Key ingredients of a killer horror novel

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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Books to get your teens reading in 2019

Sometimes it can feel a lot like pulling teeth when it comes to getting your teens to read. Their attention seems to be diverted from books by computer games, television and socialising with their friends. But there are a few book series that could be just what you need to get your teens reading. Here is a rundown of just a few series that could get your teens reading in 2019.

The Wind on Fire Series by William Nicholson

The Wind on Fire series is a children’s fantasy series, but it could be just what you need to get younger teens reading. There are three books in the series that follow three children – Kestrel, Bowman and Mumpo who live in a world where personal freedom doesn’t exist. The whole series starts with Kestrel denouncing the rules of the world they live in, which sets the three children on their path to save their people from the unseen evil that controls their lives. The series is gripping and full of surprising twists, including the end, but it delivers a fantastic read for both children and adults alike.

Skulduggery Pleasant Series by Derek Landy

Skulduggery Pleasant is a series for all teens to read. It is a little dark for younger children and given that the main character is in her young teens, it’s a book aimed at the older reader. The series is really a starter series for the thriller and mystery genre as well as combining it with elements of fantasy. The magical world exists alongside the human world and after the murder of her uncle, Valkyrie finds herself sucked into a world where she has magical powers and danger is lurking everywhere.

For more about books that will help get your teens reading, visit www.hubbfi.com where you will find the best that the teenage and young adult genres have to offer.