I Utilized the Journal for Horror Writing Practice

The prompts presented in the journal didn’t specifically center on horror, which turned out to be a beneficial challenge. I made it my mission to twist each idea into a horror narrative, enhancing my writing experience. With aspirations of becoming a horror writer, whether through novels or comic books, I embraced this opportunity to focus solely on the genre.

This approach allowed me to delve into character development and storytelling, potentially crafting a short anthology to enjoy in my downtime. Additionally, it offered a chance to juxtapose my older writings with the prompts, aiding my understanding of areas still needing improvement.

For instance, one prompt asked for a description of a character experiencing a particular scent for the first time. Here’s how I interpreted it:

CJ recalled the scent of sunflowers mingled with strawberry cake, a flavor he had enjoyed before the world changed forever. The aroma drew forth memories of blissful childhood days, a time of innocence now lost.

The man beside him observed CJ with curiosity as he stared at the candle in his grasp. It was better not to engage; any conversation could attract unwanted attention.

I aimed to pack as much meaning as possible into just seven lines, weaving a narrative that would resonate with readers. The scene depicted a young man cherishing the smell of happier times, hinting at a mysterious background, yet fortunate enough to retain some semblance of humanity amidst a zombie apocalypse.

The companion's presence suggested empathy towards CJ, who was grappling with survival in this grim reality. I sought to break away from clichés, aiming to craft a mini horror tale that could evolve into a larger story exploring a post-apocalyptic world.

Using a Journal for My Writing Experience

In my view, writers should relish the freedom of choosing between two primary writing methods: typing and hand-writing. While typing allows for a visual manifestation of your story on-screen, it lacks the tactile experience that comes with using a pen or pencil.

Imagine, if you will, authors of yesteryear, meticulously crafting their tales with quills and ink. Although this method may be more time-consuming and occasionally frustrating, it offers a unique chance to lose oneself in the creative process.

Envision a writer secluded in a dimly lit room, illuminated only by a lantern as they compose a chilling horror narrative designed to captivate their future audience gathered by the fireplace. This tale would be perfect for nighttime reading, leaving listeners hesitant to venture outside.

My journey with the journal has been exhilarating. The prompts have sparked a plethora of ideas I hadn’t anticipated! With each entry, I'm not only progressing through the journal but also enjoying a rewarding experience that fuels my passion for horror.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure!

Emy Quinn