Just focus on fear. For example, think about things that scare you like a haunted house, and then sum it up in five words like 'Haunted house, no escape.'
Think of a simple, creepy situation like 'Lights out. Something moves. Shadows.'
Use simple but spooky words. For example, 'Footsteps, but no one'. The words 'footsteps' immediately create a sense of someone or something being there. But when you add 'but no one', it becomes a horror story in just five words. It makes the reader wonder what is making those footsteps if there's no one there.
Just think of a sudden, dark twist. For example, 'He walked. The shadow had no feet.'
Evoke strong images. Consider 'Bloody handprint.' This three - word phrase immediately brings to mind a violent or spooky scene. It's a visual that is both simple and very effective in creating horror.
Use strong imagery. For example, 'Blood on white sheet'. Pick words that evoke fear like 'dark', 'death', 'lost'.
Think of a simple fear. For example, 'fear of being alone'. Then turn it into a five - word story like 'Alone with the echoes.' Another way is to consider spooky settings. If you think of a cemetery, you can make 'Cemetery gate won't close.' Also, use sudden actions or events like 'Knife in the darkness.'
Think of fears. 'Darkness fell, something grabbed my leg.' Darkness is a common fear, and the sudden action of something grabbing your leg is very scary in just 10 words.
In the abandoned house, I found a diary. The last entry said 'They're here'. Then I heard scratching at the door.