Words like 'haunt', 'phantom', and 'shiver' are great for a horror story. 'Haunt' implies a place or situation that is troubled by ghosts or bad memories. 'Phantom' is a classic spooky word for an apparition or something that has an unnatural presence. 'Shiver' not only describes the physical reaction but also adds to the overall sense of unease in the story.
Some spooky words are 'gloom', 'ominous', and 'eerie'. 'Gloom' creates a sense of dark and depressing atmosphere. 'Ominous' gives the feeling that something bad is about to happen. 'Eerie' makes one feel strange and a bit scared, like in an abandoned, dimly - lit place.
Malevolent. This word describes something or someone full of ill will, which is a great element in horror. For example, a malevolent spirit can be a terrifying presence in a story. It implies that there is an entity with bad intentions lurking around, waiting to cause harm to the characters in the story.
A spooky horror story often has elements that play on our deepest fears. Death is a common theme, whether it's the threat of it or the mystery surrounding it. Supernatural elements like ghosts or demons are frequently used. These elements create a feeling of unease. Also, the use of foreshadowing is important. It gives the reader a hint of the horror to come, like a single drop of blood on a white wall, which could foreshadow a gruesome event later in the story.
Ghosts. For example, a ghost of a past resident who died a tragic death in the place where Esmeralda is could be haunting her. It could appear as a translucent figure or make strange noises like moaning.
An old, abandoned asylum. Inside, the patients' cells are still filled with their belongings, and there are strange scratches on the walls. The protagonist hears the faint sounds of screams and maniacal laughter echoing through the corridors. It gets even scarier when they find a hidden basement with surgical equipment and signs of inhumane experiments.
The isolation of the beach can be a spooky element. It's a place where you can be cut off from the rest of the world. Strange sounds coming from the ocean or the surrounding woods are also spooky. And the idea of something lurking in the water or in the shadows, waiting to attack an unsuspecting victim.
Strange noises are also a big part of it. Whispers, moans, or scratching sounds can be really terrifying. It makes you wonder what is causing those noises. Another element could be the feeling of being watched. If portraits seem to follow you with their eyes, it gives a very eerie feeling, as if there are unseen entities observing your every move.
One spooky element could be the unknown visitor. When the doorbell rings and you can't see anyone through the peephole or window, it creates an immediate sense of mystery and fear. For example, in many stories, the person inside the house opens the door to find just an empty porch, which is really creepy.
Strange apparitions. Like the figure of a long - dead shopper or a worker who met an unfortunate end in the mall. It could be a shadowy figure that darts across the hall or a full - bodied apparition that stands and stares.
The strange whispers in the forest are spooky. They make you feel like there are unseen presences watching and trying to communicate something sinister.
In the 'the empty house horror story', one spooky element could be strange noises. The creaking floors and unexplained bangs can send shivers down your spine. Another is the feeling of being watched, even though there's no one visible. Shadows moving on their own can also be really terrifying.