Introduction
Scary stories are meant to evoke fear and mystery in readers. A good scary story will leave readers on the edge of their seats, unable to put down the book or turn off the movie. But how do you write a scary story? It all starts with a great opening. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to start a scary story, with tips and examples to help take your writing to the next level.
Definition of a Scary Story
First, let’s define what a scary story is. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a scary story is “a story that is intended to frighten or shock the reader or listener.” This can include horror stories, ghost stories, and thrillers. But no matter the genre, all good scary stories have one thing in common: they are designed to create suspense and tension in the reader.
Reasons Why People Write and Enjoy Scary Stories
So why do people enjoy reading scary stories? According to a study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, there are several reasons. First, people enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes with being scared. The study found that participants experienced increased heart rate and skin conductance when reading a scary story. Secondly, people find comfort in the idea that they are in control while reading a scary story. Even though they are scared, they know that the danger is not real.
Begin with a Vivid Description of a Setting
The best way to start a scary story is with a vivid description of the setting. This will help to establish the atmosphere of the story and draw readers in. When describing the setting, think about what kind of emotions you want to evoke in the reader. Try to focus on sensory details like sight, sound, smell, and touch. These details can help to create an atmosphere of fear and mystery.
The Importance of Vivid Description
Descriptive language is important in any story, but it’s especially crucial in a scary story. According to a study published in the International Journal of Language Studies, descriptive language is essential for creating an atmosphere of fear and suspense. The study found that readers were more likely to be scared by stories that used vivid descriptions of the setting, characters, and events.
Examples of Settings That Evoke Fear and Mystery
When choosing a setting for your scary story, consider locations that evoke fear and mystery. This could be an abandoned house, a creepy forest, or a deserted town. You could also choose a less traditional setting, like a spaceship, an underwater laboratory, or a haunted carnival. Whatever setting you choose, make sure it contributes to the overall atmosphere of the story.
Introduce an Eerie Character
The next step in starting a scary story is to introduce an eerie character. This character should be mysterious and unsettling, and they should contribute to the overall atmosphere of the story. They don’t necessarily have to be evil, but they should evoke a sense of unease in the reader.
Why an Eerie Character is Important
An eerie character is important for a few reasons. First, they help to create suspense. By introducing a mysterious character, you can leave readers wondering what their motives are and what role they will play in the story. Secondly, an eerie character can provide insight into the world of the story and help to establish the tone. Finally, an eerie character can serve as a source of conflict and drive the plot forward.
Examples of Mysterious and Eerie Characters
When creating an eerie character, consider their backstory and personality. They could be a witch, a vampire, a mad scientist, or a ghost. Or they could be a more subtle character, like a strange old man who lives in the woods or a mysterious woman who appears out of nowhere. Whatever type of character you choose, make sure they contribute to the atmosphere of the story.
Start with a Suspenseful or Mysterious Event
Another great way to start a scary story is with a suspenseful or mysterious event. This event should be unexpected and shocking, and it should leave readers wondering what happens next. It could be something supernatural, like a ghostly figure appearing in a window, or something more mundane, like a character finding a strange package on their doorstep.
How to Create a Suspenseful Event
When writing a suspenseful event, it’s important to focus on the details. Think about how the event unfolds and what clues can be found along the way. What questions does the event raise? What implications does it have for the story? By focusing on the details, you can create an event that is both mysterious and suspenseful.
Examples of Suspenseful Events
Some examples of suspenseful events include a character hearing a strange noise in the night, finding a secret room in their house, or being followed by an unknown figure. You could also start with a character waking up with no memory of the previous night or discovering a hidden message in a book. Whatever event you choose, make sure it contributes to the overall atmosphere of the story.
Introduce a Dark or Foreboding Object
Another great way to start a scary story is with a dark or foreboding object. This object should be mysterious and unsettling, and it should contribute to the overall atmosphere of the story. It could be a cursed artifact, a strange painting, or a mysterious box.
What Makes an Object Dark or Foreboding
When creating a dark or foreboding object, it’s important to think about its history and purpose. What secrets does it hold? What power does it possess? How did the character come across it? By exploring these questions, you can create an object that is both mysterious and unsettling.
Examples of Dark or Foreboding Objects
Some examples of dark or foreboding objects include a mysterious journal, a cursed amulet, or a strange doll. You could also choose a less traditional object, like a vial of strange liquid or a music box that plays a sinister tune. Whatever object you choose, make sure it contributes to the overall atmosphere of the story.
Begin with a Question that Sets the Tone for the Story
Finally, you can start a scary story by posing a question that sets the tone for the story. This question should be intriguing and thought-provoking, and it should leave readers wanting to know more. It could be a philosophical question, like “What is the nature of fear?”, or a more straightforward question, like “Who is the killer?”.
Importance of Starting with a Question
Starting with a question is important for a few reasons. First, it helps to engage readers. By posing a question, you can hook readers and keep them engaged throughout the story. Secondly, a question can help to set the tone for the story. It can give readers a sense of the themes and ideas that will be explored in the story.
Examples of Questions that Set the Tone
When choosing a question to start your story, consider the theme and tone of the story. Some examples of questions that set the tone include “What lies beneath the surface?”, “What secrets are hidden in the darkness?”, and “What price will you pay for knowledge?”. Whatever question you choose, make sure it contributes to the overall atmosphere of the story.
Conclusion
In conclusion, starting a scary story can be daunting, but with the right techniques, you can create a story that is both suspenseful and engaging. Start with a vivid description of the setting, introduce an eerie character, and begin with a suspenseful or mysterious event. Then, introduce a dark or foreboding object and begin with a question that sets the tone for the story. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to writing a successful scary story.
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