10 Great Places to Inspire your Horror Writing
Robert Frost once said, “No Tears in the Writer, No tears in the reader.” This sentiment is particularly true when it comes to horror. If you aren’t afraid when writing the story, or if the story doesn’t at least scare you, you can’t expect your readers to be afraid.
Here are 10 places you can go to get scared where you can freak yourself out enough that you might be able to write a great horror story.
I list things that will be commonplace places you can go. It doesn’t do me good to know that the Oakpark Theater is haunted when I live 3000 miles away in Maine. So I’m keeping it simple.
I’ve also added a note at the end of these, telling famous stories influenced by this type of location. I only added a little, but if you could comment and tell more stories linked to these locations, I would appreciate it.
Abandoned Structure
We pass them all the time on those lonely highways. They end up on facebook a lot as well. An abandoned house or structure can be very terrifying at night. I am not recommending that you put your self in any danger. Be careful. Most structures are on someone property, and a lot of times they are going to get very grumpy for you being there. Ask permission if you can, and beware old structures can collapse. Stories: The Blair Witch,
Cave
They are just plain creepy. Only wander down in a cave if you know what you are doing. You can die, but if you have one that is close, maybe even just a tiny hole-like grave in the earth, try it. I’m sure it will inspire you. Story: The Decent.
Cemetery
Many cemeteries have strict rules about times. Make sure you are not breaking the rules, but if you can go to the graveyard after dark, try it once. Find a place to sit, and see how long before you get creeped out. Go by yourself; before too long, you should have good inspiration for that next horror story. Story: Night of the Living Dead.
Basement
If you have an unfinished basement, go down there with the lights off for a little while. Eventually, the creeks and bumps of the houses should get to you. This might not work if you are always down there or have a finished basement. Unfinished, and the creepier, the better. Story: The Basement
Old Hotel
As far as my experience goes, there is an old beat-up hotel within walking distance of everyone. B & Bs are ok, but if you find yourself in an old downtown hotel with a bit of age, stay there for the night; that can often get the juices flowing, thinking of Stephen King and the Stanley Hotel. Stories set in this location: The Shinning.
Forest at night
How many horror movies take place in the woods/forest? Go wandering for a while and see what happens. It’s creepy. If you are alone, I can guarantee you will be inspired. Think Blair Witch, Evil Dead, or Cabin in the Woods.
Church at night
Many people don’t know that many churches are open at night. Don’t just walk into a church you don’t know; if you go in, ensure you are respectful. Sitting there quietly, preying if you are religious, is acceptable. Having done this can act as a unique inspiration. Story: You never think of this as a place of creepiness, but many horror stories exist.
A Heavy Thunderstorm at Night
Be careful here, of course. Don’t stand on top of a building or go out on a golf course, but if you can find a nice dark place to sit outside at night in a thunderstorm or even go for a drive in one, it will inspire you. Story: Twister, Poltergeist
Beach or dark pier at night
Swimming in the ocean or a large lake at night can be dangerous, but even being on the beach in the dark inspires your horror stories. I’ve done this many times, and there is so much energy in the ocean, so much sound, and so much volatility in the air; you honestly have to get charged up by this. Story: Jaws
Marsh or Swamp
If you have alligators or crocs where you live, don’t wander into a swamp, not knowing what you are doing. You can die. Where I live in Ohio, a marsh and a swamp are pretty calm yet creepy places. There is a ton of oddities in a swamp, mostly animal life you might not be used to, so the sounds alone are enough to get you going. Story: Swamp Thing
Bonus Haunted place near you
I tried to make these easy for you. I didn’t want to add something that everyone couldn’t try, at least, but now I’ll tell you a bonus place that is sure to inspire. This isn’t a specific place, but it’s 100s, even 1000s of locations worldwide. Their internet has an endless list of haunted places in every country and state. So if you go out there and look up, say, Cry Baby Bridge or Gore Orphanage, you find one near you. Go there at night and look around if all goes well; someone might be writing a story about you.
Ok, so in the comments, list scary places near you or stories that go with the suggested areas above. Thanks!!! You can find other articles for your writing inspiration here.
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Another place is your bathroom or another small room in the house with no windows. Turn off all the lights and just sit in there. Preferably with your back against the door so it blocks out the light coming in from the crack under the door. Scarier than you might think.
Yeah like a closet. Try doing exercise, like walking in place with your eyes closed in the dark and then open. Then try finding the door. It’ll scare the living daylights out of you.