How to avoid clichés in your horror story

Authors must walk a fine line when it comes to reader expectations.

Miss a few themes associated with the genre, and readers might express disappointment.

Check all the boxes for that genre, though, and readers might call it too predictable.

Unsurprisingly, given that he’s won several writing awards, author Tim Waggoner has a few ideas on how to avoid clichés in the horror genre while still scaring your readers.

Writer’s Digest shares an excerpt on that topic from his latest craft book, Writing in the Dark. 

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• Tips on writing horror from a bestselling author