J.L. Slipak

I've been writing spooky stories since I was a young child, when I discovered the thrill of creating scares and frights. I found that these stories were an effective way to explore the unknown, the mysterious, and the dark side of the human condition.

 

I was always fascinated by horror and the supernatural, but I was also drawn to the power of words. I found that writing spooky stories was a way to let my imagination soar and to express my fears and anxieties in a safe and creative way.

 

When I was a bit older, I began to explore the genre more deeply. I read classic horror stories and I found myself inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allen Poe. I also began to write my own stories, drawing on what I had read and weaving my own nightmares into the fabric of my stories.

 

Writing spooky stories has been a way for me to explore the darker aspects of life and to express the things I find frightening and fascinating. It's also been a way to challenge myself and to test my limits as a writer. Through writing these stories, I have gained a greater appreciation for the power of words and have discovered the joy of giving readers a chance to explore the unknown.

 

Writing spooky stories has been a way for me to explore my own fears and to discover new ways of looking at the world. As a result, I find myself more inspired and more excited about the stories I write and the experiences I create. I believe that the power of words can bring us together and can provide us with a much-needed escape from the mundane.

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A Bit of Advice:

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Plotting out a supernatural thriller can be an exciting and thrilling process. When creating your story, there are a few key elements to consider.

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Pacing is a critical aspect of any thriller. A story needs to have a steady momentum that keeps readers engaged, but without moving too quickly. To create a successful pacing, consider the different plot points, the key moments when the stakes are highest, and the tension within the story.

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Dialogue is also important in a suspenseful story. It should be realistic, engaging, and provide information that will further the plot. Dialogue also helps build character, so make sure it reflects the unique attributes of your characters. Character development is an essential part of any story and is especially important in a supernatural thriller. Make sure your characters are well-developed and have distinct personalities and motivations. What's the end goal?

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The structure of a supernatural thriller is also important. It is typically divided into three sections: the setup, the climax, and the resolution. The setup introduces the characters and their world, the climax is the big conflict or reveal, and the resolution is the conclusion. Each section should have its own momentum and pacing that builds up to the climax.

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By taking the time to consider pacing, tension, dialogue, character development, and the structure of your story, you can create an exciting supernatural thriller that readers can’t put down. Good luck!

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Where Do I Get My Ideas For a Supernatural Thriller?

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If you're looking for ideas for a supernatural thriller story to write, you're in luck! There are plenty of sources of inspiration out there. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

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• Look to folklore and mythology for story ideas. Whether you take a classic story and give it a modern twist or create something totally original based on traditional tales, these stories can provide the foundation for an exciting supernatural thriller story.

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• Check out the classics. Many works of literature and film contain supernatural elements. Use them as inspiration for your own story. Think about how you could update the story to make it relevant to a modern audience.

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• Look for real-life supernatural phenomena. Read up on the paranormal and unexplained phenomena. There might be a fascinating story waiting to be told.

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• Look for inspiration in your own life. Think about the people you know and the places you've been. Is there a story waiting to be told?

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• Think outside the box. Try to come up with something totally original. Use your imagination and think of something that hasn't been done before.

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No matter where you get your ideas, the most important thing is to have fun with your story. Let your imagination run wild and you'll have the perfect supernatural thriller story in no time.

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What Advice Can I Give Regarding The Synopsis of a Supernatural Thriller?

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A synopsis for a supernatural thriller should be laid out with the main story points in chronological order, beginning with the inciting incident. It should include a brief description of the protagonist and their goals, a summary of the major plot points, and the resolution. It should be concise and to the point, and should not delve into detail about subplots or characters.

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The inciting incident is the event that triggers the main plot and introduces the supernatural elements. It should be described in a way that captures the reader’s attention and sets the tone for the plot.

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The protagonist and their goals should be summarized in a few sentences. This should include why they are in the story and what their ultimate goal is.

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The plot points should be described in order of occurrence, focusing on the most important plot points and summarizing the rest. It should be written in a way that helps the reader understand the story and its progression.

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The resolution should summarize how the protagonist achieved their goals, and how the supernatural elements were resolved. It should be written in a way that shows the story’s conclusion and provides a sense of closure.

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Finally, the synopsis should be written in a way that shows the story’s potential without giving away the entire plot. It should be an accurate yet concise summary that captures the reader’s attention and encourages them to read the full story.

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So Why Supernatural Thrillers?

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Supernatural thrillers offer a unique experience in the world of film and literature. The genre combines elements of horror, suspense and the unknown, creating a captivating experience for viewers. What makes supernatural thrillers different from all other genres is their focus on the paranormal, such as ghosts, demons, and other supernatural beings. These creatures, which are often portrayed as malevolent and dangerous, create an intense atmosphere that is absent in other genres.

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Supernatural thrillers also rely heavily on elements of suspense and mystery. Unlike horror films and books that focus more on shock value and gore, supernatural thrillers use suspense and atmosphere to create a sense of dread and anticipation. These films often feature complex stories and twists and turns that keep the viewer guessing and on the edge of their seat.

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The fictional elements of supernatural thrillers also make them different from other genres. The use of supernatural creatures and powers can add a unique layer of mythology and intrigue to the story. This allows the audience to explore and question the unknown, which more often than not includes the unknown powers of these supernatural beings and the potential consequences of their actions.

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Ultimately, supernatural thrillers offer a unique and captivating experience that sets them apart from all other genres. The use of mysterious creatures, suspense, and mystery create a thrilling atmosphere that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

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What's The Difference Between Supernatural Thrillers and Paranormal Thrillers?

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Paranormal thrillers and supernatural thrillers are two genres of fiction that can often be confused. A paranormal thriller is a story that usually involves elements of the supernatural, such as ghosts, vampires, or other paranormal beings, but the story is usually grounded in the real world and the characters are usually living people. Supernatural thrillers, on the other hand, involve characters and stories that are more fantastical, often set in a supernatural world and featuring supernatural characters such as gods and goddesses, demons, and other creatures. They often have 'powers.'

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The primary difference between paranormal thrillers and supernatural thrillers is the focus. Paranormal thrillers tend to focus on the horror elements of the supernatural, while supernatural thrillers are more likely to focus on the fantasy aspects. Paranormal thrillers often have a darker tone, while supernatural thrillers often have a lighter, more whimsical tone. Paranormal thrillers focus on the fear of the unknown, while supernatural thrillers focus on the wonder of the unknown.

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The plots of paranormal thrillers and supernatural thrillers can also be quite different. Paranormal thrillers often feature protagonists trying to solve a mystery or prevent a disaster, while supernatural thrillers often feature protagonists on a journey of some kind, be it physical, spiritual, or even mental. The antagonists in paranormal thrillers are usually monsters or villains, while the antagonists in supernatural thrillers are often gods, demons, or other supernatural entities.

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Overall, the main difference between paranormal thrillers and supernatural thrillers is the focus of the story and the type of characters and settings involved. Paranormal thrillers center around a more realistic world and focus on the horror elements of the supernatural, while supernatural thrillers have a more fantastical setting and focus on the fantasy aspects of the supernatural.

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Can You Give us a Brief Example of Each in The Form of a Writing Prompt?

 

Sure, try these:

 

Paranormal Thriller Writing Prompt:

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A detective is called in to investigate a string of mysterious deaths in a small town. All evidence points to a supernatural force, but the detective must unravel the secrets of the town to uncover the truth.

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Supernatural Thriller Writing Prompt:

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A group of paranormal researchers investigate a series of strange occurrences in an old abandoned mansion, only to discover an ancient evil lurking within its walls. They must face the darkness and discover the secrets of the mansion in order to save themselves and the world.

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The main difference between a paranormal thriller and a supernatural thriller is that a paranormal thriller deals with the unexplained and mysterious, while a supernatural thriller focuses on the dark forces of the supernatural world. In a paranormal thriller, the protagonist may encounter mysterious and unexplained phenomena, such as ghosts, monsters, or strange occurrences, while in a supernatural thriller the protagonist may encounter dark forces such as demons, witches, curses, and other powerful entities uncanny abilities, 'powers' or skills. Here try these:

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Supernatural Thriller Writing Prompt:

 

A small-town sheriff discovers that the mysterious disappearances of people in the area are actually the work of a powerful supernatural creature that is controlling the people. He must find a way to stop it before it destroys the town.

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Paranormal Thriller Writing Prompt:

 

A group of paranormal investigators is hired to investigate a haunted house in a remote corner of the country. They soon discover that the house is controlled by a powerful entity that has the ability to manipulate time and space. The investigators must find a way to defeat the entity and save everyone in the house.

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The main difference between a supernatural thriller and a paranormal thriller is that supernatural stories focus on creatures with superhuman powers, while paranormal stories focus on entities with supernatural powers. In this case, the supernatural creature in the supernatural thriller could have the power of mind control, while the entity in the paranormal thriller could have the power of time manipulation.

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Giving one superhero powers could include giving it the ability to fly, shoot laser beams from its eyes, or even turn invisible. This could be used to create a thrilling climax in either story as the hero uses their newfound abilities to fight the villain.

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What Are Five Common Mistakes a Writer Makes When Writing Supernatural Thrillers?

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Writing a supernatural novel can be a daunting task. It requires a great deal of creativity and imagination to make the story believable and captivating. Unfortunately, some authors make mistakes when writing a supernatural novel that can detract from the overall story. Below are five common mistakes writers make when writing a supernatural novel:

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1. Not Being Specific Enough - It is important to be as specific as possible when writing a supernatural novel. Too often, authors will use vague descriptions or generic terms that do not help the reader connect to the story. This lack of specificity can make the supernatural elements of the story feel stale and uninteresting.

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2. Trying to Explain the Supernatural - It is best to not try and explain the supernatural elements of a novel. Doing so can take away from the mystery and suspense of the story. It is far better to focus on how the characters react and interact with the supernatural elements.

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3. Not Establishing Rules - Establishing the rules of the supernatural world is essential to a successful supernatural novel. It is important to make sure that the reader understands the limits and boundaries of the supernatural elements. Without these rules, the story can become confusing and lose its appeal.

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4. Not Researching - Researching the supernatural is key to creating an accurate and believable story. It is important to be aware of the myths and legends that are associated with the supernatural elements in the novel. Doing so will help to make the supernatural elements more believable and captivating.

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5. Overusing Supernatural Elements - It is important to not overuse the supernatural elements in a novel. Doing so can make them feel repetitive and uninteresting. It is better to focus on the characters and the plot and use the supernatural elements as a way to enhance the story.

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Last Piece of Advice?

 

When writing a supernatural thriller, having an in-depth character outline is essential for success. It is important to consider the character’s background, motives, goals, strengths and weaknesses, and any other defining features that will shape the plot and make the character come across as believable.

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Creating an outline for your supernatural thriller characters should focus on the following:

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Background: It is important to have a clear understanding of the character’s background, including their history, family, career, and any other key factors that will make them unique.

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Motives: Think about the character’s motivation for the events that unfold in the story. Are they driven by revenge, greed, love, or something else?

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Goals: What does the character want to achieve in the story? What is the character’s ultimate goal?

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Strengths and Weaknesses: Consider the character’s strengths and weaknesses, such as their physical or intellectual prowess, and how these could be used to help or hinder them in the story.

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Defining Features: Think about any defining features that could give the character depth and make them stand out from other characters. These can be physical traits, such as tattoos or a unique style, or personality traits, such as being sarcastic or introverted.

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Creating an in-depth character outline for your supernatural thriller will help you to build compelling characters that will help to drive the story forward. By taking the time to consider the character’s background, motives, goals, strengths and weaknesses, and any other defining features, you will be able to create characters that readers will be able to relate to and enjoy.

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Writing "Echoes of Darkness" was difficult because I decided my main character was blind. Describing a supernatural thriller to a blind woman can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Imagining what it would be like for a blind woman placed deep in the depths of a supernatural story was probably one of my most challenging characters obstacles. To overcome many possible hurtles, selecting the proper POV (point of view) was essential. First or second just didn't work, so I chose third.

 

As I previously stated, a supernatural thriller typically involves elements of the supernatural, such as ghosts, witches, demons, and other paranormal entities and they often have some sort of 'power.' It is often a suspenseful tale filled with unexpected plot twists and turns, and characters facing dangerous and mysterious situations. To live a day through the life of my character, I needed to experience some of the things she would. That's where the blindfold for the day came into the picture.  I lasted a little under an hour. My shins suffered longer.

 

Although I got a 'sense' of how vulnerable my character felt, I still needed to understand her motivation and needs. Research into the many aspects faced by the blind included interviews and exercises. It was a huge learning curve.

 

The goal of a supernatural narrative is to create a sense of unease, dread, and excitement. It often incorporates themes of good versus evil, and explores the darker side of human nature.

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In my supernatural thrillers, you will find characters struggling with their own fears and anxieties, as well as the powers of the supernatural. For Echoes... By focusing on the sensory experience of a blind woman, it was possible to create a vivid, suspenseful, and thrilling experience. Through descriptions of the characters, their environment, and the power of the supernatural, a blind woman was taken on a captivating journey through the world of a supernatural thriller bringing the reader right along behind her. According to the review, I had succeeded. The only complaint was that there wasn't enough of my character and readers wanted more. So, that is why Echoes of Darkness is currently being rebranded into a series "Turning Deadly." You can still read Echoes if you want. It's found here.

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J. L. Slipak