How to be a Horror Writer 101

Learning Goals: I will learn how to communicate effectively in creating a

horror story I will expand my “horror” vocabulary and figurative

expressions I w ill develop a monster based on the above points I will develop a main character based on the above points

Success Criteria: I can develop a complex monster and character I can write with emotion and feeling I can create a story that will appeal to an audience

that appreciates horror I will create and edit a draft

LISTEN TO the extract – what makes this horrific?

Now examine the text in more detail at your table.

Highlight examples of ‘good’ horror vocabulary / effective vocabulary.

What are the elements of a story? Write these in your book.

• Main character-good guy• Auxiliary character – bad guy• Other Auxiliary characters – not too many

(can confuse the reader)-accomplices, friends, other bad guys, etc.

• Setting – time, place, time in history.• Plot – what happens in the story• Themes – main ideas running through a

story, e.g. ‘violence’ or ‘the supernatural’IDENTIFY EACH OF THESE ELEMENTS IN

THE STORY EXTRACT.

THEME COULD BE GOOD VERSUS EVIL

ELEMENTS OF A GOOD HORROR STORY

What makes a

good horror story?

ROUND-ROBIN

REMEMBER!!Some horror stories are scary because of what

they do tell you.

Other horror stories are scary because of what they do not tell you.

Senses

A good story alludes to your senses. It is important in horror writing to

describe what you can smell, hear, taste, feel and see.

Look at the following images and think about your senses...

Vocabulary

Is really important when you are writing and by improving your vocabulary you can increase your level.

Can you think of other words for: Scary Dark Scream

Creatng a characters

TASK: Write a description of a monster, creature or person that you can use in a horror story.

You MUST use interesting vocabulary to describe them.

Have a look at these examples..

This gargantuan creature is the size of a small hill, its huge black mane reeks of sulphur and death. Two great eyes of fire glare at you, and a small puddle has formed under its mouth. It grins menacingly revealing shockingly white fangs.

This filthy beast looks like a cross between a human woman and a large carrion bird. Her greasy feathers are a grey-brown in colour, and her hooked talons look extremely sharp. Harpies are known to be the most unclean of creatures, often infecting their victims.

Creating characters

TASK: Write a description of a monster, creature or person that you can use in a horror story.

You MUST use interesting vocabulary to describe them.

Have a look at these examples..

Your horror story

You will now write a story about the character you have created.

You must: Include sensory description Capital letters and full stops Try to use similes and metaphors