Well, you could read it during the day or in a well-lit room. Also, think about the story as a form of entertainment rather than something to be scared of. Sometimes sharing the experience with a friend can make it less scary too.
Just remind yourself it's all made up. Focus on the fact that it's fiction and not real, that usually helps.
To avoid corpse reading scary stories, first, try to get into the mood. Maybe listen to some spooky music before you start. Then, use different voices for different characters. If there's a villain, make your voice low and menacing. Also, vary your pace. Slow down for the really tense parts and speed up a bit when there's action. This way, you'll be more engaged and not read like a corpse.
They can also be 'don't get scared' if they teach a lesson about facing our fears. A story where a character is afraid of a dark basement but finds out there's nothing to be afraid of in there. This shows that we should confront our fears instead of being paralyzed by them. Well - crafted short scary stories can use the element of fear to encourage courage.
Make it a habit to read non-fiction in short bursts. Instead of long sessions, read for 20-30 minutes at a time. Also, switch between different non-fiction genres to keep things fresh.
A short scary story for you. There was an old, abandoned house at the end of the street. A curious boy decided to explore it. As he entered, the door slammed shut behind him. He heard whispers all around him. He walked into a room and saw a rocking chair moving on its own. In the chair, there was a faint silhouette of an old woman. He tried to run but found himself lost in a maze of dark hallways.
When editing, always stick to the original intention of the story. Don't change things just for the sake of it. If you're not sure about a change, refer back to the author's notes or the overall tone they were aiming for.
First, always meet in a public place. This way, there are other people around if something goes wrong. For example, a coffee shop or a busy restaurant.
Firstly, limit your alcohol intake. Don't get so drunk that you lose control. Also, make sure you have a reliable friend with you who can look out for you and step in if things seem to be going wrong. And always have safe sex supplies on hand if you think there's a possibility of sexual activity.
One way to prevent getting off topic is to focus on the main points and keep reminding yourself of the story's core. Also, try to limit distractions and stay engaged with the audience's reactions to stay on track.
Stay in the shade! In cartoons, characters can avoid sunburn by finding spots that block the sun's rays.
Firstly, read actively. Highlight or make notes of important details as you go. For example, if there is a key description of a character's personality, mark it. This will help you remember important elements later.