How to build a scary story?

To build on it, you need to create a sense of progression in the mystery. If the intro was a bit of a teaser with some unexplained events, start to connect the dots slowly. Maybe there was a strange symbol in the intro. As the story moves forward, you can show that this symbol is part of an ancient prophecy. You can also increase the intensity of the scares. If the intro had a moment of sudden shock, as you build the story, make those shock moments more frequent and more intense, like a growing sense of dread that doesn't go away until the very end.

You can also use the power of the unknown. Don't reveal too much too soon. Just give hints about what might be out there. For instance, the character hears a growl, but they don't know what kind of creature it could be. Is it a wild animal? Or something more sinister? Also, create a sense of isolation for the character. If they're alone in a big, empty place, it adds to their vulnerability and the tension of the situation. And don't forget to use short, choppy sentences when the action starts to pick up to increase the sense of urgency.

Using the element of time can be very effective. If you set a deadline or a ticking clock situation, like the protagonist has to get out of a haunted place before sunrise, it creates a lot of tension. Every second that passes makes the situation seem more and more dire, and the reader feels the pressure along with the character in the story.

The story could build tension by creating a sense of helplessness. In the diary, if the girl is in a situation where she has no control, like being trapped in a haunted place. Also, the pacing matters. If it slowly unfolds events, like she starts to notice a strange smell in the house one day, and then over the next few days, other strange things occur, it builds tension. And the use of foreshadowing, like she mentions a strange dream before the real horror starts, can also build tension.

The short story could build suspense by creating false alarms. For instance, the protagonist might think they've escaped the clown, but then they hear a faint jingle of bells that could be from the clown's costume. This back - and - forth of thinking they're safe and then realizing the danger is still there keeps the reader guessing and builds suspense.

One way to build tension is through pacing. Slow down the story when something spooky is about to happen. For instance, if your character is approaching a haunted house, describe every step, every breath they take. Another method is to use short, choppy sentences when the danger is near. Like 'She heard a noise. It was getting closer. She couldn't move.' This makes the reader feel the character's fear.

The key elements include a creepy atmosphere. This can be created by using descriptive words for a dark and gloomy setting, like 'the moonless night' or 'the fog - shrouded cemetery'. Another element is a menacing character, like a vampire or a deranged killer. Suspense is also crucial. Keep the reader guessing about what will happen next. For example, if a character hears a noise in the attic, don't immediately reveal what it is.

Using short, cryptic messages helps build suspense. If the text says 'It's coming for you' but doesn't say what 'it' is. You start to imagine all sorts of scary things. And when the messages keep coming at intervals, like waiting for the next one, it keeps the tension high. For instance, you get one text in the morning and have to wait all day for the next one, constantly on edge.

They build tension by being unexpected. When you least expect it, you hear those footsteps, and it immediately grabs your attention and makes you feel on edge.

Use cliffhangers at the end of sections. Say, a character is about to open a door that they've been warned not to. End the part there and make the reader wait to find out what's behind the door. Also, play with the reader's expectations. You might make it seem like a friendly neighbor is coming to help, but then as they get closer, their appearance changes into something menacing.