There's also 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. The tale of the vampire Count Dracula has been scaring people for ages. You could pick some of the most thrilling parts of the book, like when Dracula first arrives in England, to share during your one - hour session.
The Monkey's Paw by W.W. Jacobs. This story is about a magical paw that grants wishes but with terrifying consequences. It shows how our desires can lead to unforeseen and dreadful outcomes. For instance, the first wish brings back their son from the dead, but not in the way they expected. He comes back as a mangled, undead creature, which is truly horrifying.
Well, he might tell the story of the Dab Tsog, a malevolent spirit. Legend has it that this spirit can cause misfortune and illness. He could also share tales of ghosts that roam the battlefields where Hmong ancestors fought, seeking revenge or justice. These stories often serve to warn people to be respectful of the past and the spirits.
In my opinion, Scary Stories is scarier. The stories in it seem to be more raw and unfiltered in terms of horror. They don't shy away from depicting really creepy and disturbing scenes. Goosebumps, while spooky, has a more commercial and family - friendly feel to it in comparison, which lessens the scare factor for those who are looking for pure horror.
The 'one scary stories' can be really thrilling. It might involve haunted houses, for example. There could be a story where a family moves into an old, dilapidated house. Strange noises start at night, like creaking floors and whispering voices. The family members begin to feel a sense of dread and unease. As the story unfolds, they might discover a dark secret about the house's past, perhaps a murder or a tragic event that has left a malevolent presence.
A one minute scary story. You wake up in the middle of the night and see a shadowy face at the window. You blink, thinking it's a dream. But when you open your eyes again, it's still there, staring at you with hollow eyes. You're too terrified to move.
To make scary stories, think about people's common fears. Fear of the dark, being alone, or the unknown are great places to start. You can use elements such as strange noises, like creaking floors or howling winds. Also, build suspense slowly. Don't reveal the horror all at once. Maybe start with a character noticing little things going wrong, like objects moving on their own, and gradually escalate the situation until they're in real danger.
To sketch scary stories, just start with a simple idea. For instance, a girl walking alone at night and hearing footsteps behind her. Sketch the girl in a long, dark alley. Use quick, jagged lines to show her unease. Then, for the story part, think about how she might react. Maybe she starts running, but the footsteps get closer. As you sketch more panels, show her different expressions of fear. You can also add elements like a broken streetlight flickering, which adds to the scariness. Keep your sketches rough and a bit messy to give that sense of chaos and fear.