Writing a good horror novel is about more than just giving readers a few jumps. Here are some key elements to writing a killer horror novel.
Characters
First of all, you need realistic characters so readers will identify with them. Many horror stories will involve some sort of supernatural elements, so having ordinary, down-to-earth characters will emphasize the unreal nature of their situation.
Readers need to feel some sort of emotion towards a character and have an investment in their fate, good or bad.
Fear
Sounds like a given, but a horror novel needs to scare its readers, but how do you do this? Often an over-reliance on gore and violence. Very often the most effective fear is the fear of the unknown.
There is nothing more terrifying than the feeling of helplessness. That’s why authors will often using dark or supernatural powers to engender fear in their readers. They put characters in a position of not knowing what to do or what they’re dealing with.
Storyline
Like any form of fiction, a horror novel needs to have a good story. Authors can play about a bit with reality and use fantasy and supernatural elements, but the story must have its internal logic. There are some well-worn horror storylines that imaginative authors will try to subvert and bring a fresh take on, but you must always remember, first and foremost, to tell a good story.
Nail the ending
It doesn’t have to be a happy one, but it does have to be memorable. Don’t cop out and put it all down to a bad dream by one of the main characters. A great ending will take a reader’s breath away and leave them wanting more.
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