Supernatural thriller books are a subgenre of fiction that combines the eerie and otherworldly elements of the supernatural with the tension and suspense of a thriller. These books have captivated readers for generations, offering a unique blend of fear, excitement, and the unknown. If you're interested in writing supernatural thriller books that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, here's a guide to get you started on your supernatural journey.
Embrace the Supernatural
1. Choose Your Supernatural Elements: The supernatural world is vast and diverse. Decide which elements you want to incorporate into your story. This could include ghosts, demons, witches, vampires, or other paranormal phenomena. The key is to create a supernatural presence that feels both intriguing and menacing.
2. Research the Supernatural: I have spent years researching the supernatural (parapsychological phenomena). My novels include many different elements of the supernatural that are based on actual case files and studies. To give your supernatural tale a tinge of realism, it’s important to have a base-level knowledge of parapsychological phenomena. Below are a few books I recommend that will help you gain a better understanding of the supernatural.
1. The Occult by Colin Wilson 2. The Invisible College by Jacques Vallee 3. The Poltergeist by William J. Roll 4. The Super Natural by Whitley Strieber and Jeffrey Kripal
3. Set Rules and Boundaries: Establish clear rules for how your supernatural elements operate in your story's universe. Are there limitations or weaknesses? Defining these rules will help you maintain consistency and avoid plot holes.
Build Compelling Characters
4. Create Complex Protagonists: Your main characters should be relatable and multi-dimensional. Develop their backstories, motivations, and flaws to make them come alive. Give them something to fear and something to fight for.
5. Introduce an Antagonist: In supernatural thrillers, the antagonist often has a supernatural edge. Craft a compelling and formidable adversary who challenges your protagonist's beliefs and abilities.
6. Include a Diverse Cast: Characters from different backgrounds and with unique perspectives can add depth to your story. Their reactions to supernatural events can provide insight into the human experience.
Construct a Gripping Plot
7. Establish a Mysterious Hook: Begin your book with a compelling and mysterious event that draws readers in. This could be a chilling discovery, an unexplained phenomenon, or a terrifying encounter.
8. Build Suspense Gradually: Gradually increase the tension and suspense as the story unfolds. Drop hints, reveal clues, and create a sense of foreboding that keeps readers guessing.
9. Plot Twists and Unpredictability:
Surprise your readers with unexpected twists and turns. Subvert their expectations and challenge their assumptions about the supernatural elements in your story.
10. Weave Subplots:
Subplots can add depth and complexity to your narrative. They can involve personal relationships, hidden agendas, or secondary mysteries that intersect with the main plot.
Craft Atmospheric Settings
11. Choose Evocative Settings: The setting can enhance the supernatural atmosphere of your story. Whether it's a haunted mansion, a remote forest, or a desolate town, create a vivid and atmospheric backdrop that contributes to the story's eerie tone.
12. Use Descriptive Language: Describe the supernatural elements and settings in detail. Engage the reader's senses by vividly portraying the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings associated with the supernatural occurrences.
Maintain Pacing and Tension
13. Control Pacing: Balance moments of intense action with periods of reflection and anticipation. Pacing is crucial in maintaining reader engagement.
14. Foreshadowing and Red Herrings: Drop hints and foreshadow supernatural events, but also include red herrings to keep readers guessing. Misdirection can heighten suspense.
Craft a Satisfying Conclusion
15. Resolve the Supernatural Mystery: Provide answers to the supernatural mysteries you've introduced in your story. Readers should leave with a sense of closure and understanding.
16. Character Arcs and Growth: Ensure that your characters experience growth and transformation throughout the story. Their arcs should be resolved in a satisfying way.
17. Leave Room for Wonder: Supernatural thrillers often leave some questions unanswered, allowing readers to ponder the mysteries of the supernatural world. Strike a balance between closure and intrigue.
Edit and Polish
18. Revise and Edit: Once you've completed your manuscript, revise and edit rigorously. Eliminate inconsistencies, tighten the plot, and refine the language to create a polished final product.
Conclusion Writing supernatural thriller books offers a thrilling journey for both authors and readers. By embracing the supernatural, crafting compelling characters, constructing an engaging plot, and mastering the art of suspense, you can create stories that immerse readers in a world where the supernatural and the suspenseful collide. Whether it's ghosts, demons, or otherworldly phenomena, supernatural thrillers have the power to captivate and terrify, leaving readers eagerly turning the pages until the very end. So, embrace the supernatural, and let your imagination run wild in the realm of the unknown. Happy writing!
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