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Hey, I'm writing a horror story as my first CYOA.

It's not all seriousness, angst, and gore, (there's some pretty random, bizarre fun and general snarky narrating involved, as my writing style dictates) but while we're on the topic of horror, I realize I'm gonna eventually present this work to a community. So, I'm curious...

What do you find "horrifying"? No promises that anything you suggest -will- be part of my inspiration, especially because there's already quite a few endings and paths in progress, but I am interested. If I do use an idea or get inspiration, I will remember to thank you by name in the summary.

Personally, what scares me is stuff that could happen in real life. I think the movie that actually scared the living crap out of me was Megan is Missing(last 30 minutes scarred me for life). It really got into your head by seeming so normal at first, but then then bad so fast. Technically, you could do something like that in story game and, as far as I know, that hasn't been done yet. It'd be a really freaky game I think.

(spoiler highlight)

It was about two girls who met a guy online. He began stalking them and eventually kidnapped one of them. When the other girl starts blaming him for her missing friend. He begins to stalk her. Eventually he kidnaps her and keeps her chained up somewhere and uses her own video camera to video tape the entire event. He ends up dumping her into a barrel while she is alive, which contains her friends corpse, and buries her alive.

Demons, evil spirits, and other monsters can be a scary concept to use in a story. I recently took a survival horror xbox game and made a fan fiction. I flipped the story so that you play as the monster and the 'non monsters' are the real monsters. 

Meant to say this sooner, apologies: ... Holy freaking crap. Being buried alive with a rotting corpse?! Much less, one you KNEW. Man, that would scare the hell out of me, not gonna lie.

That's disturbing on so many levels. I'm gonna have to think that one through. I wouldn't want to copy, but... -wow-. Also, yes. Absolutely. Something that could really happen would be great. I was leaning towards that for my second horror, but my first definitely has elements of real life scary stuff. 

Yeah, my story -does- have supernatural elements. Oh? That's a -really- intriguing idea. I love, love stories that offer you a flipped point of view or a retake on things. xD Like Hoodwinked for Red Riding Hood.  The wolf was a reporter, Granny was into extreme sports, the Woodsman was a method actor, and Red was into karate. And an evil bunny. Never trust a bunny.

Thanks for all your suggestions, by the way, you've given me a lot to think about and draw from. Hey, could I read that fan fiction sometime? If not for inspiration, then just because it sounds like a really good story.

Sure, two of them are published on here. Project Origin ;)

I once hallucinate due to a lack of food after coming home from school. I swear I was awake and my mom was even vacuuming the place BUT I started to see things changing. The color was not right, I could even freaking see outline on stuff! Like my hand and feet, the bed and pretty much everything. It was like I was in a cartoon or something, everything was so weird and I got really scared though luckily it went off after my mom told me to go and eat. Other than that, there was this weird dream where I was being eaten alive by black slime goo.

Yeah? That's crazy...but it's kind of neat. When my blood sugar dips, I just feel kinda sick or shaky, I've never hallucinated. But you know, medically speaking, hallucinations are not uncommon with blood sugar imbalances, especially if you're young. Careful, k, dude? Like, if you drive? Keep snacks in the car. Don't wanna do that on the road.

I know I didn't deal with it myself, but actually, I think if everything looked like a cartoon, it'd be kinda cool. Hallucinations -are- scary, though, and this is something that could happen IRL, like Simple said, which also plays to the psychological aspect. Nice idea.

Out of curiosity, why did being eaten by black slime scare you? I mean, yeah, being eaten is scary on its own, but was it like... just being eaten, or was it the suffocating part because it was goo? The darkness, considering it was black? The feeling of helplessness 'cuz you'd be stuck in it? (xD I'm sure I sound kinda sick trying to get an -in depth- view of your nightmare, but it's in the name of research...!)

If you're trying to scare people, I'd recommend going for the psychological side of horror. 

Yes and no. Some people who love the horror genre do not love it for the suspenseful / frighting side of it. I suppose if I just creep you guys out, or invoke -some- emotion, I'll be... more or less satisfied. It IS my first try. But then again, if I do manage to scare a few readers, I'll take that as a "job well done."

Have you ever watched Asian horror movies? They are great at incorporating both the 'scary' and 'psychological' sides of horror into stories. 

Honestly however you decide to approach it, the best way to creep people out(IMO) is to completely immerse them in the story. Make them believe that at that moment, they are character. A story about a crazy killer is scary, but imagine a story where you realize that you are slowly losing your grasp on reality and those dreams about killing your friends you've been having, weren't dreams at all? The scariest stories I've read (here and elsewhere) have been able to make me feel like it was all happening to me while I read it. ;)

Asian horror movies...? Hm. I don't think I've seen too many asian flicks, let alone horror flicks, unless we're talking anime. But, yeah, damn straight that they do psycho well. (Man, their version of the hunger games was bloody... or, rather, the movie hunger games seems to have been based off like the Lion king ripped off Kimba the white lion.)

That reminds me of two asian horror -stories- I read. I don't get nightmares often, but that could've done the trick. One involved this seemingly endless form of torture (the victim seeming becomes immortal) that cannot be stopped by anyone but the victim who is mysteriously -determined- to torture themselves, mutilating their bones, muscles, organs, and bodily structure until they're either trapped forever in darkness or their immortal body no longer even resembles a human being. *chuckle* ... The hell am I smiling? xD ... I'm a nice person, I swear, I'm just demented that way.

(The other basically involved the main character being turned into a mindless, but beautiful and completely human looking monster that was then stabbed, slaughtered, and eaten by her human friend. It's the narrative that I found chilling. The friend was so pleased that her once-human companion had always been such a slow runner...)

I'm going to give my first horror a little bit of a humorous edge before I try delving into something truly disturbing. But I like your suggestion. Heeh. That... does give me an idea...

Have you watched Ju-on yet? Or Ringu? Much better than the American versions. But, the freakiest I saw was The Audition. 

I definitely suggest watching those three with subtitles if only for how amazingly freaky they are despite using way less technology than the American versions. :) Although The Audition never got an American version that I know of. Probably because any American version of it would take out all the psychological aspects of it and turn it a 'torture porn' like Hostel. And that wouldn't do it justice -_-.

Ringu? Riiiiight, the asian version of "The Ring" ...not yet, but worth looking into. What's Ju-on? And as per your suggestion, I checked out "Audition." That's some cruel torture right there. xD The part that really got me was the guy eating puke. Blood, not as nausea inducing. 

Point taken. (Don't get me wrong, I like when we bring stuff to the US, but a lot of American re-makes ruin the concept of the original. *sigh*) Too many horror films focus on making things a literal blood bath and the audience tends to either get grossed out or just kinda... numb to it after a while. Gorn (gorn = gore porn) has its uses, but some of the best horrors just don't need it.

HOWEVER, people -do- relate "Audition" to Misery. And the concept of "Misery," I think, was sheer genius. A horror story by a writer, about a writer, geared to scare other writers? Wicked stuff. 

Actually Ringu was the original version, ;). You'll be amazed how much creepier the story line is compared to "The Ring" which focused manly on the scare factor. 

Ju-on was the original version of the Grudge, way freakier in my opinion story wise. 

Yeah I can see how it would be compared to Misery. The main difference was in Misery the lady was in love with the writer. While in the Audition, the girl shapes her 'kitty' to how she wants him and completely dominates him. The reason she makes him eat her puke is to fully reiterate to him that he only lives because she allows it. In her mind, she is god to him. Because without her, he wouldn't be formed how she formed him and he wouldn't live without her 'feeding' him.

Right, thank you for the reminder, I actually was aware of that. I skimmed the manga they have for it out of curiosity and it was written in there that "Ringu" was where the story originated.

OH, right... that one was from over there, too. I'll be honest, I've actually never watched the American version of either movie. I've only really seen clips and pop-culture references. And many, many spoofs. xD

Well, depends on your definition of love, really. xD But sure, in her own, demented, "I'll cut off a limb (or break your legs) to keep you with me" sort of way. Especially intrigued by her cauterizing the severed limb with a BLOW TORCH. Ew. Right, got the picture, but it's hard to consider symbolism when you're caught up in... "my god, he's eating vomit... that's just... ewww..."

There's a manga for it? I must read this :D

If you like horror manga you should read Ibitsu.The story seems somewhat cliche, but the ending actually threw me for a huge loop! It's another 'twisted love' sort of horror story

. I'm not gonna lie the first time Kitty's bag moved I jumped like a foot in the air. And when he came out of the bag I was ready to turn the movie off, but it was like a bad train wreck you can't turn away from. And I'm one of those over analytically people so after seeing her... erm... doing her thing, I had to try and explain it to myself XD.

There is this french horror movie titled Inside, and it gets pretty messed up. Basically it is about this pregnant chick who's house gets broken into. The perpetrator is this other woman and she torments the pregnant girl in her own home for a while eventually cutting the pregnant woman open and stealing her baby from her.. It is really gruesome and has its gory parts, but the lighting and music really gives the atmosphere such a creepy vibe. Even if this doesn't give you any inspiration you really should watch the move, it is great.

I'm going to watch this asap. The fact that I have heard similar things to that story on the news in the past makes it scary realistic. 

What's the title of the movie?

INSIDE.

Download the demo for Amnesia and try to base the horror part off of that.

... Thank you for your suggestion, but I already have a plot, I'm just really interested in learning what affects people here to fill in the remaining holes and such. I may dabble in some horror games for a future game, but I would rather not -base- my game off someone else's work, just... find inspiration in it.

He wasn't talking about the plot of Amnesia, which I doubt anyone knows anyway, but the affect the game has on the player.

The plot is confusing but the part where you control Daniel on is basically survival and killing the one dude. Nothing else

... xD I... thank you, CovElite. I hope this is... not rude, and does not come off as offensive as it's not intended as such, but, I would prefer he speak for himself. That said, basing it off a concept / effect is similar to basing it off of a plot, but as I said, I can try playing some games for inspiration. My memory is hazy, but I actually DO remember Amnesia. Distantly. (Oh, the irony.)

No offense taken lol.

Why does it matter if the guy speaks for himself or if someone else clarifies a misunderstanding that they see? Seems to me that it's constructive either way and there's no reason to care about that. If Fireplay determines that CovElite is incorrect, he'll come and correct him, otherwise, CovElite has expedited the process. Either way, no harm done.

Also, the point of this thread was to determine what scares your audience and yet, it seems to me that on most cases, when presented with a scenario that scares someone, you seem to deny its validity/usefulness!

As for what scares me, I'd say the psychological is definitely much, much scarier than gore. Especially through writing.

... CovElite didn't have a problem with my request, so no harm was done with what I said, apparently.

However, I thanked CovElite because, 1,  he was probably right, and 2, his heart was in the right place. I would just still rather wait for the original commentor's opinion rather than continue on a discussion without their input, basing my replies on someone else's. That is something ingrained in my personality as a form of respecting that an individual's opinion is just that, their opinion. Also, I've seen it cause confusion and conflict many times with people reply for others.

Most cases, you say? Really? Well, then...let's review: Five people made suggestions. I never replied to Simplesably's first comment, but I thought it was great. I wanted to get back to it with a proper reply and thank you, but I've been busy. I didn't get around to Alvin's either, but hallucinations are within the psychological area. Psychological horror?  Great advice.

When I replied to playa, he said "if you're trying to scare people." I considered it, wondered if perhaps I was setting the bar too high for a first game, and answered honestly. It was me doubting my abilities, something that did not seem to offend him, nor should it offend you.

Simple's second comment? I agreed emphatically, he's totally right, Asian horror is freaky. I said that I'm trying something less dark, but I also said I was inspired. I thanked Fireplay, but wanted to state I'm not trying to copy, just brainstorm. I am -assuming- now that he didn't mean for me to copy the game when he said 'base mine off of it.' Yes, CovElite added to the conversation, but did not really make a suggestion of his own. Doesn't count.

... You are the fifth person, JJJ. I am responding -now-. I agree that psychological is the way to go, -everyone- seems to be saying that to some degree. Thanks. So, let's recap: I agreed intensely with 4/5 and at least appreciated the other. Yep, I fail to see why you're making that claim.

It's almost bizarrely defensive of you, getting offended for the sake of other people who do not -seem- offended and you're talking about an amount of responses I didn't even write yet!  I'm a busy guy, this is my first day off out of a work week from hell in some time. Even if I didn't agree with their ideas, I still would've thanked them all and been grateful for the feedback, so I really don't get what on earth you're even on about.

I read only a few replies so forgive me if I repeat, I feel the worst horror is a.)psychological and of course b.) you don't really know what it is and therefore are beyond the point of helplessness.

Helplessness is a good one, and it certainly does invoke fear. It's human nature to want to seek out knowledge, understanding, and control. Thank you. 

Really? I thought it's human nature to destroy what they don't understand.

its true

What? So humans making religions to understand nature was destroying nature? Human beings are curios, that's why there is scientific leanings, to understand what the worlds about.

We only destroy things because of the control part.

Not exactly. Human nature has a track record of destroying things they don't understand, yes, but that's usually because we fear the unknown and the uncontrollable. However, in many cases, we seek out an understanding of our world relentlessly to ease this fear. See, it isn't the unknown item/ person / concept ITSELF that we truly fear, only the lack of understanding.

In a way, what we're trying to destroy is our own ignorance. Of course, when it comes to things like racism? Which is also driven by fear that then fuels anger and hatred? (Oh, look. Yoda really did have a point.) Then "ignorance" is for damn sure the right word.

The oldest and greatest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and greatest fear of man is fear of the unknown. - H.P. Lovecraft

^This

Then the robots arose and destroyed everything because they feared nothing. Mankind still defeats their fear through their inventions. lol

Alvin you are correct, but its more of an animal backed into a corner or (human backed into a corner lol) mentality its acts of desperation most major acts of genocide, persecution, genocide, and other horrors where started by an irrational feeling of helplessness and fear.

Not only does it hit you with a sledgehammer in your soft spot for pop-ups, it gets into the crevices of your brain.  There's that psychological afterthought when you think about how cruelly the characters were treated, regardless if they were enemies or not.  Aww crap, I'm gonna have nightmares again...

The Fatal Frame series is based on the concept of "capturing" ghosts with a camera.  Pair that camera with a psychic who has personal relations with some of the hell-bent ghosts in huge estates, hospitals, and the like: Fatal Frame.  Here's a taste of what you have to face sometimes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7AFc80Y6YU

The two ghosts in that video worked in the psychiatric ward of the hospital.  The player character (I believe, I don't remember well) was a patient there.

Looks like fun, thanks for the idea. =)

I LOVE all the Fatal Frames. They are sooo creepy and interesting :)

My biggest phobias are the following:

-Dolls(yes,I am afraid of dolls.It sounds funny,but it freaks the hell out of me)
-Drowning(I am afraid of dying by drowning in water)
-When I see a small light in a completely dark room that seems to be approaching me
-The sensation that someone is chasing me at night(I keep looking back while walking)