Think about isolation. A person alone in a desolate place, like a haunted forest or an abandoned building. The theme of being cut off from help while something menacing is near can create a lot of tension. You can then add elements like strange noises or unexplained events to enhance the scariness.
You can start with common fears. Fear of the dark, for instance. You can build a theme around something that might lurk in the shadows, waiting to pounce. It's simple but effective.
First, choose your scary theme. For example, if you choose the theme of a haunted house. Then, create a setting. Describe the old, creaky floors, the peeling wallpaper, and the cold drafts that seem to have a life of their own. Next, introduce your characters. Maybe a group of curious teenagers who decide to explore the house. Then, build up the suspense. Have strange noises start to happen as they enter. For the climax, one of them could be dragged into a dark corner by an unseen force. And finally, for the resolution, they either escape or are forever trapped in the horror of the house.
Think about your fears. If you're afraid of heights, you could create a story about a skyscraper that has some sort of malevolent force on the top floors. People who go up there start to experience vertigo even more intensely and see strange apparitions that make them lose their balance and fall.
First, choose one of the scary ideas as the core concept. For example, if you choose the haunted house idea, think about the characters. Maybe it's a family with a curious teenager who wants to solve the mystery. Then, build the setting in detail. Describe the old, musty rooms, the peeling wallpaper, and the cobwebs. Next, create a plot arc. Start with small, spooky incidents that gradually escalate. The family could start by just hearing noises, then seeing apparitions. As for the climax, perhaps they find an old diary that reveals the true horror of the house. And for the resolution, they could either escape or find a way to banish the spirits. All these elements combined will help you develop a story from the scary idea.
First, think about your own fears. If you're afraid of the dark, you can make that a theme. Maybe a character is trapped in a pitch - black cave where unseen things lurk. Second, look at real - life horrors. Things like serial killers or natural disasters can inspire themes. For example, a horror story based on a serial killer who targets people in a specific way. Third, draw from myths and legends. Vampires and witches are common horror themes that come from such sources.
You can introduce a lost character in the forest. Like, 'A hiker got lost in the dark forest. As he wandered deeper, strange noises started to come from all around. He couldn't see clearly through the thick trees, but he knew something was watching him.'
To develop a unique character, look at their backstory. If your OC was once a lonely outcast in their own magical community because of their strange power, it can shape their character. They might be a bit distrustful at first but open up as they become part of the Scary Godmother's group. Their relationships with other characters are also key. For instance, they have an instant connection with one of the Scary Godmother's sidekicks because they both love collecting magical artifacts.
You can start by thinking about the characters. What are their personalities, dreams, and fears? For example, if your character is a shy artist, you could build a plot around them meeting someone who is outgoing and a big supporter of the arts. Another way is to consider the setting. A love story set in a small, idyllic town will have a different plot than one set in a big, bustling city. You can also think about conflicts. Maybe there's a family feud that keeps the two lovers apart, or one of the characters has a past relationship that still haunts them and affects the new relationship.
Read a lot. By reading different types of books, you'll be exposed to various concepts that you can adapt or get inspired by. For example, if you read a lot of science fiction, you might get ideas for futuristic story concepts. Another way is to observe the world around you. Notice the little things, like how people interact in a coffee shop or the way a city changes over time. You can then use these observations to create unique concepts. Also, daydreaming can be helpful. Let your mind wander and think about 'what if' scenarios.
Mix different horror elements. For instance, combine a supernatural entity like a demon with a scientific experiment gone wrong. The demon could be unleashed during a top - secret experiment in a laboratory. The scientists are now at the mercy of the demon as it starts to possess them one by one, causing chaos and death in the lab.
Look at your own experiences. Maybe that time you got lost in a new city can be turned into an adventure story. You just need to exaggerate some parts and add fictional elements.