Writing things that go bump in the night
Why we love reading scary stories
Fear is supposed to keep us safe. So why do we voluntarily seek it out in haunted houses, horror movies, and creepy novels?
Spine-tingling stories have spellbound readers for centuries. Psychologists suggest that part of the appeal lies in the safe scare, which is the thrill of fear without any real danger. Like a roller coaster, we get the rush of adrenaline and the thrill of danger without actual risk. That mixture of adrenaline and relief transforms fear into excitement, which is why a haunted house or a ghost story feels exhilarating instead of unbearable. In fact, studies from Denmark’s Recreational Fear Lab show that the most enjoyment comes from a “Goldilocks zone” of fear: not too tame, not too terrifying, but just right.
👉 Actionable Takeaway: Next time you read a spooky scene, notice the physiological reaction your body undergoes. What does fear feel like within your body? A racing pulse, goosebumps, a giant jolt of relief when it’s over. That’s your nervous system riding the 'fear and relief' rollercoaster. How can you portray that in your creative work?
📚 Safe Scare Reading Recommendation:
Goosebumps by R.L. Stine - Quick scares without nightmares.
The House with the Clock in It’s Walls by John Bellairs (book and movie) - A gothic-tinged story with magic, mystery, and just enough creep factor.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving - Classic suspense with dark forests, ghostly legends, a mysterious horseman.
Something Wicked this Way Comes by Ray Bradbury (book and movie) - Dark, whimsical, and filled with autumnal dread.
⚡ Want more? Each Tuesday in October I’ll post a new blog on writing the things that go bump in the night.💡 Want to go deeper? On Monday, 27 October at 6:00 p.m. Mountain time (8 Eastern/5 Pacific), I’m offering a class where we will dig into the psychology behind scary stories and how you can use it in your own writing. Watch this space for registration details.
Cindy Skaggs is a writer, book coach, public speaker, and military veteran who holds an MFA from Pacific Lutheran University and an MA in Creative Writing from Regis University. She is an advocate for military and veteran issues, mom to two humans, and an avid traveler. In 2022, she moved to Ireland to study Irish Literature. It seemed like a good idea at the time.
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