How to Write a Horror Novel with AI [Boo!]

Mastering horror fiction requires balancing external supernatural threats with deep internal character conflicts, a technique exemplified by works like *The Shining* and *Hereditary*. Effective horror writing relies on a "ticking clock" structure where every scene escalates tension and reinforces the story's central theme. By utilizing AI as a creative catalyst, writers can generate complex premises, detailed plot outlines, and atmospheric visual references that ground the narrative. The process involves manipulating reader expectations through implied horror rather than explicit gore, forcing the audience's imagination to do the heavy lifting. While AI provides the structural foundation and brainstorming support, the writer remains the creative director, refining the tone, pacing, and emotional depth to ensure the final story resonates with the reader long after the conclusion.