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Halloween Special: 3 Steps to Take Your Writing From Tame to Terrifying




As writers, we sometimes need to venture into darker territory, and that could be crafting spooky fiction or documenting frightening real-life experiences. In this special Halloween post, let's explore some techniques for writing scary scenes effectively, plus share some exciting book-related events.


Writing the Scary Stuff


Want to give your readers goosebumps? Here are three strategies for creating spine-tingling scenes:

  1. Use familiar settings. The scariest stories often take place in ordinary locations. A creak on your childhood home's stairs or an unexplained shadow in your kitchen can be more unsettling than elaborate supernatural settings. Make readers question their own safe spaces.

  2. Layer sensory details gradually. Instead of bombarding your reader with every detail at once, introduce frightening elements one by one. A distant footstep, then a cold draft on the neck, followed by the acrid smell of smoke - each new sensation builds upon the last to create mounting dread.

  3. Leave strategic gaps. Instead of spelling out every detail of your monster or threat, let readers' imaginations do the heavy lifting. A glimpse of movement in shadows, the edge of a creature's form, an abruptly ended scream - these fragments force readers to construct their own terrifying conclusions.


Bookish Events Worth Noting

The Grolier Club in New York City is currently hosting "Billy Budd at 100," a fascinating exhibition exploring the century since Herman Melville's posthumously published novella first appeared. The show features scholarly editions, illustrations, movie posters, and original artwork by Barry Moser and Duke Riley. Running through November 9th, it offers insights into Melville's creative process and the ongoing relevance of his unfinished masterpiece. (Can’t make it? See the show online here.)


For those unable to visit NYC, there's an engaging virtual option this Halloween. The Kinney Center for Interdisciplinary Renaissance Studies at UMass Amherst is hosting Nicholas Basbanes for a free Zoom seminar titled "Before Paper: Unlocking the World's Earliest Writings." This fascinating exploration of pre-paper writing surfaces begins at 5 PM EST. Register here.

Need Writing Inspiration? Here are three Halloween-themed prompts:

  1. Write about a memorable Halloween night from your childhood. What made it special, scary, or unforgettable? Perhaps it was a homemade costume mishap or something mysterious you glimpsed in the shadows.

  2. Describe your family's unique Halloween traditions. Did you carve pumpkins while watching spooky movies? What customs made the holiday special in your household?

  3. Share your scariest childhood memory - Halloween or otherwise. Were you alone when you heard an unexplained noise? Sometimes these moments turn out to be nothing but stay with us forever.


For more writing prompts and inspiration, visit www.diybook.us.


Want to keep exploring the writing journey together? I'd love to have you join our community of writers by subscribing to Writing for Immortality wherever you listen to podcasts. Your subscription not only helps others find us but also supports fellow writers in crafting their lasting legacies.


Hope to see you in the next episode!


Image credit: Teodoro Filippo di Liagno, called Napoletano. Skeleton of a Man with Bow and Arrow, 1620-1621. Public Domain

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