Hello! Do you have any tips on how to write a psychological thriller? Like eerie atmospheres and weird details, I've been struggling a lot on this :((( Thank you in advance 🎀🎀
Hey hey! Thank you so much for your ask! When it comes to psychological thrillers, I find that there are two main concepts that really solidify an uncanny vibe: the characters and the environment. (Plot is always important, but plot comes with your story naturally, so that won't be a big focus!)
By successfully implementing and developing these ideas, you can build a pretty creepy and mysterious setting!
With that being said, here's:
How to Depict an Eerie, Ominous Atmosphere (Especially For Psychological Thrillers)
It seems indirect, but how people act and think in a situation influences how we view the situation itself. For this type of setting especially, highlight just how flawed your characters are.
What is at stake? How do your characters react to this? Show the cracks in their character. How they're being pushed into extremities. What they're willing to sacrifice--what they're not willing to sacrifice. Their desperate selfishness. Their doubts and insecurities and how they manifest.
It's nearly impossible to function properly in a high-tension, high-pressure environment. Peoples' worst traits are revealed here, and honestly? They just get uglier. Morals get compromised, promises are broken; everyone's in survival mode.
Of course, this takes time. Your cast should appear more or less normal at first, but as time goes on, you should be able to see the desperation really peek through.
Don't be afraid of this. Being able to properly utilize and depict humans in such tight conditions can absolutely sell your story!
II. The Odd Little... Artifacts.
In these situations, there are two types of people: those who panic, but are mostly honest about it, and those who don't.
The latter types of characters are dangerous. They're also trying to survive, but they approach the circumstances differently. They don't waste energy. They think things through with a cold, methodical, mindset because they're trying to win.
With (though not limited to) these characters, you'll often see sudden, odd shifts in mannerisms or seemingly "out-of-character" actions. They'll notice small details but don't comment on it. Their moods might be more variable. They might be more secretive.
I wouldn't suggest straight-up demonstrating the intentions of these characters to the audience because their small shifts in character builds juicy tension and suspicion.
People who panic under extreme pressure? Normal. It reveals the intensity of the pressure. But those who don't? That's terrifying.
Part 2: Describing the Environment
When you asked me how to write an eerie atmosphere, I'm assuming this is what mainly had in mind, so let's talk about it!
One of the most important aspects of writing a creepier setting is to infuse it with suspense.
Your characters are going to start feeling increasingly scared and tense as you reach the climax. Bring that out. Show the clipped conversations. Show how everyday, light peasantries receive no response. How no one can quite look in each others' eyes.
Such tension makes your readers aware that the situation is serious and there's things at stake.
II. Describe What's There... Or What's Not
I'm not one to say that in order to write an eerie atmosphere, your setting needs to be in a graveyard or abandoned mall; however, I believe that no matter what setting you are in, especially if it's not a more common "horror" location, you need to bring out the notion that wherever the characters are is rather uncanny.
Describe the small stuff first. Not only does it help with imagery, but it also shows how on-edge your characters are since they notice these things.
Mention the small scuffle they heard. The branch snapping. The howling of the wind. How every person in the area looks at them oddly.
Mention how the area is creepily silent. How the air seems as still and stale as a rusting, abandoned statue. How none of the towns' villagers will meet their eyes.
If you ever don't know how to begin describing, use the five senses as a checklist and begin as you see fit!
III. Show Physical Responses
Describing the environment directly is not a bad technique, but by adding some indirect description, you're really foiling this out!
Your character will notice stuff. They'll make comments. And dialogue can do a lot. They're great for foreshadowing and provide excellent description in itself.
"I don't like where this is heading." -> That's hesitation. Fear.
"It's not too late to turn back." -> That's doubt. Regret.
"Do y'all also have a bad feeling about this..?" -> That's apprehension. Premonition.
Aside from dialogue, don't forget to depict the small, nervous actions!
Sweaty palms, darting eyes, goosebumps, chills, drumming fingers: these things say so much without saying anything at all.
Remember: tension is formed by the tension of the characters.
This was a little long, but I hope this helps on your writing journey! Again, I very much appreciate your request, and if there is anything else I can do, please let me know!
