Every good book should have a degree of suspense and uncertainty. This is no less true for horror stories. A good horror story should play on the reader’s fears. Fears of the unknown, fears of the past or of the future. A good horror writer should understand how to play on their character’s fears, how to make their characters face their fears and overcome them- or else be consumed.
We are often scared by what we do not understand and by the uncertainty that this brings. For this reason, differences breed suspense and uncertainty. Difference in appearance. Difference in beliefs. Differences in priorities, in morals or in values, are all good breeding grounds for fear and suspense. With differences-what we do not know or understand- comes forth suspicion and conflict. This can also lead stories to exciting pathways and outcomes.
In this way, stories are a good way to explore differences that cause devastating divides and consequences between groups of people. More often than not, it is easier to explore such issues within the realm of fiction rather than to talk about these issues point blank. Readers are more inclined to face their fears and explore them within the safety nets of the pages of a book.
Suspense raises the heart beat and entices the reader to keep turning the page. A writer should utilize suspense whether or not they are writing horror, romance or a different genre. The way to bring suspense is by dropping hints throughout the story that alludes to the bigger picture. Foreshadowing and creating a sense of premonition goes a long way to building suspense not only for the readers but for the main character living through the story.
At the heart of the story is a mystery posed by the author, asked by the main character, and one that hooks the reader, pulling them in like a fish on a reel. By the end of the story, most questions would have been answered. Most but not all. Sometimes, stories are scarier when questions are left unanswered, and unsolved mysteries are left to the imagination of the reader.