10 Ways Entering Vocal's Broken Mirror Challenge Can Make You a Better Writer

So, you're interested in writing a horror story for the Broken Mirror Challenge? Diving into the horror genre can do wonders for your writing skills. Not only will you learn to create a spine-chilling atmosphere and develop strong, relatable characters, but you'll also master the art of suspense and pacing. Horror writing encourages you to explore psychological themes, experiment with narrative techniques, and craft impactful endings. You'll become more resilient to feedback and improve your ability to engage readers emotionally. Ready to take your writing to the next level? Let's review the elements that define the terrifying world of horror fiction together.

1. Building Atmosphere

Writing horror requires the ability to create a tense, eerie, or unsettling atmosphere. This helps writers learn the importance of setting and descriptive language to evoke specific emotions and responses in readers.

Tip: Use sensory details and vivid descriptions to immerse the reader in the story's setting.

Example: Instead of writing, "The house was old and creepy," try, "The decrepit house loomed before her, its timbers groaning in the wind, and the air thick with the scent of decay."

2. Developing Strong Characters

Horror stories often rely on relatable, well-developed characters to drive the narrative and evoke empathy from readers. Crafting complex, believable characters with distinct motivations and vulnerabilities is a valuable skill for any writer.

Tip: Give your characters distinct personalities, backstories, and motivations to make them feel more real and relatable.

Example: Create a protagonist who is afraid of the dark due to a traumatic childhood experience, which plays a crucial role in their journey throughout the story.

3. Enhancing Suspense and Pacing

Writing horror teaches the importance of suspense and pacing to keep readers engaged and on edge. This understanding can be applied to other genres, as well-crafted pacing is essential for maintaining reader interest and building tension.

Tip: Use foreshadowing, cliffhangers, and varying sentence lengths to build tension and keep readers on edge.

Example: Introduce a mysterious character early in the story and slowly reveal their true intentions, leaving readers eager to uncover the truth.

4. Exploring Psychological Themes

Horror often delves into the darker aspects of human psychology, which can enrich a writer's understanding of character development and motivation. This deeper exploration of human nature can lead to more nuanced and thought-provoking writing.

Tip: Delve into your characters' fears, obsessions, and inner struggles to create complex, multi-layered stories.

Example: Write a story about a character haunted by their past, causing them to question their own sanity.

5. Mastering Show, Don't Tell

Effective horror writing relies on evoking fear and dread through vivid description and sensory detail rather than simply telling the reader how to feel. This skill is essential for all genres, as it helps to create immersive, engaging stories.

Tip: Use action, dialogue, and sensory details to convey emotions and experiences, rather than explicitly stating them.

Example: Instead of writing, "He was terrified," try, "His heart raced, and his hands trembled as he struggled to suppress a scream."

6. Balancing Plot and Character Development

In horror, the plot and character development are often closely intertwined, as characters must navigate frightening situations while confronting their own fears and weaknesses. This balance is crucial in any story, as it ensures a well-rounded narrative that resonates with readers.

Tip: Ensure that your characters grow and change as a result of the events and challenges they face in the story.

Example: A protagonist who starts as a timid, fearful person becomes more courageous and assertive as they confront the supernatural forces in the story.

7. Experimenting with Structure and Narrative Techniques

Horror stories often employ unique narrative structures or techniques, such as unreliable narrators, fragmented timelines, or multiple perspectives. Experimenting with these approaches can help writers develop a broader range of storytelling skills.

Tip: Play with different narrative styles, such as first-person, third-person limited, or multiple perspectives, to find the most effective way to tell your story.

Example: Write a story with alternating chapters from the perspectives of the protagonist and antagonist, gradually revealing their interconnected pasts.

8. Engaging Readers' Emotions

Horror writing requires tapping into readers' primal fears and emotions, which can help a writer become more adept at engaging their audience emotionally in any genre.

Tip: Tap into universal fears and emotions to make your story resonate with a wide audience.

Example: Write a story that explores the fear of isolation, loss of control, or the unknown, which are common themes in horror.

9. Learning to Write Impactful Endings

Horror stories often feature unexpected, unsettling, or thought-provoking endings. Crafting memorable and effective endings is an essential skill for any writer, as it leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Tip: Surprise your readers with unexpected twists, thought-provoking conclusions, or open-ended resolutions that leave them wanting more.

Example: End your story with the protagonist's apparent victory over the supernatural forces, only to reveal that the true horror is just beginning.

10. Building Resilience Through Feedback

Horror can be a polarizing genre, and writing it can help a writer become more resilient and open to constructive criticism. Learning to accept and incorporate feedback is crucial for growth and improvement as a writer.

Tip: Seek constructive criticism from other writers, readers, or writing groups, and use their feedback to improve your work.

Example: Ask for feedback in the comments below your story or join a Vocal Facebook community where you can share your work, receive feedback, and learn from other writers' experiences and critiques.

We've delved deep into the eerie world of horror fiction, and now it's your turn to unleash your creativity and confront the unknown. Why not put your newfound skills to the test and enter Vocal's Broken Mirror horror writing challenge?

It's the perfect opportunity to share your spine-tingling stories, explore the darker corners of your imagination, and connect with fellow horror enthusiasts. We've already given you the first sentence, all you need to do is step out of the shadows and look into the mirror. So, gather your courage, pick up your pen or go to your keyboard, and let your most chilling nightmares come to life. We can't wait to see what terrifying tales you'll bring to the table. Share your best advice for writing a compelling horror story in the comments below 👻