M.R. Cullen

Horror writing is a genre that has been around for centuries and has evolved significantly over time. However, despite the evolution, some cliches continue to be used in horror writing. These cliches can make a story predictable and less impactful for the reader. This blog post will highlight some of the most common cliches in horror writing and provide examples.

• The “final girl” trope: This refers to the last surviving female character who can defeat the villain. Examples include Sidney Prescott in Scream, Laurie Strode in Halloween, and Nancy Thompson in A Nightmare on Elm Street.
• The “creepy child” trope: This trope refers to the use of children as a source of fear and horror. Examples include the child in The Exorcist, the children in The Village, and the children in The Orphanage.
• The “haunted house” trope: This trope refers to the use of a haunted house as a setting for a horror story. Examples include The Amityville Horror, The Haunting, and The Conjuring.
• The “monster in the closet” trope refers to the use of a monster or villain hidden in a seemingly safe place, such as a closet or under the bed. Examples include the clown in It, the alien in Signs, and the creature in Alien.
• The “jump scare” trope: This trope refers to the use of sudden loud noises or visual cues to scare the audience. Examples include nearly all horror movies in the last 10 years.

While these cliches can be used effectively in horror writing, it is important for writers to be aware of them and to use them sparingly. Overusing these cliches can make a story predictable and less impactful for the reader.

To avoid cliches in horror writing, writers should think outside the box and come up with unique and original ideas. It’s also important to remember that horror is not only about jump scares but also about atmosphere, characters, and plot.

Cliches in horror writing can make a story predictable and less impactful for the reader. By being aware of the most common cliches and using them sparingly, writers can create more original and effective horror stories. Remember that horror is not only about jump scares but also atmosphere, characters, and plot. Let’s break the cliches and give readers something new and terrifying to enjoy.