logo logo

Scary story ideas

Your Choice. Your Community. Your Platform.

  • shape
  • shape
  • shape
hero image


  • The men thought they were really tough and chose to stay in separate bedrooms. 23. It is important to come up with ideas that will create suspense, intrigue, dread, and fear in the Dec 27, 2022 · Short Horror Story Ideas That Focus on Creatures and Monsters Larry is a necrophiliac and often visits old cemeteries at night to indulge in his hobby. Whichever you choose to use for your creative exploration, remember that you can change anything you like. Utilize fear of the unknown. Horror story ideas generator is a free AI-powered tool that can create numerous creative and unique horror story ideas based on the user’s input. A timid guy accidentally raises a zombie when trying to impress a girl with a spell from a witchcraft book. The Man in the Suit. The Phantom Loop Try going through some of heir true story based content and see if anything sparks some ideas. Three men stayed overnight in a haunted mansion on a dare. Try to get a clear mental picture of what your character looks like. 41. Psychological Horror Prompts. Once upon a time, there was a 10 year old girl who lived in London in a very old house. Oct 7, 2023 · These 101 Paranormal Story Ideas are just the gateway to countless worlds of the untold and the unseen, waiting to be explored by daring souls. She seems to be living the perfect life, until strange things start happening, like her reflection behaving independently. Many love being scared in a safe environment, but creating such a story is complex. You can feel his breath when he says, “We all have it here. Immediately the locks triggered and she felt a cold sweat explode onto her forehead. Sep 5, 2022 · In this article, we’ve put together 159 spine-chilling horror story prompts to help unleash your creativity and keep your readers on edge. Scary Writing Ideas • Still from ‘Burning’. Mar 2, 2024 · A long list of scary story ideas for your horror stories 1. Any of the following ideas will make for a scary story. He flies 6000 miles to stay with him, but when he arrives he’s pulled into a deadly catfishing game carried out by a wolf in sheep’s clothing. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. She hated the house. The dead relative still lives in the house and suddenly shows up in every room of the house. Ghosts, curses, black magic, monsters, hauntings, so on. Horror stories can be quite a challenge to write, with their dark atmosphere and unexpected plot twists. 31. In The Matrix, AI-powered robots and machines imprison humans in a dream-like state, so they can harvest our bioelectric energy. When she decides to leave, the man blocks the doorway. A young girl discovers that her reflection in the mirror is slowly taking on a life of its own and is out for revenge. 74. #3 – Driving alone at night. #6 – Camping trip gone wrong. Here are some ideas. An evil spirit that possesses its victims. The most important part of any horror story is naturally going to be its fear factor. What are scary story starters? Scary story starters are prompts that you can use to inspire your very own scary or spooky story. Put your characters in compelling danger. On Christmas, she woke up and went down to the living room to find all the sofa cushions arranged into a Feb 11, 2022 · Horror stories can be found in novels, short stories, movies, comics, video games, and even some poetry. A small town plagued by mysterious disappearances. "My aunt used to live in this old house that everyone in the family joked was haunted. A retired vampire hunter picks up the stake once again when a pack of vampires begins to terrorize local high school students. And there he saw it – a tall figure dressed in a black suit, standing motionless in the shadows. After moving into a new apartment building, a young couple realizes each neighbor is a serial killer. L. So, you need a list. The Deer Woman. You realize that your fingers are falling. The ghost offers clues to solve the mystery of the murder. Create well-rounded and relatable characters. #7 – A weekend getaway gone wrong. A luxury cruise goes wrong when all the What are scary story starters? Scary story starters are prompts that you can use to inspire your very own scary or spooky story. Dec 7, 2020 · Scary Horror Story Ideas With a Twist. Mar 20, 2023 · 2. So, armed with the inspiration from these haunting prompts for scary stories, may you craft tales that will linger in the minds of your readers, long after the last page is turned, and the bedroom A horror story idea generator is a digital tool designed to assist writers in creating the foundations of horror stories by providing customized plot ideas based on user input. The Coffin — This tale is about a haunted coffin that With the best AI writing tools, you can unleash unlimited horror story ideas. " Young Oksana is tasked by her evil stepmother to go into the woods and find food. A renowned magician is found dead after a performance, and it's up to the detective to determine whether it was an accident or murder. Cosmic nightmares that slither and skitter into the reader’s mind could linger long after the last page. Dec 7, 2022 · 1. 11. The following story has been presented as “true” by many past storytellers. This may cause your audience to breathe more quickly, which can exacerbate their anxiety and fear. Hide-And-Seek. Just pick whatever concept floats your boat and start fleshing it out. The Time Capsule: A group of friends unearths a time capsule, but what they find inside threatens the fabric of time itself. A character believes she has committed a crime someone else knows she is innocent of. A serial killer in a small town turns out to be an ancient monster, feeding on the fear and lives of its victims. #2 – Someone is home alone. The witch’s cryptic words lingering like a ghost in the air. They’re mostly left-field and weird, because the best way to come up with scary ideas is to think in an unconventional way. #5 – Ghost trapped inside a household item. The problem is, he’s already been dead for years. Another great way to come up with ideas for horror stories is to simply think about what scares you personally. 7. Good horror story ideas are essential for crafting a successful and compelling narrative. Jumpstart your novel with this random plot generator, which can churn out 500,000+ good plot and story combinations. Psychological Horror Story Ideas. A black cat gives you an evil smile and jumps to your face. Give yourself the chills with this list of over 110 horror writing prompts. 1. A man wakes up in a coffin and realizes he's been buried alive. A story idea full of intrigue, betrayal, and family dynamics. Supernatural Element. Generally revolving around death, hauntings or the afterlife. Eldritch happenings in a secluded island, or when diving in the deep sea, or when swimming in a lake, or in a jail. Create a world where robots use humans, instead of serving us. As the moon cast a glow upon the twisted branches, a sense of foreboding hit the friends hearts. Apr 22, 2023 · Scary Story Ideas. The Perfect Life: A woman wakes up in a house with a husband and kids she doesn’t remember. Check out the list below. Oct 30, 2022 · 12) A woman goes back to a man’s apartment after a date… but discovers what appear to be mementos – hair-pins, engraved jewelry, watches, etc. Three college students take a final road trip during spring break of their senior year, not knowing that each of them harbors a dark secret about one of their college professors who was murdered in the fall. Writers can explore various themes, characters, and settings to enhance their creativity. The Deer Woman is a modern scary campfire story based in Native American mythology. These elements are crucial in taking audiences on a heart-pounding journey. In a race against time, a detective discovers a series of paintings in a forgotten gallery that predict disasters before they happen, leading to a frantic hunt to stop the next one, only to realize the artist might be painting from the future. We have lots of story prompts available for writers. Alien Message: Scientists receive a message from an alien civilization, but it's a warning. We’ve included categories of one-liners, dialogue, short stories, and scary short stories. Oct 20, 2018 · The Kid Eater. 33. Doug Landsborough. John was home alone, but he didn’t feel alone. You visit a burial ground and see a body’s feet outside the grave. Horror Setting Ideas: An Imaginative List! Crime Thriller Story Ideas that Captivate Us Psychological Thriller Writing Prompts Engrossing Serial Killer Story Ideas. A woman takes a shortcut through a dark alley and realizes she's being followed. Importance of good horror story ideas. In this book, the government controls Nov 16, 2014 · The Green Rat. A ghost story is one of the oldest forms of Aug 31, 2023 · 7. . Days go by, and your significant other never comes home. In one of the rooms, there was a creepy painting of a green rat with a ball and chain on one of its legs. The Woman's Awakening: A woman discovers that she's been living with the murderer of her childhood friend. Build suspense and tension gradually, with a well-paced structure. As they’re about to leave, they realize one of their group is missing. There is a dark red, almost black, color to the whites of his eyes. Jul 5, 2023 · Horror Movie Ideas. A character wakes up knowing a new language, but forgets their mother tongue. On a Halloween night, a young man finds a cursed relic that brings his deepest fears to life in the form of terrifying monsters. Whether freelancing as an editor, blog writer, or ghostwriter, Doug is a big fan of the power of words. The Vanishing: A young woman wakes up to find all the birds in her town have disappeared mysteriously. 1 day ago · The Old Dark House: An author moves into an old house for inspiration but finds herself living in a story more horrifying than she could ever write. You can combine several ideas or see one all the way through. Horror stories help readers escape to another world by confronting them with the unknown. A young woman is stalked by a mysterious figure who seems to know all of her secrets. As the branches creaked menacingly overhead, a sense of urgency gripped the friends. As for supernatural, you've got plenty to pick from. Appearing either as a deer or a woman, she lures unsuspecting lovers or promiscuous men into the woods, then stomps them to death with her hooves. A small rural town is plagued by a curse, causing residents to disappear without a trace. Doug Landsborough can’t get enough of writing. Horror stories can be widely entertaining without some kind of clever twist. Zombie outbreak in a jail, spaceship, inside a submarine, or abroad a commercial flight, on a cruise ship, a train, or during a car trip. A childhood doll comes to life. Here are some prompt ideas for your own creepy story—try one or all of them—if you dare! Psychological Horror Prompts. Jul 29, 2023 · 10. Now is the time to write your own horror story, just like Goosebumps or The Haunting of Aveline Jones. 75. If you want to use them, go for it. An old woman dies in a car accident and the family buys her amazingly preserved old house. Aug 7, 2023 · Gothic Story Ideas. The ghost of a young boy seeks help from a group of friends to reconcile with his twin brother and find peace. A teenager in a Halloween-celebrated town discovers an ancient book that predicts disasters, racing against time to prevent the next one and unveiling a centuries-old secret. An Unexpected Companion: A child's imaginary friend turns sinister when scary stories about the house's previous inhabitants come true. Start with a fear factor. From these 50 sparks of inspiration may emerge 50 uniquely disturbing tales. Earthquake stays for a whole day long without stopping for a moment. Now he has to figure out how to send it back to the grave before the big Apr 26, 2023 · Some tips for writing a good scary story essay include: Use sensory details to create a vivid and evocative atmosphere. The light shined in through the half opened curtain dust motes swirld the smell was overpowering. A good example of a dystopia is George Orwell’s classic novel Nineteen Eighty-Four. Setting: (optional) Primary fear: (optional) Generate. A scene from a nightmare becomes reality. Here are some scary ideas that can keep your readers on their toes: A group of students hitchhikes across America. 8. Some people find them scary, and some people don’t. 34. Homeless Heart: A homeless man receives a job, but his past mistakes haunt him. The Cursed Heirloom: A family inherits an old house along with a cursed heirloom. 3. The deer woman is a shape-shifting creature living deep in forests. The Haunting Homicide: A young woman wakes up in a haunted house with a dead body and no memory of the previous night. The Demon Hello Kitty. The breeze was slight but enough to waft the smell, the walk to the window felt slow as if the carpet was snow, when I got to the windo I pushed the curtain with my finger slowly it slid across altho it was night time the sky was bright the dust May 9, 2018 · 81 Novel Story Ideas. The generated prompts are random and sometimes unsettling. Mar 20, 2021 · When I first started writing short horror fiction in early 2021, this was a question I knew I needed to answer quickly. New plots are added each week and you can sort by genre, depending on whether you’re writing fantasy, romance, sci-fi, mystery, or drama. A woman finds an old pendant that grants her supernatural powers. Use your imagination. Take a look now and enjoy. The antagonist in a story is most easily understood to be the “bad guy”. Apr 4, 2019 · The Long-Dead Boy. Jun 20, 2022 · 6. Neil Chase is an award-winning, produced screenwriter, independent filmmaker, professional actor, and author of the horror-western novel Iron Dogs. Sep 7, 2022 · A dystopia is a fictional society typically characterized by widespread misery and oppression. An ancient book that unleashes a curse when read. Feb 16, 2023 · 31 Scary Story Ideas. Your husband comes to visit you and the kids every year, on your wedding day. But a buyer has offered the man a million dollars for a child. This Teaching Wiki features loads of scary story starters that are sure to excite your writing, but first Aug 30, 2023 · 20. What a great idea for science fiction and horror stories! And there’s still a lot of room to innovate within this framework. A horror writing prompt is a brief idea or scenario designed to inspire a horror story. Think of it like a fire starter helping to ignite the first spark that is to become a cozy bonfire Oct 18, 2022 · On October 26, 1965, police discovered Sylvia Likens' malnourished body sprawled on a filthy mattress in the Indianapolis home of 37-year-old Gertrude Baniszewski, mother of seven and the mind behind the girl's horrific demise. 'M3GAN'. Oct 11, 2023 · Horror stories are intended to frighten and shock readers, providing them with a thrilling and suspenseful experience. Jul 24, 2022 · Vampire writing prompts. From scary ghost stories to creepy stories about animals and monsters. A hair stylist overhears something she shouldn't while cutting hair. Aug 10, 2021 · Written by MasterClass. 72. Figure out what scares you. If they managed to stay all night, they would win money. A man is being watched by evil all the time. These prompts are split into three sections: general, monster, and traditional. After a tragic accident on his 21 st birthday, Peter gets back in touch with his estranged father via email. The Organized Crime Family: The heir to an organized crime family must solve the murder of his father to prevent a gang war. A babysitter is hired to take care of a small child in an old and eerie mansion. To write a lot, you need a backlog of ideas to pick from. – in the bathroom drawer. Only 10 years old, Bobby gets in the man’s car, and ends up on a farm where a man sells human meat to wealthy buyers. Not all horror stories need to be set during Halloween. A woman is convinced demonic possession is real, and only she can tell who is possessed. Whether your looming threats are demons, ghosts, monsters, witches, zombies, or simply something unknown lurking in the darkness, we’ve got the right ideas to spark your imagination and fuel your Jul 29, 2022 · 50+ scary writing prompts and scary story ideas. The Perfect Life: A young girl with an uncannily perfect life begins to experience terrifying hallucinations, disrupting her reality. Clap Once For Yes. A group of friends trapped in a haunted house. Dive into these prompts and start crafting your terrifying tale today! Feb 11, 2023 · Horror story Ideas With A Twist. Jan 3, 2024 · 75 Writing Prompts for Horror Movies. Last updated: Sep 3, 2021 • 1 min read. Jun 12, 2023 · From tales of horror that disturb the human psyche to those scary stories that dive into the pits of mental illness, the possibilities are endless. The Vampire’s Nebula: A vampire finds himself on a spaceship heading to a nebula known for its healing properties, hoping it can cure his condition. Click to tweet! 1. The possibilities for horror hide within each prompt, needing only a guiding human hand to script them into being. How? A bolt of lightning shot through Shannon's heart as she climbed into the autonomous taxi and closed the door. A haunted doll that terrorizes a family. 73. Oct 3, 2023 · By immersing themselves in the world of suspense and horror, budding writers can refine their skills in vivid description and cultivate an atmosphere of relentless tension within their tales. Horror short story ideas. Bobby was kidnapped by a man claiming he knew Bobby’s parents and that they were injured in a car wreck. Imagine his surprise after spending hours digging through the rooted ground at hearing sounds coming from inside a casket. They get lost on a backroad and need to ask a nearby house for help. Use the horror story prompts below to start your next terrifying tale! One morning you wake up to find your bed covered in blood, but you’re not bleeding. What Real True story would you like to hear? for example, the tru story of the Chain saw Leather Face? or Ghost Face, maybe a A Move or other Game character of interest? Scary Horror Story Ideas With a Twist. Sep 30, 2022 · September 30, 2022. Jul 6, 2022 · Fun writing prompts. 1 Atmosphere. In the blog post, we have listed some great dark writing prompts and story ideas to help you get started. Dec 19, 2022 · Horror Story Prompts. Aug 27, 2023 · A long list of monster story ideas. There is actually more than one type of horror writing prompt (see the chart below). Create your antagonist. Normally he kidnaps older homeless people. Horror story prompt generator is a free online tool that serves as a valuable tool for inspiring writers to craft chilling narratives. It provides the foundation for a plot, characters, conflict, setting, consequences, and sometimes a ticking clock plot device to build tension and urgency. Mar 23, 2024 · Scary Stories for Older Kids. Feb 19, 2023 · Scary short story prompts. A man wakes up without his feet. The best friend of a murder victim is the prime suspect, but evidence starts to disappear into thin air as the murder investigation progresses. The Writer's Block: A writer struggling with their craft receives writing advice from an unlikely source, their late mother's letters. Toa Heftiba on Unsplash. The book has 100 additional spooky writing prompts and horror story ideas, as well as master plots and idea starters for all kinds of writing. As they unravel its dark history, they are haunted by the spirits tied to it. 5. What’s a Story Starter? Story starter is anything that helps you start a story. Cow's Head — This ghost story is a twist on the classic "Cinderella. Atmospheric conditions are crafted through: Jun 30, 2023 · A long list of Creepy Story Ideas. They stimulate the imagination and can help you when thinking of a plot, characters, themes and so much more. I am making some Horror true story shorts, 4-5 minutes, so I will credit good ideas. 21. Slasher films and supernatural hauntings are common themes, and there are plenty of other themes you can write about while creating a spooky atmosphere. ”. The husband is attacked by an axe wielding maniac. To write, you need ideas. Looking for inspiration to start writing a scary story or creepy film? See these 25 creative writing prompts for writing your own horror story. Horror stories don't necessarily have to fit into a subgenre. Write about the vampire hunter’s background, their last hunt before retirement, and the connection between that last hunt and the current vampire culprits. Creating an effective scary story is all about mastering certain key elements. Her parents come over, pat you on the shoulder, and whisper, “It had to be done. This Teaching Wiki features loads of scary story starters that are sure to excite your writing, but first This article contains 115 spooky and sinister writing prompts that you can use to inspire your next piece of horror fiction. Sep 19, 2016 · These are all from my book 5 ,000 Writing Prompts: A Master List of Plot Ideas, Creative Exercises, and More. Jun 4, 2024 · The Space Vampires of Arus: A vampire from planet Arus must navigate complex intergalactic politics and alliances to ensure his survival and protect his home planet. Oct 8, 2023 · A writer in a haunted town encounters the ghost of a serial killer, learning about his life, his deeds, and his regrets, opening up ideas for horror stories. The AI Horror Plot Generator is a fascinating tool that can assist you in crafting chilling narratives with ease. He is so close his nose is almost touching your nose. Sometimes the occasion is perfect for a longer scary story for kids. But to craft a scary story that leaves your readers trembling, certain elements take on unique importance. From the gory to the scary, from the monstrous to the supernatural, from the Sep 3, 2021 · Written by MasterClass. Jun 2, 2024 · Try to think of why your character is in the situation they are. The sad story unfolds as he tries to rebuild his life, offering a message of redemption. The taxi's smooth, friendly computer generated voice fired up again with the tenderness of a new mother. Rustling in the undergrowth made them freeze there tracks. The only way to send the demons back to hell is to kill the person. Oct 20, 2023 · We’ve pulled together the best kids’ scary stories for little and not-so-little ones and added some notes to help you get the most from the tales. Feeling a shiver down your spine while reading a horror story is a unique thrill. Jan 13, 2024 · Here are 100 horror comedy writing prompts: A hapless pizza delivery guy keeps getting sent to haunted houses and creepy old mansions when people prank order pizzas. #1 – Haunted house. It was cold and damp all of the time. Mar 8, 2023 · murder mystery story ideas. A group of strangers awakens in a locked room with a ticking time bomb and a message that only one can survive. Murderer On The Loose. In a small town, each full moon transforms a random resident into a portal to a malevolent dimension, with townsfolk racing against time to identify and close the portal before it's too late. A haunted doll terrorizes a family, possessing members one by one. A ghost ship appears in the ocean, and those who board it never return. Well, we hope you have enjoyed our prompts. Mar 3, 2021 · A man and a woman couple are attempting to bury a hoard of money in their backyard. A woman discovers a strange door in her basement that leads to a dark and creepy tunnel. It was a cold, dark night and there was stillness all around. And, when you’re ready, post the story you wrote with one of these prompts and celebrate with your fellow authors! ‍. Celebrated author R. The Hitchhiker. Jun 21, 2023 · Sci-Fi Suspense Ideas. Your main character has recurring dreams. Mar 28, 2024 · Method #3. 12. Imagine how your character would react to the events in your story. The child’s parents are gone for the night, and the babysitter soon realizes that there is something very wrong with the house – strange noises, flickering lights, and even ghostly apparitions lurking in the shadows. AI Horror Story Plot Generator: Generate Horror Story Plot Ideas. Aug 19, 2023 · 4. If you are easily scared and have an over-active imagination, just skip this one. The word “dystopia” comes from the Greek root “dys,” meaning “bad,” and “topos,” meaning “place. You stare at your best friend’s face as she lies peacefully in her coffin. #4 – Driving alone in the mountains. At its core, the Horror Plot Generator is a smart tool that takes specific inputs from you—the elements you want in your story—and processes these to offer a unique plot. 2. One of the hardest things to get through is writing a story based on an idea you have zero energy for in the moment. Below you will find 40 fun writing prompts and story starters. His latest feature film is an apocalyptic thriller called Spin The Wheel. In a small town, all the birds mysteriously die yearly on the same date. Come meet them. In this section, you will find 61 horror writing prompts to help you get your creative juices flowing or to just have a little fun this Halloween! The house was old and decrepit with peeling paint that seemed to be coming off in flakes. Use literary devices like foreshadowing and metaphor to create a sense of foreboding. It provides a starting point for your horror story ideas. The Last Colony: In a remote colony, people start disappearing. Horror Story Prompts. Over 1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Mar 10, 2021 · 30 Scary Horror Story Prompts and Ideas. Every few nights, she dreams of going on a murderous rampage. 33 Dark Writing Prompts Jan 19, 2023 · Scary story ideas. Our prompts are here to give you inspiration, whatever type of horror story you’re writing. 35. 3 days ago · 150+ Cool Monster Ideas for Epic Stories: Unleash Your Imagination! Neil Chase. A great horror story uses its setting to create a sense of fear and dread. He felt like someone was watching him, so stepped towards the window. Last updated: Aug 10, 2021 • 5 min read. Blumhouse. 4. She encounters a spirit in a cow's head, and the rest is up to you to read. The Thirteenth Floor. Apr 12, 2024 · Writing abrupt lines increases the tension in your terrifying story and causes the reader’s eyes to scan the page faster in an attempt to find solace in the protagonist’s safety. The body was covered in more than 150 wounds, including burns and cuts. However, each use brings a demonic entity closer to our world. 7 key tips to writing a blood-chilling horror story 😱. 22. A well-conceived atmosphere sets the stage for dread and is often the backbone of memorable scare tactics. The first element is atmosphere. It is an effective tool to spark the imagination of writers and make the brainstorming process a lot smoother. Oct 22, 2022 · A ghost story is a type of horror story that emphasises the theme of the supernatural, apparitions, and otherworldly ghost-like creatures. Daddy’s Home. That’s where our horror writing prompts come in. Jul 4, 2022 · Horror story ideas and scary story prompts. Enter AI-powered Horror Story Plot Horror Story Ideas. Jan 12, 2023 · The man leans into you. You can do this by thinking about what horror situations scare you the most in movies/shows, as well as what (real or imagined) situations scare you in real life. We are all infected. Apr 1, 2024 · A long list of Scary Story Ideas. But if you can pull off a spine-tingling horror story with a twist at the end that no reader saw coming, then you have a scary story that will get fans talking, which means a viral sales potential for your horror novel. Filmmaker, Author, Actor and Story Consultant. This tool leverages artificial intelligence to analyze and synthesize key elements such as the desired state of fear, setting, character descriptions, and potential plot Mar 10, 2023 · Horror story prompts with a twist. This genre often has an uncanny air about it, producing feelings of fear, dread, and the unfamiliar. Write a vampire’s recount of his Jun 29, 2023 · Like any other story, a good horror story hinges on key elements such as a compelling main character, an engaging plot, and an evocative setting. Stine, the creative force behind more than 300 tales of suspense and the macabre, shares his tips on how to write a horror story that will stay with your readers. #8 – Someone is left alone in an office building. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned writer, our carefully curated prompts, sorted by genre, will turn your creative gears. The Sleepless Town: A small town where no one sleeps, leading to a psychological breakdown in the town's population. The Last Letter: In the eerie atmosphere of a haunted house, a young girl discovers a dead body and an unread letter with her name. Table of Contents. Mar 14, 2024 · A long list of Halloween story ideas. You can generate spine-chilling narratives with just a few clicks, making the process effortless and inspiring. Lunar Portal. These writing AI tools provide a plethora of prompts, characters, and plot twists, sparking your creativity. 42. Aug 14, 2023 · 75 Murder Mystery Story Ideas. mn pp jo qf qu hi bn cj fh bz