Well, Halloween music often has elements like deep, low tones, screeching sounds, and slow, eerie melodies. When combined with a scary story, it sets the mood. For example, the music can build tension as the story reaches a creepy part. The slow tempo makes you feel on edge, like something is about to jump out. And the screeching sounds in the music can mimic the fear in the story.
Another way is through the characters' reactions. When a character is really scared, it makes the reader or listener feel the same way. For instance, if a character is trembling and sweating while exploring a dark cellar in one of the stories, it makes us imagine how scary the situation must be. The stories also use elements of the unknown, like a strange symbol on a door that no one can figure out what it means, which adds to the spooky atmosphere.
A 'halloween novel' can set the mood with its descriptions. For example, a novel that vividly describes a haunted house, like in 'The Haunting of Hill House', can make you feel the chills just by reading about the creaking floors and cold drafts.
Use lots of descriptive words for the setting. For example, if it's a forest scene, talk about the gnarled trees that seem to reach out like bony fingers, and the mist that creeps along the ground like a silent snake. Also, include spooky sounds like howling wind or the distant cackle of an unknown creature.
They also rely on common fears. In the story of 'The Girl with the Green Ribbon', the fear of the unknown and the unexpected is used. The girl's strange behavior with the ribbon around her neck makes the listener curious, but also a bit scared. When the big reveal at the end comes, it's a shock. And as the story is being told, the listeners are sitting around the campfire, away from their normal comforts, so they're more vulnerable to these scary ideas. The wind blowing through the trees, the crackling of the fire - all these sounds can be incorporated into the story - telling to make the atmosphere even spookier.
Well, first of all, the choice of textures is crucial. Look for textures that give an impression of decay and mystery, like moss - covered walls or blood - stained floors. In terms of characters, create some with distorted features or strange movements. Also, don't forget about the power of shadows. By carefully placing objects to cast long and menacing shadows, it can really enhance the spooky feeling.
Use dark and descriptive language. For example, 'The moon hung low in the sky, casting long, eerie shadows across the village. The wind howled like a banshee through the narrow alleyways.' Also, introduce spooky elements like ghosts or demons that lurk in the corners.
The setting of the school itself helps. Dark hallways, empty classrooms, and the schoolyard at night are all spooky. When you add a werewolf to it, the idea of it lurking in these familiar yet deserted places is scary. For example, the werewolf could be hiding in a supply closet, and the sound of its claws scratching against the door from the inside can send chills down your spine.
The color blue itself is often associated with coldness and mystery. In a blue light scary story, the blue light can act as an otherworldly element. It stands out in the darkness, making the surrounding area seem more eerie. For example, if the blue light is coming from an unknown source in an old, dark cellar, it immediately makes the place feel haunted.
Use dark colors. For example, when drawing the setting, use lots of black, grey, and deep purple. These colors can immediately give a sense of gloom and mystery. Also, add elements like fog. Fog can obscure the view and make the viewer feel like there are hidden dangers lurking within. Another way is to draw long, dark shadows. Even in a simple scene, long shadows can make it seem more menacing.
They often use setting. For example, a dark, old, and isolated house like in 'The Haunting of Hill House'. The description of the place makes it seem foreboding. Also, the use of the unknown, like in 'The Turn of the Screw' where the true nature of the ghosts is not clear at first.