Tips for Titling Short Horror Stories

One tip is to focus on the central relationship. For example, if the story is about a star - crossed lovers, you could use something like 'Fated Hearts'. Another is to use emotional words. Titles like 'Endless Love' or 'Tender Embrace' can be very effective. Also, consider using a key moment or location in the story. If there's a special place where the couple meets, like a 'Garden of Romance', that could be a great title.

For a fantasy novel, you can base the title on the magical elements. If there are wizards and spells, something like 'The World of Wizardry and Spells' could work. You can also use the name of the fictional world. For example, if your story is set in 'Eldoria', 'Tales from Eldoria' is a simple yet effective title.

One tip is to focus on the eyes in your paintings. In horror, the eyes can convey a lot of emotion, whether it's the crazed look of a villain or the terrified stare of a victim. Another is to play with scale. If you have a small, seemingly harmless object that is actually the source of horror, make it look huge and menacing in the painting. Also, use negative space effectively. Leaving some areas blank or with minimal detail can create a sense of mystery and unease.

One key aspect is to make the most of limited words. For instance, use single - word descriptors that pack a punch, like 'gloomy', 'eerie' or 'sinister'. Also, consider using common fears as a basis. People are often scared of the dark, being alone, or things that seem abnormal. So you could write about a character who is alone in a pitch - black room and hears strange whispers. The brevity of the story should enhance the horror, leaving the reader with a sense of unease long after they've finished reading.

One important tip is to have a captivating cover. A spooky and eye - catching cover can draw in potential readers. Also, make sure your blurb on the back is engaging and gives a taste of the horror within without giving away too much. Another tip is to build an online presence before you publish. Use social media to share snippets of your story and create a buzz around it.

When teaching Hemingway short stories, it's good to start with his background. Knowing that he was a war correspondent gives context to his often gritty and realistic stories. Then, have students do close readings of passages to pick up on his unique use of dialogue, which is often sparse but very revealing of character.

Another good way to end short stories is with a twist. Surprise the reader at the end. It could be something like revealing that the main character was actually a ghost all along. This makes the story memorable.

One key tip is to play on fears that are common among people, like the fear of the dark or being alone. Another is to use vivid and disturbing descriptions. For instance, describe a blood - red moon casting an eerie glow over a desolate graveyard.

Build suspense slowly. Don't reveal the horror all at once. Start with small, strange events like a door that mysteriously opens by itself and gradually increase the tension as the story progresses. Also, develop interesting and complex characters. The reader should care about them so that when the horror strikes, it has more impact. If the character is a single mother trying to protect her children in a haunted place, the reader will be more invested in the story.

One important tip is to create a sense of dread early on. You can start with a small, seemingly innocent event that gradually builds into something terrifying. For example, a character hears a faint scratching noise at the window at night. As the story progresses, the scratching gets louder and more persistent. Another tip is to make the characters relatable so that the readers can put themselves in their shoes and feel the horror more intensely.