best 500 words short horror stories

Sure. One story could be about a haunted mirror. A girl moves into an old house and there's a large, ornate mirror in her bedroom. Every night, she sees a figure in the mirror that gets closer each time. Eventually, it reaches out from the mirror and she's never seen again.

One common theme is the unknown. Stories often play on our fear of not knowing what's out there, like in a story where a character hears strange noises at night but can't figure out the source.

Words such as 'haunted', 'phantom', and 'ghastly' work well for horror stories. 'Haunted' immediately brings to mind places or things that are possessed by spirits. 'Phantom' refers to a ghostly or illusory figure. 'Ghastly' describes something extremely unpleasant or horrifying, like a ghastly apparition in an old, abandoned house.

The words 'hush', 'rustle', 'creak', 'shadow', and 'ember' are great for short stories. 'Hush' can immediately quiet the scene and draw the reader's attention. 'Rustle' is perfect for describing the movement of leaves or fabric, adding a touch of realism. 'Creak' gives a sense of something old or in need of repair, like a creaky door in a spooky old house. 'Shadow' can be used to create a sense of mystery or danger, and 'ember' can represent a dying or fading element, like the last embers of a fire.

One of the great ones could be 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. It's a classic that builds intense psychological horror as the narrator's guilt over his deed drives him mad. Another might be 'The Monkey's Paw' which shows the terrifying consequences of interfering with fate through a simple yet cursed object. And 'The Yellow Wallpaper' which uses the setting and the protagonist's deteriorating mental state to create a sense of horror.

They often have a sense of the unknown. For example, in 'The Call of Cthulhu', the idea of these unknowable cosmic beings is really scary. Another characteristic is a build - up of suspense. In 'The Monkey's Paw', the reader is kept on edge waiting to see how the wishes will turn out horribly. Also, they can play with psychological elements like in 'The Yellow Wallpaper' where the main character's mental state deteriorates in a very disturbing way.

I would recommend 'Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark' by Alvin Schwartz. This book is filled with classic short horror stories that have been scaring generations. The stories are often accompanied by disturbing illustrations that add to the overall horror factor. It's a great choice for those who enjoy traditional horror stories with a touch of the macabre.

Edgar Allan Poe is one of the best. His stories like 'The Tell - Tale Heart' are masterpieces. The way he builds suspense and delves into the darker aspects of the human psyche is truly remarkable.

One of the best horror short stories is 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. It's a classic that delves into the mind of a madman who is haunted by the old man's vulture - like eye. The narrator's descent into madness and his increasing paranoia as he hears the heartbeat, which could be his own guilt manifesting, makes it a truly terrifying read.

Edgar Allan Poe is likely to be among them. His works are known for their dark and macabre themes, and his writing style has influenced countless horror writers.