things you find in horror stories

Ghosts. They are often the main source of fear, lurking in old houses or dark corners.

One of the things you find in a horror story is a mystery. There's always something that the characters and the readers are trying to figure out, like what's behind the strange disappearances in the town. Then there's the use of the unknown. The writer often leaves things to the imagination, which makes it scarier. For instance, when you hear a strange scratching sound but don't know what's causing it. Strange weather can also be a part of it. Dark, stormy nights or sudden fog that descends without warning. And not to forget the element of death. Whether it's a recent death that haunts the place or the threat of death that looms over the characters.

You often find creepy locations like abandoned asylums or old haunted houses. Dark and shadowy figures are also common, lurking in the corners, waiting to strike. And there are usually strange noises, such as creaking floors or howling winds that add to the spooky atmosphere.

Murderers. The idea of a deranged person on the loose, hunting down victims, is truly terrifying.

Well, in a horror story, you'll usually find a spooky location. It might be a fog - covered cemetery at midnight or a decrepit asylum. There are often monsters, which could range from werewolves with their sharp teeth and menacing growls to zombies that slowly shamble towards the living. A sense of dread is also present. This is the feeling that something bad is going to happen, and it keeps you reading. And don't forget about the strange symbols or markings that seem to hold some sort of dark power. These five elements are often what make a horror story so terrifying.

First, there's the setting of a horror story. It could be a desolate forest where people get lost easily. Then there are the grotesque creatures, like the demon with horns and a forked tail. Thirdly, there are the disturbing events. For instance, people disappearing without a trace. Another thing is the feeling of being watched. The characters always feel like there are eyes on them. And finally, there are the prophecies or omens that signal doom. These are all typical elements in horror stories.

One thing is a spooky setting, like an old, abandoned house. Another is a menacing villain, perhaps a ghost or a deranged killer. Creepy noises are also common, like strange whispers or howls. Unexplained events, such as objects moving on their own, are expected too. And often there are vulnerable victims, like lone travelers or children, which add to the sense of dread.

The title 'Horror Growing Things and Other Stories' gives me the impression that it's a collection of horror stories. The 'growing things' could be literal, like plants or organisms that grow in a menacing way. It might also be metaphorical, representing the growth of evil or fear. The 'other stories' part makes it seem like a diverse set of horror tales, perhaps covering different sub - genres within horror, such as psychological horror, body horror, or supernatural horror.

Real - life tragedies can inspire horror stories. For example, events like natural disasters or serial killer cases can provide a basis for creating terrifying tales. Also, superstitions and folklore from different cultures are great sources. The idea of ghosts, witches, and demons in such stories can be used to create horror. Another thing could be psychological fears such as the fear of the dark, being alone, or losing one's mind. Writers often tap into these common fears to create spine - chilling horror stories.

Sure. 'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski is a great choice. It has a complex and disturbing narrative structure that can keep you on edge, just like 'Growing Things and Other Stories'. 'Coraline' by Neil Gaiman also has its share of horror elements. The alternate world that Coraline discovers is filled with creepy and menacing characters. And 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis, while more of a psychological horror, is a very intense read with a disturbing protagonist.