Writing The Supernatural - The Setting

The setting for your supernatural story is key. It becomes like a character itself. The setting must also work for the monster in that it has to fit the legend or backstory you have created. For example, a ghost in a creepy house, a monster in the woods. Of course, the place does not have to be creepy to begin with. It can turn that way over time. Or when the sun sets.
​You want to build tension over time. Let the MC have some moments of relief where they think they have solved the problem - rattling pipes, birds in the attic etc. Give them other locations to work with - safe, brightly lit locations that will contrast well with the main location.
If you are setting your story in an unfamiliar location or country, do your research. Nothing will break a reader out of a story faster than having something be off with the setting - for example having a specific type of animal that  doesn't live in that area or geography issues. Online street views can really help to paint a picture. Build it up in your mind, draw out rough sketches if it helps. This way you will know it inside out and it will help when it comes to moving your character around the location.

More next week!