Most of them use suspense. They don't reveal everything at once. For example, they might describe a strange noise and then make the reader wait to find out what caused it. Also, the characters usually face some kind of unknown threat, which could be a ghost, a monster or just a sense of impending doom. The language used is also important. Words like 'eerie', 'creepy' and 'haunting' are often used to enhance the scariness.
Good online scary text stories often have an atmosphere of mystery. They start by setting a strange or eerie scene that makes you wonder what's going to happen next. For example, in many horror stories, the setting might be a desolate old house or a fog - covered forest at night.
The scary text stories in 4kidsgaming often involve unexpected and creepy elements. For example, things that seem normal at first but turn out to be very wrong.
In another story, a hiker got lost in the forest. He found an old, abandoned cabin. When he entered, it was freezing cold. As he explored, he noticed a diary on a table. The pages were filled with warnings about a creature that lurked in those woods. As night fell, he heard howls outside. He barricaded the door, but something started scratching at it, trying to get in.
Well, there's 'The Dark Woods'. In this story, a hiker gets lost in the woods at night. As he tries to find his way out, he hears eerie howls and feels like he's being watched. He soon realizes he's not alone in those woods. There are also 'The Ghostly Train'. A man waiting at an old train station late at night sees a train that shouldn't be there, and when he boards it, things get really scary.
Well, there are several options. One of them is Reddit's horror story sections. Users often share interesting and creepy yarn stories there. Also, check out dedicated horror story forums like ScaryForums.com.
Another one is 'The Monkey's Paw'. It involves a family who comes into possession of a magical monkey's paw that can grant wishes, but with horrible consequences. Each wish they make goes horribly wrong, leading to a series of tragic and spooky events.
They probably have a strong atmosphere. It could be a dark and gloomy setting, like an old cemetery or an abandoned asylum. These settings add to the overall spookiness and make the events seem more terrifying. For instance, in a story set in an abandoned asylum, the creaking floors and peeling walls create a very eerie backdrop for the scary events that unfold.
These stories usually set a spooky mood at the beginning. Maybe with a description of a dark and quiet place. However, the danger or the 'scary' part is not extreme. In the case of the old house on the hill, the shadowy figure seems scary but is quickly debunked as just a tree branch's shadow. This makes it just enough to give you a bit of a chill but not keep you up at night in fear.
One scary text story could be about a haunted house where strange noises and apparitions are experienced by the protagonist. It builds tension as they explore the creepy place.
It can be a great adrenaline rush. The fear and suspense in scary stories can get your heart pumping and give you an exciting feeling.