For a scary story, 'menacing' is a good descriptive word. It shows that there is a threat looming. 'Ominous' is also very effective, as it suggests that something bad is going to happen. 'Shadowy' can be used to describe a character or a place, making it seem mysterious and a bit scary, like there could be something lurking in those shadows.
Words like 'haunting' are often used in scary stories. It means something that stays in your mind and makes you feel a bit spooked. 'Macabre' is great too, it's related to death and the grotesque, like in a really dark and disturbing horror story. 'Grim' can also be used to describe the overall mood of a scary story, suggesting something very serious and often a bit depressing and scary.
You can combine descriptive words for a stronger effect. Say 'the gloomy, shadowy forest'. The two words together create a more vivid and scarier image than just one. Also, use them to describe actions or sounds. For instance, 'the eerie creaking of the old door' makes the story more immersive and scary. You can also use them to build suspense. Start with a less intense word like 'creepy' and gradually move to stronger ones like 'menacing' as the story progresses.
Once upon a time, there was a dark and forbidding cave. The entrance was like a gaping maw, surrounded by jagged rocks that seemed to leer at any who approached. Inside, the air was cold and dank, filled with an eerie silence broken only by the occasional drip of water. Shadows danced menacingly on the walls, cast by the faint light that managed to seep in from outside. Every step deeper into the cave felt like a journey into the unknown, with the fear of what might lurk in the inky blackness growing stronger with each passing moment.
Once upon a time, there was a cave. It was a free - entry cave but filled with an air of horror. The entrance was like a gaping maw, with jagged rocks around it. Inside, the walls were slick with moisture and there were strange noises echoing. It seemed as if unseen creatures were lurking in the shadows. The further you walked in, the darker it got. A cold wind blew through the cave, making you shiver not just from the cold, but also from the fear of the unknown that lurked within.
A great descriptive scary story is 'The Monkey's Paw'. In this story, a family comes into possession of a mummified monkey's paw that has the power to grant three wishes. The description of the paw itself is quite eerie, with its shriveled appearance. When they make their first wish for a sum of money, they soon receive news that their son has died in a work - related accident, and the compensation is exactly the amount they wished for. The mood throughout the story is one of dread and unease as they consider their remaining wishes, fearing more unforeseen and horrible consequences. It's a story that makes you think about the consequences of interfering with fate and the unknown.
You could write about a cave filled with glowing eyes in the dark. Maybe they belong to some kind of unknown creatures that are watching the protagonist's every move.
Once upon a time, in an old, decrepit mansion at the edge of a dark forest, there lived a strange presence. The floors creaked ominously with every step. The walls were covered in peeling wallpaper, and strange shadows danced in the dim candlelight. One night, a young girl got lost near the mansion. As she approached, she heard a low moaning sound coming from inside. She pushed open the heavy door, and a cold wind rushed past her. She saw a figure in the corner, its eyes glowing red. Terrified, she ran out as fast as she could, never to return to that dreadful place again.
There's 'In a Dark, Dark Wood'. The repetitive use of 'dark' in the description builds a spooky atmosphere. It goes on to describe a house in the wood and all the creepy things that might be inside. There's a sense of anticipation and fear as the story unfolds. It's a simple story but the descriptive words like 'dark' and 'creaky' are enough to engage a child's imagination and give them a bit of a scare in a fun way.
Some descriptive words for novels are 'captivating', which means it can hold the reader's attention firmly. 'Intriguing' is also a good one, suggesting that the plot or characters arouse the reader's curiosity. And 'engaging', it implies that the novel makes the reader get involved in the story.