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Matt Hayward - How to write horror novel? Matt Hayward shares eight tips for writing a great horror story.
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Tips for Writing Good Horror Fiction Matt Hayward
Want to write the perfect horror story? Here are ten useful tips for you by Matt Hayward. • Try to be original - The more different you make your story, the more it will appeal to publishers and readers.
Plan your story - There is nothing worse than coming to a dead-end halfway through your story due to a sudden writer's block. • Create strong, identifiable characters - Give them a goal and throw obstacle after obstacle at them. If you don't care about your characters, your readers certainly won't, and will discard your story with a weary yawn! There is nothing worse than shallow, cardboard characters in a story.
Read the masters of horror fiction to gain a good, broad idea of what works and what doesn't - There are many outstanding horror writers you can study. • Do your research thoroughly - If you are writing a vampire story, read EVERYTHING about them. If you are writing a ghost story, familiarize yourself with the work of paranormal investigators.
Do not rush your work as the urge to get published gets stronger - Remember, if your story is sloppy and rushed, your readers will soon notice it! So take your time to perfect everything before you submit your manuscript, from getting your character profiles right to creating the BEST ending you possibly can.
Read, read, read EVERYTHING you can - Not just horror, but other books you like as well. The more you read, the more you will get a good feel and knowledge of how novels and short stories are put together.
Try to pick a subject that scares you personally - If, say, spiders are your number one fear, and then get all your emotions down on paper about them. Remember: the more emotional power you pack into your prose, the more the readers will become terrified with you. They will FEEL your horror as they absorb each terrifying word, and become scared to death with you!