Applying the Skills You Need to Write an Effective Horror Story
Of the wide array of literary genres, horror is one of the most misunderstood. Sometimes relegated to the “bargain bin,” so to speak, of a bookstore, horror writing can be incredibly innovative. It takes a lot to get under a reader’s skin, which is exactly what horror novels are supposed to do. These books can fall among any number of subgenres or cover various topics. They largely have one unifying elemental: terror.
Not everyone has the skills necessary to write an effective scary story. The most successful horror novelists are those with endless creativity and ingenuity. Showcasing these skills is impressive in general, but it can potentially impress college admission officers. This article will review the skills required to write a horror novel and their unexpected benefits on college admissions.
Creative Instincts
One skill that writing a horror story showcases that is common amongst all books is immense creativity. Writing is one of the most human, creative endeavors someone can participate in today. Further, these are skills and instincts that not everyone is gifted with. When you set out to write a book as a high school student, that is even more impressive.
The horror genre often takes some of the most creativity, especially because it is often removed from reality. More realistic genres still require a lot of creative input, but it is often based in real things. When writing horror, the situations are often not based in the same reality. These stories can be supernatural, which requires the author to use their imagination to build out the world. Even more grounded horror can be a heightened version of reality unique to the story at hand.
Understanding People’s Emotional Reactions
Horror is one of the more emotional genres of fiction. While that may seem surprising, fear is an emotional response. As such, horror is often rooted in activating a fear response in the reader. Therefore, when one writes a horror story of any type, they are impacting the reader’s emotions. This requires a strong understanding of how and why people react the way they do.
When showcasing one’s talents for a college admissions team, they are looking at more than just academics. A successful college applicant is a well-rounded candidate. This includes having emotional maturity and nuance. Publishing a horror book is an unexpected way to show your grasp on emotions, both your own and others.
Unafraid to Think Outside the Box
Writing a book of any kind showcases an immense amount of creative thinking. When you are writing a book, you are in charge of every part of it. Your mind is the powerhouse behind your story, and thinking outside the box is crucial in the process. Critical thinking is a crucial part of success in college and beyond. The mere fact of having completed a full-length book highlights that skill.
In horror writing, your story will often take the reader to unexpected places or strange worlds. As a genre, horror can become boring without new ideas. Your writing should stand out from the crowd. This can only be possible when you expand your thinking skills to their fullest potential. A published horror novel will look impressive on any college application because it shows how you apply critical thinking.
Following Your Passions
Any book you write will be a culmination of your passions and larger life interests. Do not be afraid to explore your interest in the horror genre through literature. It will help you stand out amongst your peers when you strongly express your individual creativity and follow your passions.
This Halloween, stand out from the crowd and start writing. Do not be afraid of following your dreams of becoming a horror author. Cloverly Collegiate will help you hone your creative instincts to create the best possible version of your book. If you need a guiding hand, our team will be there to keep you on track, no matter the genre.