The Horror Guide (2024 Guide to Writing Horror Stories for Beginners)

Chapter 7: Describing Sounds and Scary Voices

There is nothing quite as effective in creating a sense of fear and terror in readers than the use of haunting voices and eerie sounds. These sound effects can bring a story to life and make it more engaging and chilling in such a way that readers will be unable to look away. Whether it's a creaking door, an ominous whisper, or an otherworldly howl, haunting voices and scary sounds can greatly enhance the atmosphere and send shivers down your reader's spine. In this chapter, we will discuss the various techniques and tips you can use to effectively describe and use these elements in your horror fiction writing.

Setting the Scene:

First and foremost, it is essential to remember that a great haunted voice or scary sound relies heavily on the atmosphere you have built for your story. Before delving into the description of the sounds themselves, you must establish the setting and mood of your story. Is it a desolate and isolated location, or a well-populated area? Is it night or daytime? Is it peaceful, or is there a sense of foreboding in the air? All these elements play a crucial role in creating an effective backdrop for your frightening audio.

For instance, if your story takes place in an abandoned house, you can describe the silence that pervades the rooms, with only the sound of the wind howling outside. This creates a sense of isolation and vulnerability, setting the stage for any haunting voices or scary sounds that might occur. On the other hand, if your story takes place in a crowded and bustling city, you can use the cacophony of everyday urban noises to add to the tension and contrast with any unsettling sounds that may occur.

Describing Haunting Voices:

When it comes to describing haunting voices, there are several techniques you can utilize to create an eerie and spine-chilling effect.

1. Use Sensory Details: Adding sensory details can greatly enhance the impact of your writing. When describing a haunting voice, focus on how it sounds, looks, and feels. Is it a hoarse whisper that sends a chill down your reader's spine, or a low guttural growl that makes their hair stand on end? Does the sound seem to come from every direction, making it difficult to pinpoint its source? What is the tone and quality of the voice? All these details can help to create a vivid and immersive reading experience.

2. Metaphors and Similes: Comparing the haunting voice to something familiar can also add depth and nuance to your writing. For example, you can describe the voice as "soft as silk but sharp as a knife," or "like a rusty hinge, creaking in the wind." This not only helps to paint a visual picture for the reader but also adds a layer of unease and discomfort.

3. Repetition: Repeating certain words or phrases can build tension and create an unsettling effect in describing haunting voices. For instance, if there is a ghostly voice whispering in your character's ear, you can repeat the words it says, each time getting louder and more intense, until it becomes almost deafening.

4. Describing Reactions: Another technique to describe a haunting voice is to focus on the reactions of your characters. How do they feel when they hear the voice? Do they freeze in fear, or do they tremble uncontrollably? Do they start to exhibit physical symptoms like a pounding heart or sweating palms? Their reactions can often be more powerful than any description of the voice itself.

Describing Scary Sounds:

Scary sounds can range from subtle and barely audible to loud and devastating. The key to describing these sounds effectively is to create a sense of unease and discomfort in your readers. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

1. Word Choice: The words you use to describe scary sounds play a crucial role in their effectiveness. Use words that evoke a sense of fear and dread, such as "bloodcurdling," "ghoulish," or "haunting." These words not only create a visual image but also stimulate the reader's imagination and heighten the tension.

2. Emphasize the Unknown: The unknown can be a powerful tool when it comes to descriptions of scary sounds. Writers often use phrases like "unidentifiable," "unseen," or "unknown origin" to create a sense of mystery and fear. This leaves room for the reader's imagination to fill in the gaps, making the sound even more terrifying.

3. Utilize Sound Effects: If you are writing for an audio format, you can take advantage of sound effects to create an even more immersive experience for your readers. But even in a written format, you can use onomatopoeias, such as "creak," "thud," or "screech" to make the sound come alive on the page.

4. Build Tension: The buildup to the scary sound can be just as effective as the sound itself. Take your time to set the stage and describe the characters' reactions before the sound occurs. This can create a sense of dread and anticipation, making the payoff more satisfying and spine-tingling.

Incorporating Haunting Voices and Scary Sounds into your Story:

Once you have effectively described haunting voices and scary sounds, the next step is to use them strategically in your story. Here are some tips to help you incorporate these elements into your plot effectively:

1. Use them as foreshadowing: Haunting voices and scary sounds can serve as foreshadowing for upcoming scary events. For example, a ghostly voice whispering warnings to your characters can prepare readers for an impending threat or danger.

2. Create atmosphere: As mentioned earlier, these sounds can greatly enhance the atmosphere of your story. Use them to establish tension and set the tone for the upcoming events in your plot.

3. Use them to deepen the mystery: Haunting voices and scary sounds can also serve to deepen the mystery of your story. You can use them to add complexity and intrigue to your plot, leaving readers questioning the true nature of the events in your story.

In conclusion, the use of haunting voices and scary sounds is one of the most effective ways to bring your horror fiction to life. By setting the scene, utilizing sensory details, and building tension, you can effectively describe these elements and incorporate them into your story to create a truly terrifying experience for your readers. Remember, the key to writing effective horror fiction is to engage the senses and tap into the primal fears of your audience. Use these techniques and tips to master the art of describing haunting voices and scary sounds, and you will have readers on the edge of their seats, unable to look away from your spine-chilling narrative.