The story could build tension by creating a sense of helplessness. In the diary, if the girl is in a situation where she has no control, like being trapped in a haunted place. Also, the pacing matters. If it slowly unfolds events, like she starts to notice a strange smell in the house one day, and then over the next few days, other strange things occur, it builds tension. And the use of foreshadowing, like she mentions a strange dream before the real horror starts, can also build tension.
You can also use the power of the unknown. Don't reveal too much too soon. Just give hints about what might be out there. For instance, the character hears a growl, but they don't know what kind of creature it could be. Is it a wild animal? Or something more sinister? Also, create a sense of isolation for the character. If they're alone in a big, empty place, it adds to their vulnerability and the tension of the situation. And don't forget to use short, choppy sentences when the action starts to pick up to increase the sense of urgency.
One way to build tension is through pacing. Slow down the story when something spooky is about to happen. For instance, if your character is approaching a haunted house, describe every step, every breath they take. Another method is to use short, choppy sentences when the danger is near. Like 'She heard a noise. It was getting closer. She couldn't move.' This makes the reader feel the character's fear.
They build tension by being unexpected. When you least expect it, you hear those footsteps, and it immediately grabs your attention and makes you feel on edge.
It builds tension through the use of suspense. By not revealing too much about the ghost at once, it keeps the reader or viewer in a state of anticipation. For example, there might be just a glimpse of a shadow or a strange sound at first.
The turning horror story' builds tension through the way it describes things. The detailed descriptions of spooky settings, like a dimly lit corridor with strange shadows, make the reader feel uneasy. And the characters' reactions to the strange events also add to the tension. If a character is visibly terrified by something as simple as a creaking floorboard, it makes the reader anticipate that something truly horrible is about to occur.
Using the element of time can be very effective. If you set a deadline or a ticking clock situation, like the protagonist has to get out of a haunted place before sunrise, it creates a lot of tension. Every second that passes makes the situation seem more and more dire, and the reader feels the pressure along with the character in the story.
Stephen King often plants little hints and foreshadowing throughout the story. These small clues make the reader aware that something bad is coming, but not exactly what it is. And he also plays with the readers' emotions. He might make us feel sympathy for a character and then put that character in a terrifying situation, which heightens the tension.
Building tension is all about ratcheting up the suspense. It could be by having characters face difficult choices with high consequences, or by introducing elements of mystery that haven't been solved yet. It keeps the readers hooked and eager to find out what happens next.
You can start by creating a sense of uncertainty. Make readers wonder what's going to happen next. Also, build up to important events slowly to increase anticipation.
One way is to use slow pacing and build up suspense gradually. Let the reader or viewer wonder what's coming next.