25 Signs You Should Be a Horror Writer — How Many Resonate With You?
Do your friends give you weird looks when they see your bookshelf full of serial killer biographies?
Have you ever whispered, “That would be a great way to kill someone,” and then realized you were in public? If so, you might just be a horror writer!
Let’s be honest—some people see shadows in the corner and feel fear. You see them and start plotting your next story.
Horror writers have a way of turning the creepy, unsettling, and downright terrifying into entertainment. And if you’ve ever spent way too much time debating the best way to survive a zombie apocalypse, you’re in the right place.
If any of this sounds familiar, you’ll love this list of 25 signs you might be a horror writer. Let’s see how deep your horror-loving heart really goes!
The Top Signs That You Are a Horror Writer
Let’s get right into the top signs that you are destined to write great horror stories!
1. Your Morning Coffee Comes with a Side of Stephen King
Forget the morning news—you start your day with a horror novel in one hand and caffeine in the other. Honestly, you wouldn’t have it any other way.
(Bonus fact: Horror novel sales experienced a significant boom between 2022 and 2023, with sales of horror and ghost stories rising by 54%. Turns out, people like their scares safe between book covers.)
2. Every Creaky Floorboard is a Storyline
Your house isn’t settling—it’s speaking to you. Every groan of the wood is a whisper from the past, and you’re listening.
3. Your Neighbor’s Odd Behavior Becomes a Plot Twist
They say they’re just taking out the trash at 3 a.m., but in your mind? They’re up to something much darker. Reality fuels your imagination—especially in your own neighborhood.
4. You Keep Garlic Closer Than Most People Keep Snacks
Sure, it’s great for pasta, but you know its real purpose: vampire repellent. A horror writer is always prepared.
5. Friday Nights Are for Writing, Not Socializing
While everyone else is out, you’re crafting nightmares at your desk. No FOMO here—your characters need you.
6. Your Search History is the Stuff of FBI Watchlists
“Best way to hide a body” + “how long does it take for someone to go missing?” = just another Tuesday for you. Don’t worry—it’s all for research. Probably.
7. Halloween is Your Personal New Year’s Eve
As soon as October rolls around, you’re practically vibrating with excitement. This isn’t just a holiday—it’s your season.
8. A Thunderstorm Feels More Like a Writing Prompt
Most people hear thunder and think, storm incoming. You hear an invitation to write something eerie.
9. You’ve Pitched a Sequel Starring Vampires and Cupcakes
Who says horror can’t have a little fun? If you’ve ever mixed spooky with sweet, you’re definitely thinking like a horror writer.
10. ‘Write What You Know’ Hits a Little Too Close to Home
Your biggest fears? They’re now your main character’s problems. Writing them out just makes sense.
11. Shadows on the Wall Spark Your Imagination
That weird shape in the corner? Most people look away. You lean in, wondering what else might be lurking there.
12. Eyeball-Themed Window Displays Make You Feel Seen
Other people think it’s disturbing—you think it’s art.
13. Your Writing Playlists Are Just Spooky Soundtracks
Forget pop hits. You write best with eerie background music, preferably something that sounds like it came from an abandoned church.
14. You Unwind with a Witch’s Cookbook
Self-care? That’s flipping through potion recipes and folklore instead of doing yoga.
15. The Mystery Section of the Bookstore is Your Happy Place
Sure, horror is your first love, but a good mystery section always calls to you.
16. Your Dreams Are Basically Horror Movie Screenings
Other people wake up in a cold sweat. You wake up and think, That would make a great opening scene.
17. The Smell of Old Books is Pure Magic
That musty scent? It smells like haunted mansions, forgotten secrets, and stories waiting to be told.
18. You Laugh at Horror Movie Clichés
A character hears a strange noise and chooses to investigate? You roll your eyes—rookie mistake. You could write it better.
19. You’ve Considered a Job at a Haunted House—For Research
The idea of scaring people for a living? Feels like a career move, honestly.
20. Dolls? No Thanks.
Even if you don’t believe they’re haunted, you’re not taking any chances.
21. You Have a Deep Appreciation for Fog
Most people see bad weather. You see atmosphere.
22. Your Friends Don’t Ask What You’re Writing Anymore
They already know: It’s creepy, someone’s in danger, and they probably shouldn’t ask for details.
23. You’ve Named a Pet After a Horror Character
Norman, Penny, or Cujo—if your pet’s name could double as a villain, we see you.
24. You’d Visit a Haunted Location Just to See What Happens
Skeptics say ghosts aren’t real. You just want to make sure.
25. You Love Horror, But Nothing is Scarier Than a Blank Page
Monsters? Fine. Ghosts? No problem. An empty document with no words yet? Terrifying.
Horror Writers Unite
If you nodded along to most of these, congrats—you’re officially one of us. Keep writing those nightmares onto the page, because the world always needs more great horror stories.
And hey, don’t forget to check under your bed tonight… just in case.
