literary ghost stories

One of the best is 'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James. It's a very ambiguous and spooky tale that leaves readers wondering about the true nature of the ghosts. Another great one is 'The Monkey's Paw' by W.W. Jacobs. It shows how a simple wish - granting talisman can lead to terrifying consequences. And 'The Canterville Ghost' by Oscar Wilde is also a classic. It combines humor and the supernatural as the old ghost tries to spook the American family in his ancestral home.

One classic is 'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James. It's a very ambiguous and spooky story about a governess who believes the children in her care are being haunted. Another is 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' by Washington Irving. It features the famous Headless Horseman. And then there's 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker, which although more about vampires, has strong elements of the supernatural and the undead that can be considered in the realm of ghostly tales.

They're looking for a fresh take. If every ghost story is the same old thing, it won't catch their eye. So, something unique like a ghost story set in a modern office building instead of a traditional haunted house.

They usually blend the supernatural with real - life issues. In 'The Graveyard Book', the protagonist's growth and development are intertwined with his interactions with ghosts. Moreover, modern ghost stories may play with different cultural beliefs about the afterlife and spirits, adding depth and variety to the story.

Well, literary agents will look at the originality of the ghost story. If it's just another run - of - the - mill tale of a spooky ghost in an old mansion, it might not stand out. They also want to see how the author builds tension throughout the story. In a ghost story, tension is key. It keeps the readers on the edge of their seats. And they'll think about how the story ends. A satisfying ending, whether it's a twist or a resolution, is important for a ghost story to be successful in the eyes of a literary agent.

There were many famous ghost story writers, such as: - Wen ziren - Liang Yusheng - Shi naian - Luo Guanzhong - Wu chengen - Lu Xun - Lao She - Jin Yong - Gu Long Ghost stories belonged to the traditional genre of horror literature. They were usually presented in the form of stories, which contained horror, horror, suspense, reasoning, and other elements. In his writing, he usually used various horror scenes, atmosphere creation, and character portrayals to make the readers feel fear and tension. It should be noted that although ghost stories are a type of horror literature, other elements such as science fiction, fantasy, romance, etc. can also be added to develop different types of literary works.

A literary agent can indeed assist with getting ghost stories published. Agents often have a good understanding of the current trends in the market regarding ghost stories. For example, if there's a rising demand for ghost stories set in historical locations, they can guide you in tailoring your story to fit that trend. Moreover, they can help you avoid common pitfalls in writing ghost stories, such as overused tropes, and present your work in the best possible light to publishers.

They might be looking for unique settings. For example, a ghost story set in an abandoned mental asylum can be very appealing as it has an inherently spooky atmosphere. Also, they may seek well - developed characters. A ghost with a complex backstory, like a wronged bride from the 19th century, can add depth to the story. And of course, a strong and suspenseful plot that keeps the readers on the edge of their seats is crucial.

I'd recommend 'The Turn of the Screw' for beginners. Although it's complex in its ambiguity, it's a well - known and highly regarded ghost story. 'Ghost Stories of an Antiquary' by M.R. James also works well. His stories are not overly long or complex in language. 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' is another good option. The story is easy to follow and the idea of the Headless Horseman is both iconic and spooky enough for newbies to the genre.

One great modern literary ghost story is 'The Little Stranger' by Sarah Waters. It's set in a decaying English country house and has an atmosphere full of mystery and unease. The ghosts in it seem to be as much a product of the characters' psychological states as they are spectral beings.