How to write a spooky story: tips for English language students

Sam Colley
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Reading time: 4 minutes

How to write a spooky story: tips and tricks for English language students

Halloween is the perfect time to let your imagination run wild and create a spooky story that will send shivers down your readers' spines. If you're a student learning English, or an ESL teacher hoping to inspire and enthuse your students, writing a Halloween-themed story can be a fun way to practice your English skills. In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of writing a spooky story step by step, from brainstorming ideas to polishing your final draft. Let's get started!

Tips for writing a spooky story
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Step 1: Brainstorming ideas

Before you start writing, take some time to brainstorm ideas for your story. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  1. Think about classic Halloween themes: Ghosts, haunted houses, witches, vampires and zombies are all great starting points.
  2. Consider the setting: Where will your story take place? A dark forest, an abandoned mansion, or a creepy graveyard can all provide a spooky atmosphere.
  3. Create a protagonist: Who is your main character? Are they a brave hero, a curious child, or someone who accidentally stumbles into a terrifying situation?
  4. Develop a plot: What is the main conflict or problem in your story? How will your protagonist try to solve it? What obstacles will they face?


Step 2: Building your vocabulary

To make your story truly spooky, you'll need to use descriptive language that creates a sense of fear and suspense. Here are some useful words and phrases to include:

  • Adjectives: eerie, haunted, shadowy, sinister, chilling, ghastly, macabre, terrifying
  • Verbs: creak, howl, whisper, shiver, lurk, haunt, vanish, scream
  • Nouns: ghost, phantom, specter, darkness, fog, grave, curse, nightmare


Step 3: Structuring your story

A well-structured story will keep your readers engaged from beginning to end. Here's a simple structure to follow:

  1. Introduction: Introduce your main character and setting. Give a hint of the spooky events to come.
  2. Rising action: Build suspense by describing strange or frightening events that happen to your protagonist.
  3. Climax: The most intense and scary part of your story. This is where your protagonist faces the main conflict or danger.
  4. Falling action: Show the aftermath of the climax. How does your protagonist react? What happens next.
  5. Conclusion: Wrap up your story. Did your protagonist escape the danger? Is there a twist to the ending?

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Step 4: Writing your first draft

Now that you have your ideas, vocabulary and structure, it's time to start writing. Don't worry about making it perfect on the first try. Just focus on getting your ideas down on paper. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Use descriptive language: Paint a vivid picture in your readers' minds by using sensory details –sight, sound, smell, touch, taste.
  • Show, don't tell: Instead of saying "It was scary," describe what makes it scary e.g., "The old house creaked and groaned as if it were alive and a cold breeze sent shivers down my spine".
  • Keep the suspense: Reveal information slowly to keep your readers on edge. Use cliffhangers at the end of paragraphs or chapters to maintain tension.


Step 5: Revising and editing

Once you've written your first draft, take a break and then come back to it with fresh eyes. Here are some questions to ask yourself as you revise and review:

  • Is the story clear and easy to follow?
  • Are the characters well-developed and believable?
  • Is the setting vividly described?
  • Does the plot build suspense and keep the reader engaged?
  • Are there any grammar or spelling mistakes?


Step 6: Sharing your story

After revising and editing your story, it's time to share it with others. You can read it aloud to friends or family, or even share it in your ESL class. Getting feedback from others can help you improve your writing and gain confidence.


Final thoughts

Writing a spooky story can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, especially for ESL students. By following these steps and using descriptive language, you can create a Halloween-themed story that will captivate your readers. So grab a pen, let your imagination run wild, and get ready to scare.
Happy Halloween and happy writing.
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If you'd like to see some more hints and tips on how to improve your English language writing, why not take a look at our blogs on 'Creative writing exercises for English language learners' and 'Mastering English with fun and effective exercises'.

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