Like it or not, we are surrounded by everyday horror. It’s a simple fact. Look on any local or national news program, in your daily paper, on the ‘net, and it’s very clear that there are things amiss in our world. Oftentimes, personal horror stems from the direct inspirations around you: creepy neighbors, irritable in-laws or family members, or the evils of the workplace And a possible combination of many of these) are usually abundant in one’s own life. While it might seem that no good can come from such atrocities, a creative imagination and a little work can fuel an interesting idea into a raging and awesome horror story.

For those of you who are aspiring horror writers, I would suggest examining the very nature of your own life and those around you for inspiration. All too often we overlook the little absurdities and interesting tidbits that surround us everyday. Most of us are involved in strange situations or know people who are odd, unusual… and, lets face it, downright SCARY. The successful horror writer can tap into these aspects and create a wicked-cool story that may even be *gasp* publishable!

Meet Fred:

“My mom has sent me to me room again. This is the third time this week, and I’m supposed to go out with some people tonight. I hate her. She’s always telling me what to do. She has no right to impose on my life, and, the truth is, when I’m in my room, I plot for a day when I can kill her and put an end to both of our miseries. I think about it more and more. I have this vision of walking downstairs and jamming a sharp pocketknife in her stupid moronic face, again and again and again. Come to think of it, where did I put that thing, anyway?”

Do you think he’s serious? Wouldn’t he be more productive if he turned his anger into something fun and creative? Could this be the basis of a good story?

Personal fears, sources of anger and frustration, and horrifying situations can all be put to good use in writing that next story. So, might I suggest you get to it before you really DO kill someone.