Writing Horror

From shocking twists to haunting fades, the ending defines every horror story. Here’s how to craft a finale that sticks with your audience long after “FADE OUT.”

Silence, whispers, and sudden screams; sound is the heartbeat of horror. Learn how filmmakers and screenwriters use audio to build fear, tension, and unforgettable scares.

The scariest monsters aren’t just creatures — they’re metaphors. From The Babadook to Smile, discover how modern horror uses symbolism to turn fear into meaning.

From The Thing to 10 Cloverfield Lane, single-location horror proves that the scariest stories don’t need sprawling sets — just tension, character, and four claustrophobic walls.

The Final Girl has changed—and so has the genre around her. Here’s how horror’s most iconic survivor evolved from scream queen to avenging force.

The first ten pages can make or break your horror script. These iconic openings show how to build terror fast—and what to steal (creatively) for your own work.

These 10 horror films didn’t just scare us—they stuck the landing. Let’s break down what makes a horror ending truly unforgettable.

Many horror stories fail not because of low budgets or lack of monsters — but because they overlook the fundamentals of fear. Learn the five biggest pitfalls that make horror scripts fall flat, and how to avoid them.

Query letters are your first impression—and most are ignored. In this post, I break down how to write one that actually gets your script read.

Discover the major horror subgenres—slasher, supernatural, psychological, folk, cosmic, survival, body horror, and horror-comedy—and learn how to find the right lane for your story. Includes a free Subgenre Matchmaker Worksheet.

Hook readers in the first five pages of your horror script with atmosphere, pacing, and scares that land. Learn how to avoid common mistakes and download a free First Five Pages Evaluation Guide.

Learn how to write horror villains that go beyond surface scares. From motivations and mirrors to presence and theme, this guide shows you how to build terrifying, layered antagonists—plus a free Villain Development Worksheet.

Horror dialogue often tips into cliché—but it doesn’t have to. Learn how to cut the cheese, use subtext, and ground your lines in authentic character voice. Includes a free Dialogue Polishing Checklist.

Learn the five types of horror scares—jump scares, dread, reveals, reversals, and lingering images—and how to write them so they stick. Includes a free Scare-Building Beat Sheet to plan your script’s scariest moments.

Learn 10 writing strategies for keeping your horror script budget-friendly without losing its impact—plus a free downloadable worksheet to help you apply them.

These 10 horror scripts didn’t just terrify—they transformed the genre. Study their structure, tone, and voice to sharpen your own writing.

Some horror tropes need a nap. Here are ten overused conventions to avoid and smarter, scarier ways to subvert them.

Looking to level up your horror writing? These seven books — from craft deep-dives to psychological tools — will sharpen your scares and deepen your storytelling.

Ever wonder what a screenwriting contest judge really looks for? As a reader for multiple competitions, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes criteria—and how to make your script stand out.

Tired of waiting for inspiration to strike? This post shows you how to build a reliable, blood-soaked writing routine tailored for horror screenwriters—complete with a downloadable ritual tracker.