeper in the movie is the director's dark side, you can see this both in the first and especially the sequel, where the antagonist only targets young men. The Creeper is a Metaphor for Victor Salvas sexual deviancy you can see it in multiple scenes, as genius as this is it makes the film not only more disturbing but almost makes you feel dirty for watching it ,

[@robertwilliam5334]

Very useful. Thank you!

[@Bluboy511]

There are times when you could leave things to the imagination. You need evidence to suggest something terrifying and evil is present and you must describe every sensation in great detail that suggests there's something scary closing in on the main character. Also think about the context when describing things. Saying the main character hears a loud scream isn't as scary as if you were to first describe a dark setting such as a forest in the middle of the night and then describe other aspects of the scream like how it echoes through the environment or that the scream almost but doesn't quite sound like a human scream.

[@Explodingtv6Q]

Reedsy: Make your monster represent something The creator of Sweet Home: *noted*

[@YTEdy]

That's interesting. I'd never heard the uncanny valley used as a positive before. I've only heard it referenced as something to avoid because it doesn't work, like that terrible Polar Express movie . . . or She Hulk. And I don't hate She Hulk, but she spent time in the valley of not quite right CGI.

[@rookinthebooks9926]

Does anyone have any tips or ideas on how to really scare the reader through psychological horror? I really wanna write a psychological horror because the idea of it seems so enchanting and naughty and daring and fun! But, I feel like psychological horror is a hard genre of horror to write because if you really want to consider it horror, it has to be scary. I have a hazy plan on how to make it scary, but I’d like some pointers if you have any.

[@keamorshed]

I usually don't comment - this video was awesome!

[@juliefarrell6688]

I wrote a story called "Don't be scared I'm your New Mommy" There's a woman in the forest who kidnaps children to cope with the fact that she lost of 5 children and husband in a house fire. The monsters in the forest are manifestations of her grief and pain. It's confirmed in the book. Since it was my first book, it wasn't the best, so I'm gonna re-write it.

[@jackjones7749]

That sounds cool don't give up on your story! I

[@M6eri]

That’s interesting and scary

[@heidikillefer5687]

This helped me a lot right now I am making a horror story! For my class I will terrify them!

[@soumitramandal]

Thanks for the amazing tips!!

[@AW-hn6ro]

I'm writing a horror story were a book when held gives you your greatest desire and it shows you drawings, paintings or illustrations of your success and you accomplish. but slowly your greatest want becomes your greatest torment, and the book shows you your demise or how your life will end up in a worse place.

[@aishamohamud936]

thanks for the ideas

[@nonameless2]

AH yes, I always knew Polar Express was a horror movie

[@gokulpann6278]

Great tips! Awesome work!!!

[@denzildavid4017]

Thanks for the guide dear .😊

[@billyalarie929]

:58 TALK ABOUT UNCANNY VALLEY i thought i was going crazy when i heard you say "or evenOR EVEN", i had to back it up a couple seconds to realize that was an editing thing

[@marcusblacknell-andrews1783]

Role-Playing Games help me inspire my horror stories!

[@Phoenix-np1iu]

I think she likes the uncanny valley. lol. But in all seriousness this advice is really helpful

[@michaelraymon111]

Why

[@Phoenix-np1iu]

@@michaelraymon111 cause it's cool

[@davidrobinson9831]

The worst stories are the ones you've heard your whole life. Those are the real nightmares. - Stephen King ( Riding the Bullet)

[@vanillabxck]

How do I make a human murderer character reflect with the uncanny valley thing?

[@InfidelProductionz]

Read Darren Shan. He's a master of horror.

[@reggielovato9525]

The Demonata series is his best work

[@gone-with-the-light]

I use reedsy but I wish it was a app

[@harleykaruliscreativity7467]

Great tips, great channel

[@EggsToYourBacon]

Monster as metaphor: In the episode of Teen Titans, "Fear Itself" the monster seen in the episode is literally Raven's fear that was bottled down. That's my example.

[@m.lermapaula4582]

Is gore under horror or its a different genre

[@DonJuanDecepticon]

Make your pro relatable , likeable or Unlikable .Make your readers feel something for the main character so there's a pay off.

[@authorasyaifuldin8283]

You can see a doll and note its resemblance to a real person. That doll itself do not elicit a response because consciously its an object.. Therefore the emotional response and state would be how we would interact with an object. This is easy to process real time in everyday life. However in writing, to describe this emotional response well, the writing should noticibly describe why the valley is uncanny. The operative word here is 'describe'. How does it feel staring into something familiar but foreign and unknown.? How the emotional aspect is conveyed? What's the psychological state of the character? How does the character's own world view form the valley? When does the uncanny transcend into a horrific perception to the character's eyes and mind? I suppose the real focus to convey that uncanny valley feeling would be the emotions associated with the feeling and all manner of responses that stems from it. Readers psychologically relate with the character because they and the character are 'canny' together. Therefore the exploration of the descriptive emotions with uncanny valley is just a 'what if...' curiosity that plays out as the narrative draws them in more into experiencing the story.

[@RedMay]

I’m writing a analog horror story that I’ll be uploading on another KZbin channel called “Transponder 4” the name represents the character and the number is explained through the story, the monster I use will symbolize something all humans have but if you want to know you’ll have to watch it, I’m working hard so I appreciate anyone that does

[@kathyl6677]

I could really use some examples from actual stories/books. Other than the Dementors, what else?

[@skmuskanrahaman1690]

Is "The boy with no soul" a good title?

[@lavarclemmons1920]

I likes to write and I'm know we're near where she's talking about that is very interesting because I try to become the characters that I'm writing about it's just hard to get in that emotion I think because other things are on my mind at the same time I'm not sure

[@DanielL.Phillips]

Wow! very very very good..

[@that-one3408]

me trying to make my "foul Play" story bord better TwT I cant i need help please give me some tips

[@applecore8978]

This helped.

[@mr.context3872]

My zombie book will be supreme now