Crafting and Revising Horror Fiction

Course summary: Learn to plan, draft, revise, and prepare a horror story by using fear, atmosphere, suspense, character choices, research, focused editing, and reader feedback. Finish with a polished original horror story and a documented revision portfolio.

Course overview: For emerging and intermediate fiction writers. No prior horror publication is required. Study one lesson at a time; complete its writing lab before advancing. Suggested pace: 8–12 weeks with regular drafting sessions. Across 40 independently teachable lessons, you will build a horror premise, create escalating scenes, study how published horror works, and revise for meaningful reader impact.

Overall learning outcomes: Define a horror promise; design threats and stakes; control information, pace, and tone; test a draft for logic and reader fear; gather and apply feedback; prepare a final story package and an ethical submission plan.

Completion standards: Complete each writing lab and self-check, retain drafts and revision notes, and submit the capstone in Lesson 10.4. Assessment uses the 100-point rubric under that lesson. A passing portfolio earns at least 70 points overall, with no major rubric category below 10/20.

AI Writing Partner policy: You may ask an AI tool to pose questions, check continuity, simulate neutral reader questions, or compare two of your own revisions. Verify every claim about a publisher or cultural source. Never present AI-generated scenes, testimony, or research as your own. All creative choices and submitted prose remain under your control.