Give the villain a supernatural power. Maybe they can control minds or disappear into thin air. Picture a shadowy figure that can seep into your dreams and make you see your worst nightmares as if they were real.
Employ words that suggest the unknown or the supernatural. Words like 'paranormal', 'mystical', and 'otherworldly' can be great. For example, 'The otherworldly light that flickered in the abandoned asylum was a sign of something far more sinister at play. The very idea of the paranormal made the characters' skin crawl, and as the story unfolds with more such elements, the atmosphere becomes truly terrifying.'
Give the villain some unique and disturbing features. For instance, if it's a human - like villain, they could have a creepy smile that never fades or eyes that seem to look into your soul. Also, a backstory that involves some sort of tragic and dark past can make them more complex and terrifying.
To create a terrifying ghost character, you can start with its movement. Have it move in an unnatural way, like floating just above the ground and gliding rather than walking. Its voice should be something that sends chills down your spine, maybe a low moan or a high - pitched screech. And don't forget about its motives. If it's after a particular person for a specific reason, it adds to the horror. For instance, if it blames someone for its death and is out for revenge. You can also add some unique abilities to the ghost, like being able to pass through solid objects or make things around it freeze. All these elements combined can make for a truly terrifying ghost character.
To create a terrifying theme, focus on things that people are generally afraid of, like the dark or being alone. For example, a story set in a pitch - black forest where a lone hiker is being stalked by an unknown entity.
One way is to combine phrases. For example, start with 'the moonless night was filled with an oppressive silence'. Then add 'and from the inky blackness, a guttural growl emerged'. The first phrase sets the scene of a dark and quiet night which is already a bit eerie. The second phrase then breaks that silence with a menacing sound, creating a more terrifying atmosphere. You can also use phrases to describe the setting in detail, like 'the dilapidated mansion with its broken windows and creaking doors'. This makes the reader imagine a spooky place and the phrases associated with it, like 'the cold drafts that whistled through the halls' can enhance the horror further.
To make a really scary short story, start with a terrifying premise. Focus on creating vivid and disturbing imagery. And make sure the ending is both surprising and horrifying.
To write a scary story, think about what scares you the most and put that into your story. Build suspense by having quiet moments followed by sudden loud noises or movements. Make the ending unexpected but satisfying.
There is a story from a military base. Soldiers on patrol saw a series of small, glowing UFOs flying in formation. They were ordered not to engage, but as the UFOs got closer, they could feel an intense heat. Some of the soldiers reported seeing strange symbols on the side of the UFOs. This incident was kept classified for a long time, adding to the mystery and terror of it.
One scary story is about a haunted house where strange noises and apparitions are constantly witnessed. Another is a tale of a cursed forest where people get lost and never return.
Build tension slowly. Use creepy settings and mysterious characters. Surprise the reader with unexpected twists.