Call for horror short stories: How can I start writing my own horror short story?

Begin with a mood. Maybe a feeling of isolation or dread. You can describe the weather, like a howling wind or a heavy, oppressive fog. Then introduce your character, perhaps someone who is already in a vulnerable state. They could be lost in a strange place or dealing with a personal crisis. From there, start to introduce the elements of horror, like a strange figure in the distance or a voice that seems to come from nowhere.

First, think of an interesting idea or concept. It could be something as simple as a character's unique hobby or a strange event.

One key element is a strong and unexpected twist. It can turn the whole story on its head and leave the reader with a sense of shock. Another is the use of vivid and disturbing imagery. Describing a grotesque monster or a blood - soaked scene can send shivers down the reader's spine. Also, a good horror short story builds tension gradually. It starts with a little unease and then ramps up to full - blown terror, like a slowly tightening noose around the reader's neck.

First, come up with a really disturbing and otherworldly concept. For example, an ancient entity that exists outside of our known universe. Then, build your setting. Make it a place that feels both vast and claustrophobic at the same time.

First, come up with a unique and terrifying demon concept. Think about what makes it different from other demons in horror stories. Then, create a setting that will enhance the horror, like an isolated old mansion or a desolate forest. Next, develop your characters. They should be believable and have their own fears and flaws. For example, a character with a past trauma related to the supernatural.

First, you can build an online presence. Use platforms like Wattpad or your own blog to share your stories for free initially. This helps you gain an audience. Then, consider self - publishing on Amazon Kindle. Format your stories properly and create an eye - catching cover. Another option is to submit your stories to horror magazines or anthologies. They often pay for good submissions.

First, you need to research suitable platforms. There are many horror - themed magazines, both in print and online, that accept submissions. For example, 'Cemetery Dance' is well - known in the horror community. You should also make sure your story is in the correct format, usually in a standard manuscript format. This includes things like using a 12 - point font, double - spacing, and having one - inch margins.

Well, you can begin by researching the places that welcome short horror stories. Some literary journals also feature horror stories from time to time. Once you've identified a potential place, follow their specific process for submissions. It might involve creating an account on their website, filling out a form with details about your story, and attaching the file in the required format. Keep in mind that competition can be tough, so your story should stand out in terms of its uniqueness and the horror it evokes.

Starting to publish horror short stories can be an exciting but challenging journey. You should focus on creating unique and terrifying concepts for your stories. For the actual publishing part, you could explore the option of creating your own website or blog to showcase your work. This gives you complete freedom in terms of presentation. Additionally, don't forget to market your stories. Use platforms like Instagram or TikTok to share snippets and build an audience even before you publish.

First, you need to come up with a unique and interesting concept. It could be a new kind of magic system, a strange world, or an unusual character. For example, think about a world where magic is based on colors. Then, start building your world. Decide on the geography, the culture, and the rules of this world. Sketch out a rough plot, like a hero's journey or a mystery to be solved.