What are the elements that make 'another scary story' really frightening?

The contrast between the normally happy Christmas setting and something dark. For example, a jolly Santa Claus turning into a menacing figure. It plays on our expectations of Christmas being a time of joy.

The element of the unknown. In really scary true stories, often there are things that cannot be easily explained. For example, in a haunted house story, when objects move on their own or strange noises are heard, not knowing what is causing it creates fear. It could be a supernatural entity or some force we don't understand.

The violation of the natural order. Demonic stories often involve things that go against what we consider normal in our world. Things like objects moving by themselves, voices coming from nowhere, or people having supernatural experiences. This makes us feel like our world is not as safe and predictable as we thought. For instance, a story where a demonic force makes the lights flicker and doors slam shut on their own creates a very unsettling atmosphere.

Well, unexpected twists can make a halloween story really creepy. For example, when you think a character is safe, something suddenly jumps out at them. Unnatural movements are also terrifying. Like when objects move on their own or figures float instead of walk. And the use of the senses can add to the fear. Describing a putrid smell or a cold touch that can't be explained. It makes the reader or listener feel like they are in that spooky situation themselves.

The unknown makes really scary true ghost stories frightening. When things happen that can't be explained by normal means, like objects moving on their own or strange noises in an empty house. It plays on our fear of the unseen.

The historical context can be a frightening element. Lincoln's time was filled with great turmoil, like the Civil War. So a scary story might use the backdrop of war, death, and the uncertainty of the nation's future. For example, if it involves a soldier who had a premonition related to Lincoln and something terrifying ensued.

The unknown. When there are elements in a story that are not fully explained or understood, it makes it scarier. For example, in a haunted house story, if there are strange noises but no clear source, it gives the reader or listener's imagination a lot to work with. Our minds tend to create the scariest scenarios when there's a lack of information.

The unknown is a big factor. For example, in stories about old, uncharted places in Panama like forgotten ruins or deep jungles, we don't know what's really there. Also, the idea of angry spirits, like in stories of cursed places where spirits are said to be seeking revenge for past wrongs. Another element is the isolation. Panama has many remote areas, and when a scary event is set in these isolated spots, it gives a feeling of being alone and helpless against the unknown horror.

The settings in the Alma story are often very spooky. Like old houses, abandoned buildings, or dark forests. These places already have an air of unease and danger, which adds to the scariness. Also, the things that happen to Alma, like seeing strange figures, being trapped, or getting lost, are common fears that people have. When we read about Alma experiencing these things, it makes us feel scared as if it could happen to us too. Another thing is the feeling of being watched that Alma often has, which gives a sense of paranoia that is very frightening.

The unknown is a big factor. For example, in a true story where people hear strange noises at night but don't know what's causing them. It could be anything from a wild animal to something supernatural, and that uncertainty is terrifying.