Writing a book takes a bunch of effort, but it’s still one of the most exciting and creative things you can do, especially if you love horror or action stories. Whether you’re dreaming of dark haunted houses or adrenaline-pumping chase scenes, the process can feel a bit daunting if you haven’t tried it before. I’ll share practical steps and advice I’ve picked up from my own experience, helping you go from that very first idea all the way to a finished, polished manuscript.
Getting Started: Laying the Groundwork for Your Book
Before you start hammering out your first chapter, it’s really important to get a clear sense of what kind of story you want to tell. For horror and action books, I always start with a focused idea: a creepy scene I can’t get out of my head, or an explosive action set piece I want readers to feel. Having a strong hook helps shape both genre and tone, especially when you want your story to keep a fast pace or send chills up readers’ spines.
There’s nothing wrong with starting small. Maybe it’s just a page of what-if scenarios, creepy creatures, or thrilling plot twists. Sometimes I jot down snippets of dialogue, a twist ending, or even a detailed description of a setting (spooky basements and abandoned malls work great). All these bits may come together in ways that surprise you.
Getting the groundwork right also means taking some time to consider your book’s themes. Ask yourself: what do you want your readers to feel when reading the story? In horror, you might want them to feel dread, discomfort, or even a sense of hopelessness. In action, excitement and suspense drive the pace. Defining a tone early on helps guide every decision you make as you plot and write.
Building a Plot that Works for Horror and Action
Plotting is a huge deal in these genres. A horror book keeps readers hooked with tension, scares, and maybe a secret or two. An action book is known for its fast pace and big moments. You don’t need a full outline to begin, but having a basic roadmap helps you keep the momentum.
- Rising Stakes: In horror, danger ramps up and mysteries deepen. With action, every scene should feel urgent, pushing characters to their limits.
- Pacing: These genres often use short chapters, cliffhangers, and tight scenes. If a moment doesn’t move the story along or build suspense, I usually cut it or rewrite it.
- Twists and Turns: Both genres benefit from surprises. I keep a list of planned twists, plus smaller surprises to weave in along the way.
If you’re unsure how your story ends, start writing anyway. Sometimes the scariest and most exciting developments surprise the author first. Remember, stories can change as you write them. Let the characters make decisions in the moment and see where things go.
It helps to map out a rough sequence of pivotal scenes—big scares, reveals, or action set pieces—so you always know what’s coming up. Even a simple list of major beats can make the process smoother.
Developing Characters That Feel Real
I find horror and action books hit harder when readers care about the characters. I sketch out my main characters with their fears, flaws, and what they really want. In horror, a believable fear (fear of the dark, guilt, or being chased) gives the terror meaning. In action, goals and motivations matter: is your hero out to save someone, or are they trying to survive a betrayal?
Don’t forget side characters. Even a quick description or a unique trait can make background characters stick with readers, especially if their fate adds to the tension or stakes. Consider giving even minor characters moments in the spotlight, which can make their fates more meaningful.
One trick I use: write a mini scene where your character faces their greatest fear or greatest challenge. It often reveals things I never planned and can lead to some unexpected twists in the story. Spend a bit of time having characters interact in small, everyday challenges, too—this gives them depth before the madness kicks in.
Setting and Atmosphere: Creating Horror and Action Worlds
Atmosphere really drives both horror and action. For horror, I focus on sensory details—how the cold air clings, the way the shadows stretch across a hallway, or that weird noise under the stairs. For action, I pay attention to setting details that can be used in a chase or fight—a rusty pipe, a rickety staircase, or something ready to explode in a pinch.
I sketch out floor plans, visual references, or lists of setting-specific hazards. These notes help when planning scares, twists, or wild fight scenes. I find that mood and tone can make even a quiet scene feel unnerving or high-energy when done right.
Try experimenting with familiar places given an unsettling twist: an empty school at night, or a city park during a heavy storm. The key is in the small sensory clues—lingering scents, unsettling echoes, or the eerie silence before chaos—that set the stage for horror or action to erupt.
Writing Process and Staying Productive
The writing process isn’t always glamorous. Some days you’ll feel unstoppable; other days, not so much. Here’s what helps me:
- Set Small Goals: Whether it’s a page a day or a chapter a week, small milestones keep things moving. I always set doable, low-pressure goals so I don’t get overwhelmed.
- First Drafts are Messy: I don’t try to write perfect sentences the first time. My main focus is finishing the story. Fixing awkward dialogue or plot holes comes later.
- Track Your Progress: I use sticky notes on the wall, a writing app, or just celebrate passing 10,000 words. Seeing progress keeps my motivation up, especially when the story gets tough.
Also, set up a comfortable space to write, with minimal distractions. Play mood-setting music or find a playlist that matches your book’s vibe. The more enjoyable you make your writing sessions, the easier they are to stick with long-term.
It helps to remember that lots of great books started as rough drafts with big gaps. There’s no shame in having pages that need more work later.
Plotting Scares and Action Set Pieces
Horror and action fans expect strong moments: jump scares, big reveals, intense chases, showdowns, and escapes. I break down these scenes in advance, often in bullet points:
- For horror, I list spooky moments: sudden noises, unexpected appearances, creepy discoveries.
- For action, I plan sequences: rooftop chases, car crashes, last-minute rescues, or fistfights.
Each moment flows into the next, ramping up the tension. If I’m ever stuck, I focus on how the setting and emotions can make a scene scarier or tenser. For example, a chase in the rain, or a standoff in a flickering basement, uses the environment to boost the drama.
If you want to get readers’ adrenaline going, try mixing in obstacles for your characters: locked doors, dead ends, or unexpected betrayals. In horror, a scary moment may pack more punch when it follows a brief moment of calm—a sudden scream in silence or a shadow after a friendly chat. Use contrast to keep readers guessing.
Common Challenges and How to Handle Them
- Writer’s Block: For me, switching up scenery, writing out of order, or brainstorming a scary scene off my main outline can help break the slump.
- Keeping the Pace: If things slow down, try cutting unnecessary exposition or using sudden events to shake things up. Throw in a surprise visitor, a sudden blackout, or a new clue.
- Balancing Suspense and Action: I alternate between slower, atmospheric scenes and bursts of action. This keeps things from feeling repetitive and lets readers catch their breath before the next shock or explosion.
- Fear of Plot Holes: I keep rough notes of character histories and story events to spot contradictions. Later drafts are for fixing any spots that don’t make sense.
Writer’s Block
When I hit a wall, I sometimes skip ahead to a scene I’m excited about, or let myself write a scene that’s totally out of order. It keeps my energy up, and I can always fix the timeline later. Reading something in your genre or taking a short break can also spark new ideas.
Balancing Gore and Suspense in Horror
For horror, it’s tempting to go overboard with gore, but building suspense is often scarier in the long run. Focus on what the character fears most, rather than just the “gross-out” moments. I aim for a mix by describing just enough detail to get under the reader’s skin, leaving the rest to their imagination. Sometimes what’s left unsaid is spookier than anything spelled out.
Keeping Action Clear
During wild action scenes, I use short sentences, clear actions, and basic descriptions so readers don’t get lost. I read the scene out loud. If it’s confusing or slow, I break it into smaller beats. Simple language also makes the action feel snappier and more real, keeping things grounded and relatable.
Revision and Editing: Making Your Book Shine
Once I finish the first draft, I step away from the story for a few days. Coming back with fresh eyes helps spot awkward sentences or missing details. I read for:
- Pacing: Are there long, boring sections? Does the tension drop? Tightening these areas helps keep the story gripping.
- Consistency: Do character actions and the rules of the world stay the same? Are all clues followed up on, or does anything feel left hanging?
- Dialogue: Does it sound natural? In horror, does it add to the unease? In action, does it keep the sparks flying?
For tricky scenes, I ask for feedback from friends or use online writing groups. Someone who loves horror or action can be super helpful pinpointing slow sections or what really made them jump. Grammar tools and spell checkers catch the small stuff, but honest readers catch what actually works. Take their advice with an open mind, but remember it’s your story in the end.
Editing is also a chance to shore up weak scenes and spot pacing hiccups. Don’t be afraid to trim whole paragraphs if they slow things down. Likewise, add details where your setting or characters feel thin. The goal for horror and action: keep every page gripping, tense, and fun.
Frequently Asked Questions about Writing Horror and Action Books
How do I make my horror scenes scarier?
Lean into sensory details—what sounds, smells, or feelings would make the scene scarier for you? Sometimes describing what a character can’t see or understand is spookier than showing everything. Try building up to scares slowly, letting the suspense marinate before revealing what lurks in the dark.
What’s the best way to write a fast-paced action scene?
Use short sentences, break up paragraphs, and focus on clear movements. Keep the stakes high, and don’t give characters too much downtime between action beats. Let one action set up the next, so readers can feel the energy.
Can you mix horror and action?
Absolutely. Some of my favorite books do both; think terrifying chases, monster attacks, or desperate escapes. Short bursts of action inside a horror story keep readers on their toes, and scary moments in an action-packed plot can surprise even seasoned fans. Don’t be afraid to mix genres—your unique voice is what makes it special.
Final Thoughts
Writing a horror or action book is a wild adventure, full of ups, downs, and plenty of surprises. Every scary twist or explosive moment started as just a quick note or a strange idea. It’s all about building your story piece by piece, staying patient with yourself, and letting your imagination run wild. If you’ve got a story in your head, especially one bursting with chills or thrills, it’s time to get it on the page.
There’s so much room to experiment, learn, and have fun with horror and action storytelling. The best way to learn is by doing; so start writing, and see just how far your story can go.