Elements for a 300 - word scary story could include a sense of isolation. Maybe your protagonist is alone in a big, empty building. Another element is the unknown. Have something that the character can't explain, like strange lights flickering. You could also use the element of time, like a clock that stops ticking when something bad is about to happen. For instance, a man is staying in an old hotel. He notices that the clock on the wall stops every time he hears a soft tapping on his door at night.
A child was home alone when the power went out. He lit a candle. In the flickering light, he saw a shadow on the wall that didn't match his own. It grew bigger and bigger. He ran to his room and hid under the bed. The shadow seemed to follow him. He closed his eyes and prayed until his parents came home.
There was an abandoned asylum that had a reputation for being extremely haunted. A journalist named Jack decided to do a story on it. He entered the asylum with his camera. The moment he stepped in, he smelled a strange odor, a mix of decay and something more sinister. The hallways were lined with old patient rooms. As he walked, he heard whispers that seemed to be coming from the walls. In one of the rooms, he saw a figure lying on the bed. When he got closer, he realized it was just a pile of old rags. But then, the rags started to move and form a shape. Jack quickly backed away. He heard a loud bang from behind him. Turning around, he saw a door slamming shut. He tried to open it, but it was locked. He then heard footsteps approaching. Jack ran down the hall, trying every door he could find. But all the doors were locked. He was trapped in the asylum with whatever was chasing him.
On a stormy night, a man was driving on a lonely road. His radio started to play static, and then a voice said 'You're not alone'. He looked in the rear - view mirror, but saw nothing. Suddenly, the car doors locked, and he felt a presence beside him. He couldn't move as the entity beside him started to whisper menacingly in his ear.
Odyssey. This word emphasizes a long and eventful journey, which is quite fitting for a life story. Life is often filled with various adventures, challenges, and self - discoveries, much like an odyssey.
Examples of elements of a good scary story include a desolate location. Think of a deserted island or a long - forgotten cemetery. A sudden and unexpected change in the environment, like the walls of a room starting to ooze blood. Also, a character who is being followed by an unseen entity, which creates a lot of tension.
Elements like a sense of isolation are great. If the main character is alone in a remote place, it amps up the fear. Supernatural events are a must. For instance, in a 700 - word story set on a deserted island, the character might start to see strange lights and hear voices that seem to come from the sea. Also, a mystery that gradually unfolds can keep the reader on edge. Maybe the character discovers an old diary that hints at a dark secret of the island.
There might be elements like a conflict, for example, a fight between good and evil. Maybe there are some symbols like a magic ring that represents power. It could also have different moods, like a tense moment when the hero is about to face a big challenge, or a happy moment when the characters achieve something. There could be dialogue between the characters that reveals their personalities and moves the story forward.
Narrative. It can be used to refer to a long story. For example, a historical narrative can be a very long and detailed account of historical events, just like a long story.