Have you ever seen The Blair Witch Project? It was a very low budget movie about people trying to find a witch living in the forest. Since it was so low budget, you never saw the witch or really any action. There were no special effects or any violence on the screen. However, what it did have was atmosphere. It was very popular and it was scary not because of what you saw but what you didn’t see and because of the feeling that the movie created.
Atmosphere is created by description, but also by small pieces of action, and other subtle things. Think of it like the music in a movie. Would a horror movie be as scary if they took out all the music and just left the dialogue?
Story Prompt: October 30, 2023
Write a story with a scary atmosphere.
This can be a story where nothing scary actually happens, or doesn’t happen explicitly in the story. Play around with the word choice you use to create a mood that is mysterious, hostile, eerie.
You can send me a link to your story if you’ve posted it somewhere or send it to me at info@greenwalledtreehouse.com. You can also submit your story here for a chance to have it published on the site next week.
Good luck and happy writing! Come back next Monday for another story prompt.
The Green-Walled Treehouse 
I liked that movie. it was cleverly filmed in a way that made it feel absolutely real.
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yeah, it made an impression since it was so different from anything before. It’s still effective after all this time.
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I saw it just the other night and thought it still as unique and good. I think only Cloverfield really came close to replicating the style really.
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I liked this prompt, direct from EERIE Pennsylvania. I’m a fan of description and detail. as long as it’s clean and spare…Chanderesque if you will. I like the word creepy, the way you feel at night when no one but you is on the street. You keep looking over your shoulder expecting someone to be there. OOH
Muse always hits it outta the Park. 🙂
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Thanks, my friend. Yes, I’m always fascinated how just a few changes in word choice can change the mood and how they can be layered to build the atmosphere of the story. Chandler is a good example.
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I wish he was more widely read. He’s an acquired taste, like Patti Smith and caviar. Love the word eerie. Happy Halloween.
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