How to Write a Psychological Horror Story

Have you ever felt that prickling sensation of hairs standing on end, a shiver racing down your spine, and an unshakable sense of dread? That chilling moment is the essence of psychological horror, a subgenre of horror that thrives on the power of the human mind. Unlike gore-driven horror novels, psychological horror unsettles readers by delving into fears, anxieties, and the darker sides of human nature.

So, how do you write psychological horror that leaves readers terrified long after they’ve closed the book? In this post, we’ll explore the key elements that make this subgenre popular. Whether you want to write a short horror story, a psychological thriller, or a full-length horror novel, these tips will help you master the art of crafting fear.

What is psychological horror?

Psychological horror is a sub-genre of horror that focuses on emotional and psychological fear rather than monsters, gore, or overt violence. Instead of jump scares, this type of horror relies on tension, atmosphere, and the fragility of the human mind.

Where traditional horror often uses supernatural creatures or cosmic horror elements, psychological horror stories typically unfold in realistic settings and use psychological tension to unsettle both characters and readers. A well-developed protagonist, often flawed or unreliable, becomes the lens through which readers experience dread. This keeps readers guessing, never sure what is real and what is imagined.

Elements of psychological horror

To understand what makes psychological horror effective, let’s break down some of its most essential elements:

The unreliable narrator

An unreliable narrator is a classic feature of psychological horror. This character’s perspective shapes the story, but their credibility is questionable. Sometimes readers discover the unreliability slowly; other times, it’s clear from the start. Either way, it adds layers of suspense and forces readers to question every detail. Think of The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, where reality and perception blur until the atmosphere itself feels dangerous.

Atmosphere of unease

The atmosphere of unease is central to this horror category. Psychological horror relies on settings that evoke dread and subtle discomfort—abandoned houses, shadow-filled streets, or even ordinary spaces that suddenly feel threatening. The horror is made through vivid descriptions, symbols, and themes (light vs. dark, safety vs. danger) that build an oppressive mood.

Grounded in reality

Unlike some aspects of horror that lean heavily into the supernatural, psychological horror is often grounded in reality. Horror typically works best when readers feel the events could truly happen. That said, subtle hints at the horrors of the supernatural can keep readers unsettled, especially when they blur the line between what’s real and imagined.

Tips for writing psychological horror

Set the tone

Every horror narrative begins with tone. Use descriptive language to set the mood and create an emotional reaction. The mood can be built with sensory detail, such as creaking floorboards, shadows that shift, a whisper carried by the wind. These small details help your reader feel the lingering sense of dread you want to evoke.

To write psychological horror effectively, focus on how the setting affects the protagonist. A well-developed protagonist walking through a brightly lit street can feel just as unsettled as someone lost in the woods if you use the right descriptions. A great example of this is The Diviners by Libba Bray, which sets an eerie tone for the story and immerses the reader in a dark and ominous setting.

Master pace and suspense

Suspense and tension are the heartbeat of psychological thrillers and horror novels. To build tension:

• Use shorter sentences during moments of fear to speed up the pace.
• Slow down with longer, descriptive passages to increase tension
• Hint at the horrors lurking just out of sight without revealing them too quickly.

Remember, fear of the unknown is one of the most potent tools in horror writing. Keep your readers guessing, but don’t drag out suspense so long that they lose interest. Make sure to balance this between moments of high intensity. Use feedback from beta readers, critique partners, or editors to help you craft just the right pace for your story.

Create characters that feel real

The protagonist is the anchor of any psychological horror novel. A fully fleshed-out, often flawed and damaged character allows readers to experience the horror on a personal level. Writing in first-person POV or deep third-person helps readers feel trapped inside the protagonist’s mind, amplifying the terror.

Show fear through action, not just thoughts. A racing heart, clammy hands, or trembling voice creates an emotional connection far stronger than simply stating “they were scared.”

Tapping into fears

At its core, psychological horror is about fear. To write a psychological thriller or horror novel that resonates, tap into both universal fears (death, loss of control, identity crises) and specific fears (phobias tied to your character’s past trauma).

These fears must feel real to the reader and authentic to the character. For example, in Tiffany D. Jackson’s White Smoke, the protagonist’s phobia of bedbugs stems from personal trauma, making the fear both relatable and believable.

This use of primal fears and personal anxieties helps craft an emotional impact that lingers long after the story ends.

Ready to write a psychological horror?

The beauty of psychological horror is that it doesn’t just scare, it lingers. It leaves your readers questioning reality, grappling with dread, and unable to shake that eerie feeling of unease. If you’re ready to explore the darker sides of human nature, it’s time to start drafting your own chilling tale. Who knows? You may write the next good psychological horror story that defines the genre!