Writing horror fiction is much like writing regular fiction, in the respect that it is all about balance. Writitng horror fiction is a "zen" thing.

Writing horror fiction is also unlike writing regular fiction because the writer tends to have more freedom. The realm of the supernatural provides a massive canvas for the aspiring author. However, with a bigger leash, comes a much greater need for balance.

What do I mean by balance? Well, imagine your story as a weight scale, with a platform on either side. You can place a great deal of action, suspense, romance, or lust on one side of the scale, but it will cause your story to be lopsided. The reader will be left questioning your characters motives, and wondering why on earth the couple decides to have sex in the very room where the victim died, etc. What your story is lacking is a sense of motive or plot - this makes up the other side of the scale.

The "plot" side of the scale helps to give framework and balance to the actions in a story. Just be careful, for if you decide to overload this side of the scale, your story will end up boring the reader to death. It will be slow, unmoving, and give no real reason for the reader to continue his reading.

As was said before, all stories, especially horror stories, are about balance. Just look at some of the slasher flicks one sees on the big screen. Some are simply gratuitous porn flicks which someone snuck some monsters into. Others are boring - plain and simple.

An aformentioned element that needs balance is your horror story's level of suspense. You do not want to reveal everything about what is tormenting your protaganists early on. Suspense is one of your greatest tools. Use it.

Lastly, do not be afraid to take chances in horror writing. Everyone (and yes, I mean everyone) writes about vampires, ghosts, and angry victorian houses. Either do something that has never been seen before, or show something common in a completely different way. Bonne chance to you in your writing endeavors - stay scary.

Learn more about this author, Rizk Gabriel.
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