Introduction to Writing Horror Stories
A course by María Fernanda Ampuero, Author
Learn to transform your deepest fears into compelling, terrifying and unforgettable stories that impact readers
For journalist and writer María Fernanda Ampuero, one of the keys to writing good horror stories is starting out with something frightening, then cranking up the volume to make it utterly terrifying. Her stories contain the level of brutality needed to impact the reader, while managing to balance it out with authenticity, tension, and lots of affection towards her characters.
In this course, learn to draw inspiration from real-life fears to write horror stories. Lull your reader into a sense of calm at the beginning, then gradually increase the tension until that final shriek! Your teacher also gives you tips to get your work seen and published.
What will you learn in this online course?
15 lessons & 18 downloads
- 98% positive reviews (342)
- 10,917 students
- 15 lessons (1h 47m)
- 18 additional resources (2 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: Spanish, German, English, French, Indonesian, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Turkish
- Spanish · English · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Indonesian · Romanian
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
Write a horror story based on an anecdote, a piece of news, a memory, a nightmare, a social issue, an urban legend, or something that's genuinely one of your deepest fears.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Any horror fanatic who wants to learn basic techniques for writing a story from the genre.
Requirements and materials
You need to know and love the horror genre, both in cinema and literature.
In terms of materials, you need a pencil, pen, notebook, computer, and the overwhelming desire to frighten your readers.
Reviews
María Fernanda Ampuero
A course by María Fernanda Ampuero
Although born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, journalist and writer María Fernanda Ampuero has lived in Quito, Buenos Aires, Mexico City and Madrid. Her texts have been included in countless anthologies and her latest book of short stories, Cockfight (Páginas de Espuma, 2018), was named one of the ten best books of the year by the New York Times in Spanish, in addition to receiving the Joaquín Gallegos Lara award for the best book of short stories of the year.
She has also published two books of journalistic chronicles: Lo que aprendí en la peluquería (Dinediciones, 2011) and Permiso de Residencia (Caracola, 2013). She has collaborated with important literary chronicle magazines such as Gatopardo, Piaüi, and Internazionale. Her work has been translated into English, Italian, Portuguese, Greek, and Chinese.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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Presentation
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Influences
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U2
What are fears made of?
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Tell me your worst nightmares
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And now, where do I get a monster?
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The voice from beyond the grave
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It was a monster, it is a monster, it will be a monster
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U3
My mother wants to kill me
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Everything was going so well
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The sinister knocks at the door
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Do not look under the bed
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Look under the bed
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The call comes from your own home
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I'll go with you to hell itself
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The exorcist's last words
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U4
The final scream
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Ranger to the rescue
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A book of black magic
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FP
Final project
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Writing a story: from the chronicle to the fictional narrative
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
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Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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Watch professionally produced courses
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FAQs
You’ll learn techniques for crafting horror stories, developing chilling characters, building atmosphere, and turning personal fears into powerful tales. The course equips you with tools to innovate within the genre and refine your storytelling.
Yes, the course is designed for those with basic storytelling knowledge who want to dive deeper into horror-specific techniques and improve their stories.
Professional experience isn’t required, but having basic writing skills and a strong eagerness to experiment and learn about horror is recommended.
All you need is a computer or notebook to write, internet access, and a willingness to read and analyze horror texts. No special software is necessary.
The course covers techniques for creating eerie atmospheres, developing literary monsters, using effective narrators, managing suspense, and turning everyday objects into sources of fear.
You’ll learn how to create vulnerable characters and monsters inspired by real or collective fears, using symbolism and narrative tools to evoke empathy and terror in readers.
Yes, the course analyzes fairy tales and classic horror works to understand the roots of fear and how it evolves into modern stories, as well as their psychological impact.
Excelente curso, me encantó la forma en que presentó el tema y su progresión. Gracias
Me está gustando mucho el curso, me parece muy emocionante.
Excelente curso.
Excelente.
Très bon cours. Beaucoup d'informations pertinentes sur les mécanismes du récit d'horreur. Plutôt agréable.