Well, themes like curses or ancient evils can be very effective. The idea that something evil has been lurking for a long time and is now unleashed can be terrifying. Another option is body horror, where the physical transformation or deterioration of a character causes horror. For example, mutations or diseases that distort the body.
Adventure is another wonderful theme. You can take your characters on a journey to unknown lands. They might encounter strange creatures, face difficult terrains, and have to use their wits to survive. For example, a group of friends going on an expedition to a lost jungle.
Well, you could consider writing about personal growth and self-discovery. Have a character overcome obstacles and learn important lessons about themselves and life. Another option is mystery and crime-solving, where the reader follows along as the characters try to solve a puzzling case.
A story based on a real-life event or a historical period can be interesting too. It allows you to explore and bring to life a moment in time that people might not be familiar with.
How about a cursed object? Something that brings bad luck and horror to whoever possesses it. You can make up all kinds of creepy backstories and effects for it.
You could focus on haunted houses or creepy old cemeteries. They always give that spooky vibe.
One theme could be isolation. For example, a person trapped alone in an old, abandoned mansion in the middle of nowhere. The lack of human contact and the strange noises in the empty halls can create a terrifying atmosphere. Another theme is the unknown. A story where strange things keep happening but there's no clear explanation, like objects moving on their own or unexplained voices. It plays on people's fear of the things they can't understand. And then there's the theme of death. Maybe a cursed object that brings death to whoever touches it, with each death being more gruesome than the last.
You could write about a missing valuable artifact and the detective's quest to find it. Or a mysterious disappearance of a person in a small town where everyone seems to have something to hide.
You could write about a magical adventure in a fantasy world. It's always popular and allows for a lot of creativity.
Words like 'darkness', 'creaking', 'shadow', 'dripping blood' are great for a horror story. You can start the story with a description of a dark place where strange noises like creaking are heard. Then introduce a shadowy figure that seems to lurk in the darkness. The idea of dripping blood can add a really gory and scary element.
Firstly, create a sense of isolation. Put your character in a place where they are alone, like an old house in the middle of nowhere or a deserted alley. This makes them more vulnerable. Then, introduce an unknown element. It could be a strange noise, an unexplained object, or a mysterious figure. You should also play with the reader's expectations. Just when they think the character is safe, something even more terrifying happens. And don't forget to use short, punchy sentences to increase the tension, especially at the end of the paragraphs.