There are no hard-and-fast rules in writing fiction. There are, however, some established patterns and expectations, and once you know them, you’ll be able to work within those patterns and deviate from the path as you see fit.
Popularized by Blake Snyder’s book Save The Cat, beat sheets are an outlining method often used for screenwriting that some authors have started to use for books as well. Basically, a beat sheet lays out the story ‘beats’ or necessary plot points that make up the essential story structure. The Hero’s Journey is, essentially, a beat sheet. You can see more beat sheet information here: https://timstout.wordpress.com/story-structure/blake-snyders-beat-sheet/
Horror has a slightly different structure than other stories, and for that reason I don’t think a classic beat sheet works quite right for it. So with that in mind, here is my somewhat adapted version, drawn from my studies of horror media. Various beats can be reorganized somewhat, and will vary a bit depending on sub-genre and other considerations. But if you need help in establishing a horror plot…this beat sheet should help guide the way.
1 - The World is Not What it Seems
(The reader catches an early glimpse of the monster, or a hint that the monster exists. This is optional, and may occur right away – often as a prologue – or after the main characters have been introduced.)
2 - Putting the Players in Action
(You introduce the important characters and the primary internal conflict)
3 - Setting them on the Path
(The characters make a choice that inadvertently isolates them or places them on a collision course with the monster)
(The characters are given an opportunity to turn back, but choose not to; could occur before or after The First Contact With The Monster.)
5 - The First Contact with the Monster
(The characters have their initial contact with the monster, but are unaware of the true threat it poses.)
Act Two (The Turn):
6 - Shit Gets Real
(May be the first death or when seriously spooky activity begins; regardless, this is when the danger becomes evident and unavoidable)
7 - The Chase
(The monster pursues the characters, who lack the skills to fight it; one or more people may die here)
8 - Failed Confrontation
(The main character attempts to destroy the monster, but does not yet possess the ability to do so)
9 - The Darkest Hour
(Hope appears lost. Perhaps someone very important has died, or the hero has tried everything they can think of. The link between the internal conflict and monster may become clear to the character here)
Act Three (The Prestige):
10 - A Different Solution
(The hero gains new information on how to defeat the monster. This may be delivered by someone they seek out for help, or may come through soul searching and observation.)
11 - Seeking Out the Beast
(For the first time, the hero approaches the monster, rather than fleeing it. They intend to enact their solution)
12 - The True Cost is Revealed
(In the process of confronting the monster, the hero realizes that to overcome it, the internal conflict must be encountered and defeated. That is the hidden cost; the hero will be irrevocably changed)
13 - Sacrifices Are Made (or not)
(Faced with the ultimate choice, the hero either succeeds in defeating their internal conflict and winning against the monster, or fails and ultimately succumbs to their weakness)
14 - The Inevitable Fall Out
(Show the consequences of whichever choice is made)
15 - Evil Cannot Be Conquered, Only Delayed
(If the hero failed #13, show the monster relishing its victory in a changed world. If the hero succeeded, show a hint that the monster may yet return. )
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I think you will find that if you compare many, many, many horror stories against this beat sheet, you will see versions of this structure/pattern. I encourage you to try it. I’ll post some plot studies of my own to show you later.
There is no single “right” way to write a story, and I certainly don’t think you must follow this structure in order to be successful. But I can guarantee you that following this structure will give you the framework necessary for a complete and emotionally satisfying horror story.
Caveat: this beat sheet is meant for long-form stories such as novels and films. Short stories follow a very different structure. We can talk about that in a later chapter.
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