 Horror/Scary: July 13, 2005 Issue [#491] |
  Horror/Scary
This week: Edited by: animatqua
More Newsletters By This Editor 
1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions
| ASIN: B004PICKDS |
Product Type: Toys & Games
|
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
|
|
How do you start a horror story?
Like any other genre, everyone has their own style. Some like to start with descriptions: of the character, of the setting, of the background situations. Some like to begin subtly, giving the reader no clue as to the content of the story.
My own style is to start out with a bang, drag the reader in, and surround him with steps building to the ultimate mental smash down. Or, to start with a bang, lead the reader in, and then weave the background around the progressing action.
Personally, I think my forte in writing is my character development, so I tend to rely on that rather heavily in most of my work. Horror is no exception to that. For me, the feelings, rather than the situation create the horror. Blood, guts, and gore are only so many accessories if there is no reaction to them. Ditto creepy settings and/or people.
Since I rely so heavily on character development to tell my stories, I try to pack that into a dynamic first sentence that (hopefully!) creates enough interest to make the reader want to go on. I try to do this by jarring emotions if I can, laying out something the reader is going to react to.
I also usually separate that first `grabber’ sentence from the ones following. This isn’t necessarily proper English Composition format, but for me, setting it apart like this gains instant attention and focus.
So how do I do this? Sometimes with one simple word, followed by descriptions evoking emotions.
Example 1:
Hate.
Crawling through the soul, wrapping around the mind, and laughing through a mouth that dares not scream.
Example 2:
Murder.
So simple, so complicated, so present in front of Allison’s terrified nose.
Of course it is hoped that the reader will be intrigued enough to want to know the who, what, and why of the hate and the mouth and why the mouth does not dare to scream. Or, in the second example, why murder is simple, why it’s complicated, and what it’s doing in front of Allison’s nose.
Try the technique. Maybe you’ll like it!
|
| |  | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#984414 by Not Available. |
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#972135 by Not Available. |
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#969684 by Not Available. |
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#979382 by Not Available. |
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#888625 by Not Available. |
|
Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
Don't forget to support our sponsor!
| ASIN: 1945043032 |
|
Amazon's Price: $ 13.94
|
|
| If you try the `start up' method in the editorial, drop us a line and let us know how it worked for you. |
| ASIN: 197380364X |
|
Amazon's Price: $ 15.99
|
|
To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.
|
This printed copy is for your personal use only. Reproduction
of this work in any other form is not allowed and does violate its copyright. |
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
