by Prisha
Fall has already set in, and it's the perfect time to get started with tales and poetry that will have you looking over your shoulder every second. From classic horror to spine chilling myths, these recommendations will prepare you for the ghosts and ghouls lurking in the Halloween air and if you're looking for writing ominous books this fall, these writing tips will help you spook the reader to the core. The Classics :
These tales have passed the test of time, scaring generation after generation with their blood curdling and bone chilling writing.
From 'The Master of Macabre’, Edgar Allan Poe, we have:
The Tell Tale Heart – A story of paranoia and guilt, where the narrator is haunted by the sound of a beating heart, leading to madness. A madness caused due to a heart that the protagonist removed of an innocent man, all because of just one imperfection.
The Raven (poem) – This iconic poem tells of a man tormented by a mysterious bird (a raven) after the loss of his wife. He starts overthinking and pieces things together that he never should have leading to his grief, despair and how the supernatural mixes with all of it
The Fall of the House of Usher – A tale of a crumbling mansion with family madness. When the dead unexpectedly return in flesh and bone, his world is thrown into chaos. A desperate cry for help soon spirals into the narrator's worst nightmare, unravelling his grip on reality as everything around him begins to crumble, including his own sanity.
The Pit and the Pendulum – A terrifying account of a prisoner in the Spanish Inquisition facing psychological and physical torture by way of a swinging blade. The painful wait till the pendulum slowly comes closer is truly terrifying.
The Cask of Amontillado – A chilling tale of revenge, in which the narrator lures his victim into a deadly trap within the catacombs. In his ploy to seek vengeance, he leaves another body entombed in the dark corridors. This story is filled with psychological tension and a rich gothic atmosphere.
Timeless Tales of Terror that have seemed to spook century after century and maybe they might just terrify you this halloween :
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley – The tale of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a living creature from dead body parts, only to be horrified by what he has unleashed. In his greed and ambition to strive for the impossible, he comes to face the effects of his actions.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson – A gripping novella about the duality of human nature, as the respectable Dr. Jekyll struggles with the darker, malevolent persona of Mr. Hyde.
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James – A psychological ghost story about a governess who believes her young charges are being haunted by sinister spirits. The ambiguity of the story leaves you questioning what’s real and what’s imagined.
The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux – A classic gothic horror romance about a disfigured man who haunts the Paris Opera House, manipulating events from the shadows and terrorising its occupants to get what he desires.
The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells – This science fiction horror novel tells the story of a scientist who discovers how to make himself invisible, only to descend into madness as his newfound power consumes him.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde – A gothic novel in which the young and beautiful Dorian Gray remains physically youthful while his portrait ages, reflecting the corruption and moral decay of his soul.
This halloween scare others, instead of getting scared. Whether you're writing a spooky tale or crafting a chilling narrative, here are a few tips to incorporate fear and fright into your story that will leave your readers haunted long after they've put it down. You might just make them too terrified to look back, afraid of what might be lurking behind them.
Creating an Eerie Atmosphere: Using vivid descriptions to paint a picture that immerses readers in the scene, like incorporating in the settings dark forests, abandoned houses, or fog-covered graveyards. Although these are slightly cliche, these settings remain a staple in gothic fiction. In a normal setting minute changes, such as a kitchen with a door ajar, or things where they aren’t supposed to be can invoke dread amongst the readers. It's important to engage all five senses. Describe not only what the characters see, but also the sounds (creaking doors, howling winds), smells (decaying leaves, damp earth), and textures (cold stone, rough bark) to build an unsettling atmosphere. This helps the reader visualise using all types of imagery.
Build Suspense Gradually - Use pacing to your advantage. Start with a slow burn, gradually increasing tension through small, unsettling events. This keeps readers on edge, anticipating what might happen next. Drop hints and subtle clues about impending danger, allowing readers to sense something is off without revealing too much. This builds a sense of dread as they start to piece things together. For example, in The Woman on the Train, we have the protagonist with slight amnesia, which helps small instances in the story become or lead to major events in the plot, it essentially helps build the suspense of the story. End chapters or sections with cliffhangers to compel readers to keep turning the pages. This keeps the suspense alive and builds urgency in the storytelling.
Playing with the Unknown - Leave some elements of your story unexplained or open to interpretation. The unknown can be far scarier than any explicit horror, as it allows readers' imaginations to fill in the gaps. Many psychological thrillers end on an ambiguous tone, letting the reader ponder over it for days to come, giving the book alternative endings and trying to interpret every word. Consider using an unreliable narrator whose perception of reality is questionable. This creates uncertainty and makes readers question what is real, enhancing the horror experience. Using internal fears and anxieties of characters, exploring themes of guilt, isolation, or madness may help understand the nuances of the character’s personality. Psychological horror often resonates more deeply with readers, leaving a lasting impression.
As the leaves turn crimson and the air grows crisp, immerse yourself in these haunting tales and let the thrill of the unknown ignite your imagination. Whether you're seeking classic stories that have stood the test of time or are crafting your own spine-chilling narrative, remember that the power of fear lies not just in what is seen, but in what lurks just beyond the shadows.
Happy haunting, and may your stories leave readers shivering in delight!
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