There’s something timeless about a good ghost story. Whether it’s a chilling short tale shared around a campfire or a full novel that lingers in the reader’s mind long after the last page, ghost stories tap into our deepest fears and fascinations.
But writing one? That can feel intimidating. Where do you start? How do you make sure your story is scary, not silly? In this guide, I’ll share my favorite free and paid resources to help you craft a ghost story that haunts your readers—including my own prompt packs, writing tools, and go-to books.
1. Start with a Solid Idea — Free & Paid Prompts
Every great ghost story begins with an idea that makes your spine tingle.
👉 Free option: Study urban legends, folklore, or explore creepy places near you for inspiration.
👉 Need a boost?
Check out my:
- Ghostly Character Designer — build your ghost from the ground up, complete with backstory.
- Haunted Locations Prompt Pack — create the perfect eerie setting.
- Liminal Spaces Generator — evoke that strange, in-between atmosphere that’s perfect for ghost stories.
- Liminal Pool Rooms Generator – create uncanny pool room environments.
These packs are designed to help you get writing faster—no more staring at a blank page!
2. Learn from the Masters — Guidebooks + Courses
Sometimes the best way to improve is to learn directly from experienced authors and editors.
✅ On Writing Horror — A classic anthology of advice from top horror writers.
✅ Writing Scary Scenes — A focused guide on building tension and crafting effective scares.
✅ Masterclass subscriptions (if you’re ready to invest in lessons from the pros).
👉 Tip: These books are great additions to your shelf—and often packed with practical exercises.
3. Choose the Right Tools to Write
Having the right tools can help you stay organized and focused.
✅ Scrivener software — Excellent for plotting complex ghost stories, especially if you’re juggling timelines or multiple POVs.
✅ Moleskine journals — Perfect for handwritten notes, sketches, or quick story ideas on the go.
✅ Noise-canceling headphones — (optional, but great for writing in haunted silence!)
👉 Bonus: Many ghost story writers find that setting the mood—low lighting, eerie playlists—can help with creativity.
4. Practice + Share Your Work
No resource beats writing regularly.
✅ Join free writing groups (Reddit’s r/WritingPrompts, Discord writing servers, or local workshops).
✅ Submit to horror zines, contests, or publish on your blog.
👉 Pro tip: Use your AI prompts not just to start your story, but to build out details—what does the ghost look like? How does the space feel?
Final Thoughts
Writing the perfect ghost story takes a mix of inspiration, knowledge, and practice—but with the right resources, you can craft something that truly haunts your readers.
👉 Explore my writing prompt packs to spark your next scary tale
So light a candle, open that journal, and start writing… if you dare.
