How can I use words to create tension in a horror story?

To create tension in a horror story, start with a slow build-up of suspense. Use sound effects and descriptions of the environment to set the mood. And make the readers care about the characters so they worry about what might happen to them.

Use words like 'creeping', 'looming', and 'hovering'. 'Creeping' gives the sense of something slowly approaching in a menacing way. 'Looming' makes it seem like a threat is about to descend. 'Hovering' creates an uneasy feeling of something being there but not fully showing itself.

First, pick words that create a spooky atmosphere like 'gloomy', 'creaking', and 'shadow'. Then, build a simple but effective plot. For example, a character hears 'creaking' noises in a 'gloomy' old house and sees strange'shadows' moving. Make the protagonist vulnerable and alone. Let the danger gradually approach. Don't reveal everything at once, keep some mystery.

First, pick words that evoke fear like 'darkness', 'gloom', 'creak'. For example, start with a scene in a dark, abandoned house. The creaking of the old floorboards as the character enters. Then add words like 'shadow' and 'whisper' to build tension. Maybe the character sees a shadowy figure out of the corner of their eye and hears a faint whisper. Keep the pacing slow at first and then quicken as the horror intensifies.

You can create tension by setting up deadlines or time limits for the characters. Like, they have to complete a task before a certain time or something bad will happen.

One way to create tension is through character conflicts. When characters have opposing goals or motivations, it keeps readers on the edge of their seats wondering how it'll play out. Also, creating uncertainty about the outcome of events can heighten the tension.

By depicting the escalating conflict between the doctor and the girl. At first, it's just a simple medical examination situation, but as the girl refuses and the doctor decides to use force, the tension builds. The detailed descriptions of the physical struggle, like the girl's biting and scratching, add to the sense of unease.

To build tension in your horror story, use short and choppy sentences. For example, 'I heard a noise. I froze. It came again.' This gives a sense of urgency and fear. Also, describe the environment in a way that makes it seem threatening. If it's a dark alley, mention the stench, the dripping water that could be something else, and the lack of light. Another way is to limit the character's vision. Maybe there's a thick fog so they can't see what's coming. This makes the reader feel as uncertain as the character and builds tension.

Use them to describe the setting. For example, 'The gloomy forest loomed ahead, its ominous shadows stretching across the path.' This immediately sets a spooky mood. Another way is to use them for characters. 'The creepy old man stared with his beady eyes.'

Use words to create atmosphere. For example, words like 'foggy' and 'silent' can build up a spooky mood. Place them at the beginning of a scene to set the tone.