Horror logo

4 Ways to Write Kickass Horror

Filter out that noise and write the damn thing.

By Cory DeAn CowleyPublished 3 years ago 8 min read
3
A snippet of my own horror art.

Anyone and everyone who knows me, knows I absolutely love horror. As a writer, one of my primary goals is to persuade others into pursuing their desire to write. The common misconception about writing is that you have to have a strong command of the English language. While this is true (and believe me, people, don't skimp on the grammar), writing a good story is just as important. One of the main things I am asked as an author is "how do you come up with your stories?"

It took me a long time to be able to allow my mind to open up doors that I was very afraid of for a long time, but eventually, I stopped giving a shit and things began to flow. Horror is an ever-evolving genre; its sub-genres that follow thereafter are just as complex, but even the most seasoned veteran can fall into the trap of creating a trite story. I'm going to get down, dirty, and raw about horror. Before you read further, go into this article with an open mind.

Take Influence from Your Life

So, you want a write a really scary story. It's going to be something that you want people to jump, shake, tremble and defecate their pants. The problem is, you can't find that base idea. Knock, knock, guess what? Your life experiences can be the most optimal way to jumpstart that next novel. This could apply to any genre of literature but basing a story of things that have happened in your life can make a story that much more enriching. Example: when I first started the process of writing Bending Reality, I knew I wanted to make the story as realistic as possible. I had the story in my mind, but I wasn't quite sure how to begin. After a strenuous amount of time picking the skin around my fingers, and staring blank into a computer screen, it clicked. I told myself that the things that have transpired in my life would make a pretty traumatic, gruesome story; and I won't bullshit you--my life SUCKED.

When you enter the writing world, you have to go into it with a blank slate. The paper is yours; what you do with it is unlimited and can contain any possibility. If something bad happened to you when you were five years old--write it down. You were able to go out with the prom queen and thought you summoned a 'demon' on a Ouija board--write it down. These small nuances are what gives plots the juiciness it deserves. Understandably, some folks are not too happy about traumatic things that have happened in their lives--and that is completely understandable. Only recant what you feel comfortable with, and if you happen to feel an emotional purge writing things down...that's even better! Your life is interesting!

Fuck the Status Quo

Alright, everyone knows in a world full of political correctness, cancel culture, and a plethora of people ready to attack you with a torch and pitchfork, you probably are limited in terms of what you can and can't say. Of course, there are things people should know better about speaking; that is understood, but if you aren't sure of the right things to say to people in terms of purposely offending someone, well, you deserve to get an ass whooping; however, with that being said, the average person with no intent of harming a fly DOES NOT deserve to be castrated and given a forceful hysterectomy. (See what I did there? A horror-reference.)

Horror also carries a large source of controversy with it, and sometimes authors become fearful of their content. The truth is life is and can be pretty fucking horrific. What these cults (I think they're cults, but that's my opinion) have done is censor art in its most pure form. With people ready to throw their arms up at the sight of gore, nudity, and violence, it's no wonder we have a difficult time writing, right? Wrong. If you don't read any part of this article, read this sentence; no good story ever existed without making people feel intense emotion. As a female author, I've heard countless amounts of stories from people about how I should be offended over the gratuitous amount of violence towards protagonists and antagonists in horror novels. Look, unless you are coming to my home and bashing my skull in with a hammer, guess what...IT'S JUST WORDS!

If I believed half the grotesque things I read in the most intense horror novels, I would be up there with Tipper Gore slapping an explicit content sticker on every book then. Get. Over. It. Seriously, get over it! Fiction is fiction for a reason, and if you honestly think you'll find your notion of wholeness in a non-fiction book...don't ever read history. No matter what, violence sucks. People are abused and hurt every day; it's a shitty fact of life that none of us can escape from. Unfortunately, horror is a subject that delves into the worst minds of some people and forces you to explore realms of unspeakable darkness. As a novelist, it's your job to create something that will make people uncomfortable. Don't be afraid to write a torture scene or worry about Karen and her book club chastising you over someone getting bludgeoned to death. Number one: she's probably bored, and number two: she didn't have to read, but people LOVE to read things just to have an excuse to bitch. Trust me when I say that any hardcore enthusiast will enjoy your graphic depictions. In fact, we will thank you for it.

Do Your Research

As any author knows, you have to do some degree of research when it comes to noting history, religion, or people, places and things. In Bending Reality, I did a good share of researching about my antagonist's cult beliefs. I took most of the influence from Mesopotamian and Babylonian ritual practice, as well as mixing in a good degree of trad Luciferianism. Is it 100% perfect? Nope, but again, we are writing fiction here, people. To an extent, you still need to embellish those facts.

It should be noted, though, that your story should parallel factual information to some degree. A knowledgeable reader identifies with the story and notices when an author has taken their time in ensuring their plot is sound. Along with grammar, structure, and characterization, a well-researched reference goes a long way. Also, how cool do you sound knowing your shit, am I right? In all seriousness, if you plan on writing a good deal of occultism, you're going to need to break out those books (irony) if you want to write a good story. There's a myriad of different sources out there can give you an adequate synopsis into any occult subject. You don't need to write a term paper; you just need to sound confident.

Be Prepared for Controversy

I think it's safe to say that some of the greatest novels and films of the genre have undergone a tremendous amount of scrutiny. When we look back at some of the b-grade and exploitation films of the 70s and 80s, they arguably contain some pretty hardcore stuff. When you began your journey into writing, you have to understand that this genre is not for the faint of heart. If you expect your book to come away unscathed from naysayers, well...tan that hide more. It's a cutthroat world in the publishing biz, and they're not necessarily kind to indie horror authors who are against the grain. Contemporary literature is a little more kind to those of us who like to skate on the razor's edge; even still, it's a struggle to be read when you know the odds are more than likely against you.

Writing a PG-13 horror novel will almost definitely make the cut against the unrelenting critics. What I'm talking about here isn't Twilight, I'm talking about the authors who aren't afraid to write that tentacle scene that slithers into a very...questionable apex. Hardcore horror is one of the hardest genres you can succeed in, without toning down your content to appease publishers. I'm here to tell you, don't do it. Don't you dare town down a single ounce of your story. You will succeed, but you will succeed being the most authentic form of yourself you possibly can be.

Readers know when something has been watered down to suit a narrative. As a writer and a reader, I can honestly say I respect an author who puts themself out there and has the courage to be raw. In my opinion, some of the best novels ever written tested the limits of human thinking, and because of that, I remembered those the most.

I'm not saying that everyone's experience will be the same, but there are hateful people out there ready to tear up your gore-infested book. Go into writing your story with the mindset of, "Fuck it, I know some Susan will probably try to have this book burned, but I'm going for the gusto."

I write these words as an individual who has little to no concern for what people think of my stories. One thing I hate seeing is writer's giving up due to the malicious words of critics. Yes, there will be critics, but for every critic is a person who thoroughly enjoyed your story. A good author is one that is prepared to give their life (a solid 8-10 months on average) to every page written. Every independent author deserves a shot at the title, and I want that dream to come true not only for me, but for you as well.

From Hen to Pan,

Cory DeAn Cowley

how to
3

About the Creator

Cory DeAn Cowley

Founder/Owner of C.D.C. Works

Making disgusting, horrific, raw art and books is what I do.

www.linktr.ee/foliumdiscognitum2

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.