I asked ChatGPT to compose a 500-word article in the style of Alfred Hitchcock, on the basics of writing terrifying horror stories. Here’s what it came up with:

As an aficionado of the macabre, I have always been fascinated by the art of horror storytelling. There’s nothing quite like the sensation of fear that a well-crafted horror story can elicit. However, the art of crafting a truly terrifying tale is not for the faint of heart. It requires a careful balance of suspense, tension, and shock. But fear not, dear reader, for I am here to guide you through the basics of writing a truly terrifying horror story.

First and foremost, it is important to remember that horror is all about the unknown. It is the fear of what lurks in the shadows, the things that go bump in the night, and the inexplicable forces that we cannot comprehend. As such, a successful horror story should be built around a central mystery or unknown element that keeps the reader on edge throughout.

This mystery could be a supernatural force, a monstrous creature, or even just the dark recesses of the human psyche. Whatever the source of fear, it is important to keep it shrouded in mystery for as long as possible. Tease the reader with hints and clues, but never reveal too much too soon. The longer the mystery remains unsolved, the greater the tension will be.

Another key element of horror storytelling is the setting. A spooky location can enhance the fear factor of a story exponentially. Whether it’s an abandoned house, a dark forest, or a haunted graveyard, the setting should be atmospheric and foreboding. Use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of the surroundings, and play up the creepy details to heighten the sense of unease.

But setting alone is not enough to create a truly terrifying tale. The characters themselves must be relatable and vulnerable. The reader must care about what happens to them, and fear for their safety. The best horror stories put ordinary people in extraordinary situations, forcing them to confront their deepest fears and weaknesses.

Of course, no horror story would be complete without a healthy dose of suspense and surprise. The key to effective suspense is pacing. Slow down the action at key moments, building tension through detailed descriptions of the character’s surroundings and internal thoughts. Then, just when the reader thinks they know what’s coming, throw in a surprise twist to keep them on their toes.

But perhaps the most important aspect of writing a terrifying horror story is to tap into the primal fears that reside within all of us. Fear of the unknown, fear of death, fear of loss, and fear of the supernatural are all powerful emotions that can be harnessed to create a truly spine-chilling experience.

In conclusion, writing a truly terrifying horror story is no easy feat. It requires a delicate balance of mystery, setting, character, pacing, and primal fear. But with a little bit of skill and a lot of imagination, anyone can craft a story that will leave readers trembling in fear. So go forth, dear reader, and let your darkest fears guide you on your journey into the realm of horror storytelling.

ChatGPT Mar 14 Version

What do you think? I’m not convinced of its Hitchcock impression, but the content’s not bad, right? So, are writers doomed or elevated by this latest A.I. iteration? And if you like that, you should check out the visual art I created using another A.I. tool: WOMBO Dream