Introduction to Writing Horror Stories
A course by María Fernanda Ampuero

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 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.

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.

Course summary
  • Session Start 05/10/2024
  • Location Online
  • Duration 1h 47m

U1: Introduction

  • Presentation
  • Influences

U2: What are fears made of?

  • Tell me your worst nightmares
  • And now, where do I get a monster?
  • The voice from beyond the grave
  • It was a monster, it is a monster, it will be a monster

U3: My mother wants to kill me

  • Everything was going so well
  • The sinister knocks at the door
  • Do not look under the bed
  • Look under the bed
  • The call comes from your own home
  • I'll go with you to hell itself
  • The exorcist's last words

U4: The final scream

  • Ranger to the rescue
  • A book of black magic

Final project

  • Writing a story: from the chronicle to the fictional narrative

Regular Price

AED360

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  • 15 lessons (1h 47m)
  • 18 additional resources (2 files)
  • Online and at your own pace
  • Audio: Spanish, English
  • Spanish, English, Portuguese, German, French, Italian, Polish, Dutch
  • Level: Beginner
  • Unlimited access forever
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