All I could hear from my bed was creaking floorboards. The sound emitted slowly, as if the person walking was trying to be quiet. I imagined a dark figure, pressing their foot down carefully, one after the other, approaching my closed door. Each foot brings this dark creature closer, and closer. Eventually, they are so loud that I can't hear my fast beating heart. The door knob turns...
Hello hello HELLO!!!!!!
Yes, I (#TheCouch) just wrote a small sample for you. BUT is was for a point. Think about how you just felt. If I was successful, then you wanted to know what was going to happen. The tension built, and you were reading in anticipation. That is precisely what this prompt is about.
If you look at our contests in addition to our prompts, you would know that a "horror" themed contest was just opened today. I want to be able to help you with that. If you don't want to participate, or you are looking at this after it has closed, don't worry. These strategies can still be useful.
So, just like I did with that sample piece, I created a setting. Turned something familiar into something that could quicken your heartbeat. The easiest way to start is pick a spot that can be familiar to someone. Start with yourself. For example, a kitchen is very common. Think about your kitchen. There's very likely to be a window in your kitchen right? Now, imagine if you heard "tap, tap tap" on it. You turn, and... Boom, now you're curious to know what's there. The rest is up to you. There could be a psychotic-looking man at your window with a knife, or a moth slamming it's body against the glass. Fuel or diffuse the intensity you create.
Now that the idea has been planted, I want you guys to attempt to use this prompt with your own fear. Implement the situation, (starting with something familiar), build up the tension, and then fuel or diffuse the situation.
Careful not to diffuse the tension too much though. Readers will then read through and not care because they think it'll be another false alarm.
Happy horror!
ESTÁS LEYENDO
The Prompt Book
DiversosStaring at a blank page and having a hard time finding inspiration? We have prompts of all kinds! Whether you need help starting a book or short story or need a to add a few more factors into your existing story, this is the perfect place to be to...
