How To Write Dark Fiction That is Thought-Provoking
Many people feel dark fiction has become popular only in the last few decades. However, this is a genre that has been around from the days of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein in the 1800s all the way till today. Because we live in a world that can sometimes be dark and scary, dark fiction will always be not only relevant, but popular.
The problem many authors face when trying to understand how to write dark fiction is how far too far is. How do you write about dark subjects in a way that engages readers rather than overwhelms them?
Let’s take a few minutes to understand what dark fiction is, why it is so popular, and how authors can write thought-provoking dark stories without going too far.
What is Dark Fiction?
Dark fiction is a genre of fiction stories that touch on more taboo subjects—subjects that are often not talked about. These stories may involve dystopian futures, bleak existence, hard social issues, injustice, mortality, and more. Dark romance, dark fantasy, and dark poetry are some of the most popular sub-genres (I’m always partial to a good dark sci-fi story myself).
Why is Dark Fiction Popular?
I personally enjoy dark writing because of the great hope it invokes. Seeing characters face these insurmountable obstacles and somehow manage to overcome them is endlessly inspiring. I also enjoy dark fiction because it creates conversations about tough issues that are often not talked about enough.
I believe many look to these stories, especially in times of hardship or instability, as not only a source of hope, but also because they see themselves in these characters. They may feel seen, heard, and understood by reading dark fiction, and they grow closer to the characters because of it.
How To Write Dark Fiction
So, how can you write a thought-provoking dark fiction story? Let’s take a look at some tips to help you:
What’s Your Why?
A crucial aspect of dark fiction is the meaning behind the story. These stories aren’t written simply for shock value or some other superficial reason—they are written as a way to open conversations to an underlying theme or issue. So, before you even begin writing, you need to figure out your why.
Some questions to ask yourself before you begin writing:
- What do I hope readers take away from this story?
- What feeling do I want to evoke from readers?
- How does this story help readers?
- What types of readers are most likely to connect with this story?
- What is the overall theme of this story?
How To Create Unease
When readers read your dark fiction story, you want to create at least some unease or discomfort in a way that is not overwhelming or off-putting. The obstacles your characters face can create this feeling by often seeming impossible to overcome. This creates a natural unease as readers see no way for the characters they are rooting for to win.
Dark fiction stories also have generally darker tones (who would’ve thought that?) which also helps illicit this discomfort.
Descriptions are Everything in Dark Fiction
To create a dark tone, you need to be descriptive. The location may be unusually bleak, bland, or monotone to create a depressing tone. You may also describe characters as smaller and weaker than their opponents to show they are not prepared to overcome the situation.
A nice spin to some dark fiction stories involves creating a divide—usually between the situation and the setting—to create an unsettling atmosphere. Squid Game on Netflix does a wonderful job of using bright, fun, colorful settings and happy children’s music to contrast the dark fighting and scary situation the characters face.
Examples of Popular Dark Stories and Their Genres
*This list is in no way absolute—it’s just meant to give you an idea of some popular dark fiction books.
American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
1984 by George Orwell
The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde
Dracula by Bram Stoker
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
The Stand by Stephen King
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
The Shining by Stephen King
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