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.
Perhaps it will lead to a mystery involving a long - forgotten cult. The intro might be setting the stage for the discovery of their strange rituals, symbols, and the impending doom they bring. As the story unfolds, the main character gets drawn deeper into this web of mystery and has to fight for their life.
To build a scary story, start with a normal situation that quickly takes a dark turn. For instance, a family on a road trip decides to take a shortcut through a desolate area. Suddenly, their car breaks down. As night falls, they notice strange lights in the distance. One of the family members goes to investigate and doesn't come back. The remaining family is left in the car, hearing strange growls outside, not knowing what's out there waiting for them in the pitch - black night.
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.
Start with a captivating hook. Something that grabs the reader's attention right away, like a mysterious event or a bold statement.
Start with an attention-grabbing hook. It could be a mystery, a surprising fact, or a compelling question. Make the reader want to know more right away.
Well, start with a hook - something that grabs the reader's attention right away. Maybe a mysterious statement or an exciting event. Make it unique and compelling!
Start with a hook - something that grabs the reader's attention right away. It could be a mystery, a thrilling action scene, or a thought-provoking question.
Well, a good intro often sets the tone and mood of the story. You could introduce an interesting character or a compelling situation. Also, using vivid descriptions can make it more engaging.
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.