write an essay on a nightmare i once had

We use cookies to enhance our website for you. Proceed if you agree to this policy or learn more about it.

• Essay Database >
• Essay Examples >
• Essays Topics >
• Essay on Cinema

My Worst Nightmare Essay

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Cinema , Family , Parents , Violence , Dreams , Movies , Thinking , Sleep

Published: 02/19/2020

ORDER PAPER LIKE THIS

My worst nightmare occurred when I was in high school. I was trying to get used to watching horror movies. I knew my weakness and I had never tried to watch such movies alone without the company of friends. On this day, I was home alone so I decided to watch a movie about vampires. Watching the vampires scared me and I could not sleep easily. I stayed in bed just wondering if vampires really existed. After a short time of meditation I got tired, my eyes were heavy with sleep and I dozed off. No sooner had I started sleeping than I started having a horrible nightmare that everyone in my neighborhood had turned into a vampire. My family members were never affected and we were the only human beings in the area. In my dream, it occurred to me that the other vampires had realized that there were people around. This meant that we would act as their source of food on that day, and it also meant that after being bitten we would be turned into vampires. In the dream, I saw myself waking up to peep through the window to see if they were really coming for us. I was not the only who heard roars. My parents and my brother were already awake thinking of a way that they could use to prevent the vampires from attacking us. At this point, I was already sweating and my heart was beating fast. I gave up and woke up I searched for my phone and called my brother so I could explain to him, maybe I would have gotten comfort. It is normally said that what a person dreams is normally in their thoughts. Now the vampires were getting closer, at this point we had to think of ways that would keep them from reaching our house. My parents suggested will light a fire because they feared light. However, it was too late. Some of them had already reached the door and were already pushing. The windows had already been broken and they were trying so hard to get in the house. I started screaming, however, I heard no voice. Since I could not run, I had to hold my brother tight thinking he was the one who would rescue me. I heard a loud knock on the door causing me to wake up. My heart was beating fast and when I peeped through my window, I saw our neighbors standing outside. I opened the door so I could hear what was happening. One of them asked if everything was okay, claiming he heard screams all night. It is at this point that I realized that I had my worst nightmare.

Cite this page

Share with friends using:

Removal Request

Finished papers: 1305

This paper is created by writer with

ID 287091870

If you want your paper to be:

Well-researched, fact-checked, and accurate

Original, fresh, based on current data

Eloquently written and immaculately formatted

275 words = 1 page double-spaced

Get your papers done by pros!

Other Pages

Sociology personal statements, rhythm book reviews, worry book reviews, pink book reviews, detention book reviews, integral book reviews, purity book reviews, jump book reviews, restoration book reviews, yellow book reviews, reaches essays, in country essays, complex world essays, alport essays, calmodulin essays, armata essays, building structure essays, comrey essays, foerster essays, aspergers essays, chagas essays, environmental justice frame work essay, literature review on topical summary paper, when your eyes deceive you the misinformation effect article review sample, traffic flow modeling essay, political economy of communications essay sample, dexter morgan the serial killer essay sample, argumentative essay on balancing different types of communication, the aetiology symptoms and pathogenicity of tuberculosis essay examples, good essay on robert frosts home burial and its place in literary movements, injuries essay samples, essay on leisure, free tolerance eases impact of french ban on full face veils nytimes essay example, free essay about sense and culture in ufo sightings, example of research paper on midterm, good george washington as a soldier essay example, responsibilities of lush and wonga com essays examples, free case study about delta airlines, good essay on thyroid diseases and medication, sample book review on engineering systems, good article review about the roman giant overgrowth syndrome in skeletal remains from the imperial age, parables of jesus essay sample.

Password recovery email has been sent to [email protected]

Use your new password to log in

You are not register!

By clicking Register, you agree to our Terms of Service and that you have read our Privacy Policy .

Now you can download documents directly to your device!

Check your email! An email with your password has already been sent to you! Now you can download documents directly to your device.

or Use the QR code to Save this Paper to Your Phone

The sample is NOT original!

Short on a deadline?

Don't waste time. Get help with 11% off using code - GETWOWED

No, thanks! I'm fine with missing my deadline

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Writing Tips Oasis - A website dedicated to helping writers to write and publish books.

How to Describe a Nightmare in a Story

By Brittany Kuhn

How to describe a nightmare in a story? If this question has brought you here, we have an answer! Actually we have 10 answers , or should we say 10 words that will help you. Read on!

1. Frightening

Producing fear .

“The frightening nightmare kept him up all night.”

“The nightmare was so frightening that she was afraid of returning to it if she went back to sleep.”

How it Adds Description

Nightmares, by definition, are dreams so scary and upsetting that they cause rational or irrational fear. Describing them as frightening gets straight the point and says exactly what kind of nightmare it is: one that makes the character scared to have the same dream again.

2. Unsettling

• Causing upset or disturbing feelings.
• Creating a sense of discomfort or worry.

“She was highly disturbed by the unsettling nightmare; it made her anxious for reasons she couldn’t describe.”

“What an unsettling nightmare! So many thoughts and feelings with no real reason for being there…”

Nightmares aren’t just scary. Sometimes, nightmares are upsetting because they create disjointed and uncomfortable feelings or associations. Use unsettling when you want to show your characters are more concerned by the nightmare’s images than scared.

3. Distressing

• Feelings of suffering or danger.
• Causing worry or anxiety.
• Cause change through great strain or damage.

“The distressing nightmare left her feeling anxious all day.”

“He wondered why he had had such a distressing nightmare about a tornado; was it a vision or just a nightmare?”

What makes nightmares even more concerning than the fear is the anxiety and worry left in the dreamer afterward. What if the nightmare were to become real? What if there’s a reason that they dreamt it that way? Describing the nightmare as distressing highlights all those concerns by putting the word stress front and center in connection to the nightmare.

4. Disturbing

Creating thoughts of apprehension , alarm, or unease.

“He was so upset by the disturbing nightmare that he could barely sleep the next night for fear of dreaming it again.”

“The nightmare was so disturbing that she kept seeing flashes of it in her head all the next day.

One of the worst parts of nightmares is how they can stay with the dreamer throughout the rest of the following days or weeks. Use disturbing if you want to emphasize the long-lasting effects of the nightmare and how it impacts the rest of the character’s choices and mood.

5. Terrifying

• Causing extreme fright or anxiety.
• Of an intimidating sort.

“With a scream caught in his throat and sweat on his brow, he bolted upright in the bed after the terrifying nightmare.”

“She stared blankly at the ceiling above her, no longer able to sleep after such a terrifying nightmare.”

Terrifying suggests something that is so scary it cannot be conquered, like inner demons or worst fears. Is the dreamer afraid of heights? Describe their nightmare as terrifying if it focuses on them having to jump from a tall building. Is there someone the dreamer is afraid of losing? Describe their nightmare as terrifying if they’re forced to choose between letting that person live or die. Use terrifying to show a deep, existential fear in the nightmare, rather than the normal jump scares.

6. Chilling

Exceedingly distressful or scary.

“The faces of the victims in her chilling nightmare followed her throughout her waking day.”

“He couldn’t understand why he had had such a chilling nightmare; what was he so afraid of to dream such horrible things?”

Describing a nightmare as chilling suggests that whatever the nightmare was about goes beyond just being scary. The fear and stress of it has seeped into the dreamer’s bones. The nightmare and its effects have become part of the dreamer to a point that they couldn’t forget it if they actively tried.

7. Petrifying

Overpoweringly scary.

“She felt paralyzed after waking from the petrifying nightmare; not a single muscle would move.”

“He awoke with a soundless scream from the petrifying nightmare.”

To petrify means to harden, as if into rock, so to be petrified means that you are so scared you cannot move. Your fight or flight response has short-circuited, and you are stuck to the spot, like a deer in headlights. It is fear multiplied by 1000. Describing a nightmare as petrifying suggests that the fear created by it is so great that the dreamer has been shocked into inaction.

8. Startling

Creating a quick moment of shock , fear, or bewilderment.

“The nightmare was so startling that he couldn’t forget it the next day.”

“She was shocked awake by the startling nightmare.”

Startling suggests that something quickly grabbed your attention, maybe through surprise. Think of ‘jump scares’ in films or TV shows; those are startling because they make the viewer almost literally jump with surprise. A startling nightmare creates anxiety more than fear through unexpected events rather than drawn out, existential ones.

9. Horrifying

To cause feelings of dread or disgust.

“He couldn’t get across the dread of the horrifying nightmare he just had; it was too painful to describe adequately.”

“What was more horrifying about the nightmare was the fact that he would probably have it again tonight, just like he had had every night this week.”

Horrifying is often used to describe something so frightening that its effects are felt long after the event has ended. Describing a nightmare as horrifying also suggests the events of the nightmare are beyond explanation because they’ve created such a sense of dread that the dreamer doesn’t want to return to it for a second.

10. Shocking

Exceptionally disturbing , tormenting, or unpleasant.

“The shocking nightmare had her up all night, contemplating its meaning and the state of her own brain in creating it.”

“He could not believe the shocking nightmare he just had; it was like nothing he’d ever experienced before.”

Like startling , a shocking nightmare is one that creates fear and anxiety through surprise; think of the effects of an electric shock. But where startling describes quick, unexpected moments of fear, shocking can be used to describe a nightmare that is more overwhelming. Use shocking if you want to emphasize that the dreamer is shaken by the contents of their nightmare and the reasons for their fear.

• Undergraduate
• High School
• Architecture
• American History
• Asian History
• Antique Literature
• American Literature
• Asian Literature
• Classic English Literature
• World Literature
• Creative Writing
• Linguistics
• Criminal Justice
• Legal Issues
• Anthropology
• Archaeology
• Political Science
• World Affairs
• African-American Studies
• East European Studies
• Latin-American Studies
• Native-American Studies
• West European Studies
• Family and Consumer Science
• Social Issues
• Women and Gender Studies
• Social Work
• Natural Sciences
• Pharmacology
• Earth science
• Agriculture
• Agricultural Studies
• Computer Science
• IT Management
• Mathematics
• Investments
• Engineering and Technology
• Engineering
• Aeronautics
• Medicine and Health
• Alternative Medicine
• Communications and Media
• Advertising
• Communication Strategies
• Public Relations
• Educational Theories
• Teacher's Career
• Chicago/Turabian
• Company Analysis
• Education Theories
• Shakespeare
• Canadian Studies
• Food Safety
• Relation of Global Warming and Extreme Weather Condition
• Movie Review
• Admission Essay
• Annotated Bibliography
• Application Essay
• Article Critique
• Article Review
• Article Writing
• Book Review
• Business Plan
• Business Proposal
• Capstone Project
• Cover Letter
• Creative Essay
• Dissertation
• Dissertation - Abstract
• Dissertation - Conclusion
• Dissertation - Discussion
• Dissertation - Hypothesis
• Dissertation - Introduction
• Dissertation - Literature
• Dissertation - Methodology
• Dissertation - Results
• GCSE Coursework
• Grant Proposal
• Marketing Plan
• Multiple Choice Quiz
• Personal Statement
• Power Point Presentation
• Power Point Presentation With Speaker Notes
• Questionnaire
• Reaction Paper
• Research Paper
• Research Proposal
• SWOT analysis
• Thesis Paper
• Online Quiz
• Literature Review
• Movie Analysis
• Statistics problem
• Math Problem
• All papers examples
• How It Works
• Money Back Policy
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• We Are Hiring

Nightmares, Essay Example

Pages: 2

Words: 583

Hire a Writer for Custom Essay

Use 10% Off Discount: "custom10" in 1 Click 👇

You are free to use it as an inspiration or a source for your own work.

This paper examines the concept of nightmares from a psychological perspective. It addresses the question of what actually causes nightmares and the psychological considerations relative to same.  The paper is split into the following sections: (i) Introduction and Background (ii) The causes of nightmares (iii) Psychological considerations (iv) Conclusions.

Introduction

Virtually everyone experiences nightmare or bad dreams at one time or another. The experience can leave you feeling scared, upset and frightened. The reality is that it cannot harm you.  Adults come to terms with this condition but this can be extremely frightening for young children who are still at an impressionable age and receive much more vivid dreams because of the very active state of the brain at that age.  As you sleep the brain does not shut down but goes through a state called Rapid Eye Movement (REM). During this condition you enter a dream state and these can potentially be very frightening or disturbing.

The Causes of Nightmares

The condition of a nightmare or bad dream is often a stress reliever and as such an upsetting experience during the day may be translated as a bad dream. This equally applies to watching horror movies like Nightmare on Elm Street, Dracula, Jason etc.  It can equally be induced by reading a scary book.  I remember being disturbed after reading a ghost story by Charles Dickens called the Signalman which portrayed tunnels.  Certain medications can also induce the state but equally there may be no apparent reason at all.

It is possible to help prevent nightmares for children by getting them into a healthy sleep state. Get them to avoid watching scary movies before they go to bed as the brain is particularly receptive to graphic images of violence. You may also use a nightlight in the child’s bedroom so that if they wake up suddenly they are surrounded by familiar things. Young children might be provided with a cuddly toy like a Teddy Bear that is essentially a prop as a trusted and protective friend.

Psychological Considerations

Where children experience repeated nightmare conditions, it may be prudent to seek medical advice from your Doctor who might recommend psychological counselling.  This is unusual but it may be symptomatic of a more serious problem. The child might have been traumatised in some way e.g. A marriage break-up or divorce, a dispute between the parents, a bullying situation at school etc.  These can be treated by medication but need to be addressed before more serious complications arise. Equally it might just require a simple condition change i.e. the child just needs to be hugged and feel protected. “ A sleep clinic can check your brain waves, muscle activity, breathing and other things that happen with your body whilst you sleep” (Gavin, 2009).

Conclusions

Adults are most prevalent to nightmares from taking medication or involved with heavy drinking “Particularly among adults, prescription drugs such as levedopa, reserpine, beta blockers, and antidepressants, as well as withdrawal from addictive drugs, all can provoke nightmares. Heavy drinking also is strongly associated with nightmares” (USA Today, 2010). In more serious cases Psychological intervention may prove to be extremely beneficial and they have access to a number of different techniques “Chronic nightmares have also been treated by a desensitization method that uses instruction about rehearsal of the nightmare and the imagining of a different ending.” (USA Today, 2010)

Works Cited

Gavin, M. L. (2009, 9 1). Nightmares . Retrieved 9 11, 2010, from Kids Health: http://kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/thought/nightmares.html#

USA Today. (2010). Health Encyclopedia – Diseases and Conditions . Retrieved 9 1, 2010, from USA Today: http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/612/main.html

Stuck with your Essay?

Get in touch with one of our experts for instant help!

Grand Juries, Essay Example

Rebuilding Civilization and Repopulating the Earth, Essay Example

Time is precious

don’t waste it!

Plagiarism-free guarantee

Privacy guarantee

Secure checkout

Money back guarantee

Related Essay Samples & Examples

Voting as a civic responsibility, essay example.

Pages: 1

Words: 287

Utilitarianism and Its Applications, Essay Example

Words: 356

The Age-Related Changes of the Older Person, Essay Example

Words: 448

The Problems ESOL Teachers Face, Essay Example

Pages: 8

Words: 2293

Should English Be the Primary Language? Essay Example

Pages: 4

Words: 999

The Term “Social Construction of Reality”, Essay Example

Words: 371

How to Write Nightmare Scenes (21 Tips + Examples)

Nightmare scenes are haunting journeys into a character’s subconscious that can add layers of depth to your narrative and evoke intense reactions from readers.

Here is how to write nightmare scenes:

Write nightmare scenes by understanding your character’s deepest fears, using vivid descriptions, ensuring emotional depth, and creating disorienting transitions. Avoid clichés and ensure that the nightmare resonates with the story’s overarching themes.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to write nightmare scenes.

What Are Nightmare Scenes?

Table of Contents

A nightmare scene is a narrative tool used by writers to delve into the subconscious mind of a character.

It often reveals their fears, insecurities, traumas, and sometimes even their desires.

The scene is typically a dream sequence but is marked by its unsettling, eerie, or even horrifying content.

Nightmare scenes give readers an intimate glimpse into the character’s mind, allowing readers to empathize more deeply with their struggles.

Anna’s eyes snapped shut, and she found herself in the middle of a dense forest. Trees with twisted branches loomed over her, casting long, sinister shadows. A chilling wind whispered her name, and as she turned around, she saw figures of her past, accusingly pointing at her, their eyes hollow and voices dripping with blame.

Types of Nightmare Scenes

Nightmare scenes can be diverse and serve different purposes in the narrative.

Here are ten distinct types you might consider:

• Flashback Nightmares – Revisiting traumatic past events.
• Symbolic Nightmares – Using symbols to represent fears or anxieties.
• Chase Nightmares – The character is chased by an unknown entity or fear.
• Loss Nightmares – Dreaming of losing someone or something dear.
• Monstrous Nightmares – Encountering monsters, either real or metaphorical.
• Apocalyptic Nightmares – Envisioning the end of the world or society.
• Trapped Nightmares – Being trapped or confined without escape.
• Falling Nightmares – The sensation of endlessly falling or failing.
• Failure Nightmares – Dreaming of failing at something critical.
• Mystery Nightmares – Ambiguous scenes that are unsettling but not clear in meaning.

For instance, if you want to hint at a character’s fear of abandonment, opt for a Loss Nightmare.

The vivid depiction of the character being left behind by their loved ones can have a profound emotional impact.

Mark stood at the train station, his family waving goodbye from the departing train. He ran alongside, shouting their names, but they couldn’t hear him. As the train faded into the distance, Mark was left alone, an overwhelming sense of desolation engulfing him.

21 Best Tips for Writing Nightmare Scenes

Here are 21 tips for how to write nightmare scenes in your story.

Tip #1: Dive Deep into the Character’s Psyche

When crafting a nightmare, it’s crucial to understand the character deeply.

What are their fears, traumas, desires, and past experiences?

Drawing from these will make the nightmare more personal and impactful.

For instance, if I know my protagonist has a fear of being alone, their nightmare might focus on isolation or abandonment. Such a scene would resonate deeply, as it touches on their core fear.

Sarah wandered the empty city streets, calling out for anyone. Every corner she turned, every building she entered, was eerily empty. The deafening silence weighed on her, a reminder of her greatest fear.

Tip #2: Use Vivid and Descriptive Language

Nightmares are visceral and intense.

To capture this, employ vivid descriptions that appeal to the senses. The aim is to make readers feel the character’s fear and dread.

In my writing, I often paint a vivid picture using rich details to immerse readers fully.

The more real the nightmare feels, the more unsettling it becomes.

The air was thick with the stench of rotting flesh. Every step James took was met with the squelch of decay beneath his feet. The moans of unseen creatures echoed around him, sending chills down his spine.

Tip #3: Manipulate Time and Space

In dreams, and especially nightmares, the constraints of reality can be bent.

Time can flow backward, speed up, or stand still.

Locations can morph and change in the blink of an eye. Leveraging these distortions can make the nightmare feel more dreamlike and surreal.

Personally, I’ve always found manipulating time to be especially disorienting in a narrative.

It leaves readers and characters feeling out of control, enhancing the overall unease.

Rebecca found herself standing at her childhood home one moment, and in the next, she was abruptly thrust into her school classroom from ten years ago. Clocks spun wildly, and days turned to night in seconds, creating a dizzying, disorienting effect.

Tip #4: Introduce Familiar Yet Distorted Elements

Twist the familiar to make it strange and unsettling.

This could be a beloved family member with a sinister grin, a childhood toy that comes to life, or a well-known place that’s eerily abandoned.

I’ve often introduced these distorted elements to give an uncanny feel.

The familiarity breeds comfort, but the distortion immediately shatters that, leaving the reader feeling uneasy.

As Lucy walked into her childhood bedroom, she saw her old teddy bear sitting on the bed. But its eyes were large, black voids, and its stitched smile had turned into a menacing snarl.

Tip #5: Play with Emotions and Sensations

A nightmare isn’t just visual.

It’s deeply emotional. Amplify feelings of fear, dread, panic, sadness, or guilt.

Think about physical sensations too – the cold grip of dread, the heat of panic, or the suffocating weight of despair.

In one of my stories, rather than detailing the nightmare’s visuals, I focused entirely on the protagonist’s rising panic and despair, making it palpably distressing for readers.

Every breath felt like a struggle, as if a heavy weight pressed on Alex’s chest. The air grew colder, his heart raced, and a sense of impending doom consumed him, even though there was no discernible threat in sight.

Tip #6: Use Repetition for Emphasis

Repetition can be a powerful tool in emphasizing certain elements or themes in the nightmare.

This can be a repeated phrase, scenario, or even a specific haunting image.

I’ve used repetition to represent inescapable fears or to emphasize a character’s obsession with a particular trauma or regret.

Everywhere Ellen turned, the same scene played out. Her brother, reaching out for help, and her unable to reach him in time. Over and over, the scene replayed, each time amplifying her sense of guilt.

Tip #7: Make It Personal

The most haunting nightmares are those that touch on personal traumas, regrets, or fears.

They should feel tailored to the character, reflecting their experiences, personality, and emotional state.

I once wrote a scene where a character constantly relived the moment she lied to a loved one, emphasizing her deep-rooted guilt.

The room was filled with mirrors. In each reflection, Clara saw herself, the lie spilling from her lips, the hurt in her friend’s eyes. No matter where she looked, the painful scene was inescapable.

Tip #8: Leave Some Elements Ambiguous

Sometimes, what’s left unsaid or unseen is more terrifying than a detailed description.

Leaving certain elements ambiguous can let the reader’s imagination fill in the gaps, often with something more terrifying than you could describe.

Ambiguity can be an ally.

It creates an unsettling atmosphere and allows each reader to imagine their version of horror.

David heard a whisper behind him, too faint to discern the words. He felt an icy presence, but when he turned around, there was nothing—just the echoing remnants of that chilling whisper.

Tip #9: Incorporate Real-Life Fears

Drawing from real-world fears can make the nightmare more relatable and terrifying for the reader.

Whether it’s the fear of loss, failure, isolation, or even societal issues, grounding the nightmare in reality can enhance its impact.

In my works, I’ve occasionally tapped into universal fears, making the narrative resonate with a broader audience.

Amidst a bustling crowd, Marie stood alone. Everyone around her wore masks, their eyes emotionless, voices silent. She screamed, but no sound came out. The fear of being isolated in a connected world became suffocating.

Tip #10: End with a Lasting Impact

The ending of the nightmare should leave a lasting impact, either on the character or the reader.

It could be a shocking revelation, a twist, or an emotional climax.

This ensures the scene remains memorable long after it’s over.

I’ve always believed that the ending of a nightmare should echo throughout the story, influencing the character’s actions or decisions.

As the shadows closed in on Jacob, a figure emerged—his younger self. The younger Jacob whispered, “It’s all your fault,” before the entire scene plunged into darkness, leaving Jacob waking up in a cold sweat.

Tip #11: Use Symbolism to Convey Deeper Meanings

Symbols can represent abstract fears, desires, or themes.

A crumbling house might symbolize deteriorating mental health, or a sinking ship might represent feelings of hopelessness.

From my personal experiences, readers often enjoy piecing together the meaning behind symbols, making the story more engaging and thought-provoking.

Lisa found herself in a vast orchard, but all the trees were barren. Each fruit she picked up turned to ash in her hands, symbolizing her deep-seated fears of infertility and loss.

Tip #12: Create Disorienting Transitions

Switch between scenes or settings abruptly to evoke a sense of disorientation.

In dreams, it’s common to jump from one place or time to another without a logical transition.

In my writing, these jarring shifts often mirror the character’s fragmented state of mind, emphasizing their emotional turmoil.

Henry was laughing with his family at a picnic when suddenly, the scene shifted. He was now standing on a cliff’s edge, the sea raging below, the laughter replaced with the howl of the wind.

Tip #13: Amplify the Unsettling with Sound

The soundscape of a nightmare can be as critical as the visuals.

The distant echo of a child’s laughter, the relentless ticking of a clock, or the muffled cries from an unknown source can elevate the scene’s eeriness.

I’ve found that a well-described auditory experience can deeply immerse the reader into the character’s nightmare.

Clara walked through the abandoned carnival, the only sound being the creaking of old rides and the haunting tune of a broken carousel, playing in a loop.

Tip #14: Utilize Unpredictability

The unpredictable nature of dreams can be a writer’s boon.

Characters can face sudden betrayals, unexpected dangers, or bizarre twists.

The lack of predictability keeps the reader on edge, unsure of what’s coming next.

I’ve often used unpredictability to mirror a character’s feeling of losing control in their life.

Jack was about to embrace his long-lost friend when the friend’s face morphed into that of Jack’s greatest enemy, sneering with malevolence.

Tip #15: Emphasize the Surreal

Enhance the dreamlike quality of the scene by incorporating surreal elements.

Floating islands, talking animals, or inanimate objects coming to life can make the nightmare feel otherworldly.

Incorporating surrealism has always expanded the complexity of my nightmare scenes, making them more memorable.

Maria stood in a field where the flowers had eyes, and the sky was a swirling mix of vibrant, unnatural colors. Birds with two heads flew overhead, singing in distorted melodies.

Tip #16: Allow for Emotional Resonance

The emotions experienced in the nightmare shouldn’t just vanish upon waking.

They should resonate, affecting the character’s mood, decisions, or relationships. This bridges the gap between the dream and reality, emphasizing the nightmare’s significance.

In my stories, the aftermath of a nightmare often provides a rich avenue for character development.

After witnessing his own death in the nightmare, Thomas became more cautious, his once fearless demeanor replaced with hesitation and introspection.

Tip #17: Keep the Stakes High

Even though it’s a dream, the stakes should feel real and high.

The character’s dread, the looming danger, or the potential loss should be palpable to maintain tension throughout the scene.

When I want to emphasize a character’s vulnerability, I ensure that the nightmare puts them in high-stake scenarios.

Emily found herself balancing on a thin plank above a vast chasm. With every step, the plank wobbled, and the abyss below beckoned with an eerie allure.

Tip #18: Play with Perception

Distorted perceptions can make the nightmare feel more disconcerting.

Giant objects, elongated corridors, or warped faces can create an environment of unease.

I’ve utilized distorted perceptions to represent a character’s feelings of being overwhelmed or disoriented in their waking life.

Walking through the town, Oliver noticed the buildings towering over him, reaching impossible heights. The people around seemed like giants, looking down at him with pitiful gazes.

Tip #19: Incorporate Real Memories with a Twist

Blend genuine memories with fictional elements.

This not only blurs the line between reality and fantasy but also makes the nightmare deeply personal for the character.

For instance, take a cherished memory and introduce a sinister twist, emphasizing the character’s guilt over past actions.

Sophie remembered the day at the beach with her sister. But in the nightmare, as they built sandcastles, dark waves approached, and her sister’s laughter turned to screams. Sophie couldn’t save her, no matter how hard she tried.

Tip #20: Use Opposites for Shock Value

Introduce elements that are the opposite of what one would expect.

A safe place becoming dangerous or a loved one turning hostile can be deeply unsettling.

I’ve played with opposites to catch the reader off guard, delivering unexpected shocks.

In the middle of the joyous wedding celebration, the music shifted to a mournful dirge. Guests, once smiling, now wept blood. The beautiful setting turned dark, foreboding, and hostile.

Tip #21: Convey a Sense of Inevitability

Sometimes, the terror in nightmares comes from the sense of inevitability.

No matter what the character does, they can’t change the outcome, creating a feeling of helplessness.

Drawing from my own fears, I’ve written scenes where the character feels trapped in a loop of dread, unable to alter their fate.

Jane kept running, but the monster behind her was always just a step away. No matter how fast or where she ran, it was always there, its breath on her neck, the sense of impending doom never fading.

How to Format a Nightmare Scene in a Novel

Nightmare scenes, while pivotal to a story, should also be distinguishable from the regular flow of the narrative.

This distinction not only signals to readers that they’re about to enter a different realm but also aids in immersion.

1. Use Italics or Different Font Styles

A common technique is to italicize the entire nightmare scene.

This visually separates the scene from the rest of the narrative. Some authors opt for a different font style or even a slight change in font size to denote the dreamlike quality.

2. Provide a Clear Entry and Exit

Always have a clear transition into and out of the nightmare.

This could be the character falling asleep, a sudden feeling of dizziness, or even an abstract transition like the world fading away.

Similarly, exiting the dream could be signaled by the character jolting awake, or the scene slowly fading out.

3. Consider Chapter Breaks or Segments

If the nightmare is significant and detailed, it might warrant its own chapter or segment.

Beginning a new chapter with the nightmare can give it the emphasis it deserves, and ending the chapter with the character waking up can provide a neat closure.

Biggest Mistakes When Writing a Nightmare Scene

Nightmare scenes, while captivating, can easily go awry if not executed correctly.

Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Being too vague
• Relying too much on cliches
• Disconnection
• Ignoring emotional depth
• Making the scene too long

1. Being Too Vague or Abstract

While ambiguity can be a tool, overdoing it can leave readers confused.

If the nightmare’s events or symbols are too abstract without clear relevance to the character or plot, it might come off as filler content.

2. Over-relying on Clichés

Haunted houses, shadowy figures, or monstrous creatures are commonplace in nightmares.

While they can be effective, relying solely on these clichés can render the scene predictable and dull.

3. Disconnecting from the Main Narrative

The nightmare should serve a purpose in the broader story.

Whether it’s character development, foreshadowing, or providing backstory, it should tie back to the main narrative.

A random nightmare with no relevance can disrupt the story’s flow.

4. Ignoring Emotional Depth

Nightmares aren’t just about scary or unsettling imagery.

They’re deeply emotional experiences.

Failing to convey the emotional and psychological impact of the nightmare on the character makes the scene feel shallow.

A well-written nightmare should resonate with the character’s deepest fears, regrets, or desires, leaving a lasting emotional impact.

5. Prolonging the Scene Unnecessarily

While it’s tempting to dive deep into the intricacies of a nightmare, dragging it out can lead to reader disengagement.

A concise, impactful scene is often more effective than an extended, meandering one.

Remember, the essence of a nightmare is its intensity, not necessarily its duration.

Over-extending the scene can dilute its potency and make it tedious for the reader.

3 Full Examples of Writing a Nightmare Scene

Let’s look at three full examples of how to write nightmare scenes in different genres.

As Clara walked down the aisle, the congregation’s excited murmurs turned to mocking whispers. The man at the altar wasn’t her beloved but a faceless entity. Her wedding dress became tattered and stained. The beautiful roses in her hand wilted, their petals falling one by one. As she reached out to the faceless groom, he vanished, leaving her alone amidst the jeering crowd.

Commander Ray floated in the vast emptiness of space, his spaceship a mere speck in the distance. His oxygen was depleting, each breath more laborious than the last. As he reached out for the tether to pull himself back, it snapped. Alien constellations watched impassively as the void consumed him, the cold, infinite darkness pressing in from all sides.

3. Historical Fiction

Amidst the bustling streets of Victorian London, Eleanor walked, but something was amiss. The cobblestone streets turned to quicksand, slowing her down. Horse-drawn carriages raced past, their drivers faceless, their horses skeletal. The once-familiar buildings loomed, their shadows twisted and menacing. The people she knew turned their backs, fading into the mist, leaving Eleanor isolated in a distorted version of her world.

Here is a good video about how to write a dream sequence (including nightmares) in your story:

Final Thoughts: How to Write Nightmare Scenes

Crafting a haunting nightmare scene can deeply enrich your narrative, unveiling layers of a character’s psyche in an evocative manner.

Before you go, check out a few of our other blog posts on writing scenes.

Read This Next:

• How to Write Montage Scenes (21 Tips + Examples)
• How to Write a Mental Hospital Scene (21 Tips + Examples)
• How to Write Fast-Paced Scenes: 21 Tips to Keep Readers Glued
• How to Describe Fear in Writing (21 Best Tips + Examples)

Harvard Medical School (Research on Nightmares)

The Word Nightmare Once Had An Even Scarier Meaning

The world of dreams is a truly strange place. Some of us claim never to dream at all, or at least never to remember them. Others can recount vivid dreams that took them to the most unexplained and bizarre places. Riding through a field of candy canes on the back of a multi-colored horse/gigantic beetle hybrid that has standard lamps for legs? That's not the sort of experience you get to have every day, but in dreams, anything is possible.

Strange and ridiculous dreams can be quite entertaining. If nothing else, they give you an interesting story to tell friends and family the next day. Nightmares, however, can be truly traumatic. From horror movie-esque scenes to our greatest fears being realized, nightmares seem to delight in devastating our minds when we're at our most vulnerable. The even more frightening thing is the origin of the word "nightmare" itself. It's steeped in the tale of a creature you may indeed meet in a ghastly dream.

Nightmare, you might think, is just a word for a scary dream. It certainly is often used in that context, but there's an important distinction to be drawn. As Sleep Foundation reports, true nightmares awaken the unfortunate person experiencing them from their fitful slumber. Merely distressing dreams, it seems, do not.

A visit from a mare in the night could be fatal

As Merriam-Webster reports, nightmare has a variety of definitions. It is often used literally (defined as "a frightening dream that usually awakens the sleeper"), but is just as commonly employed in a figurative sense: anything from a traffic jam to a hangnail can be considered a "nightmare" of an experience. Merriam-Webster's other definition of the word, however, is by far the most unsettling: "an evil spirit formerly thought to oppress people during sleep." It seems that there used to be a belief in a "mare" of the night, and she was an even less welcome nighttime visitor than Freddy Krueger.

In "Heimskringla: History of the Kings of Norway," Snorri Sturluson describes the supposed grim fate of King Vanlandi. The king attracted the wrath of his wife, Drifa, who called upon a witch named Huld to fix his wagon. Or, rather, to have him crushed to death by a nightmare.The author relates, "he had hardly gone to sleep when he called out, saying that a nightmare rode him. His men went to him ... when they took hold of his head the nightmare trod on his legs so they nearly broke; and when they seized his feet it pressed down on his head so that he died."

Nightmares remain terrifying experiences

The Online Etymology Dictionary states that the word "nightmare," in this scary context, first appeared during the 14th century. Around 250 years later, its meaning had reportedly changed to indicate not the malevolent spirit or creature itself, but the awful suffocating feeling associated with its nighttime attacks. Seeing characters in TV shows and movies awakening from nightmares in dramatic fashion today, it's clear that we can still at least partially relate with this feeling.

Britannica , in fact, states that such feelings are commonly experienced by those awakening from harrowing nightmares. These people may not be having their bodies crushed by malevolent spirits, but the sentiment is the same. Healthline reports that nightmares (harrowing dreams, not the spirits) can have a range of different causes, from sickness to anxiety, which can make them difficult to predict. The outlet doesn't mention learning about the true origins of the word "nightmare" being a factor, but we can probably take that as a given.

Snapsolve any problem by taking a picture. Try it in the Numerade app?

Looking for something more advanced and urgent? Then opt-in for an advanced essay writer who’ll bring in more depth to your research and be able to fulfill the task within a limited period of time. In college, there are always assignments that are a bit more complicated and time-taking, even when it’s a common essay. Also, in search for an above-average essay writing quality, more means better, whereas content brought by a native English speaker is always a smarter choice. So, if your budget affords, go for one of the top 30 writers on our platform. The writing quality and finesse won’t disappoint you!

Premium essay writers

Essay writing help from a premium expert is something everyone has to try! It won’t be cheap but money isn’t the reason why students in the U.S. seek the services of premium writers. The main reason is that the writing quality premium writers produce is figuratively out of this world. An admission essay, for example, from a premium writer will definitely get you into any college despite the toughness of the competition. Coursework, for example, written by premium essay writers will help you secure a positive course grade and foster your GPA.

Customer Reviews

Some FAQs related to our essay writer service

Is essay writing service legal?

Essay writing services are legal if the company has passed a number of necessary checks and is licensed. This area is well developed and regularly monitored by serious services. If a private person offers you his help for a monetary reward, then we would recommend you to refuse his offer. A reliable essay writing service will always include terms of service on their website. The terms of use describe the clauses that customers must agree to before using a product or service. The best online essay services have large groups of authors with diverse backgrounds. They can complete any type of homework or coursework, regardless of field of study, complexity, and urgency.

When you contact the company Essayswriting, the support service immediately explains the terms of cooperation to you. You can control the work of writers at all levels, so you don't have to worry about the result. To be sure of the correctness of the choice, the site contains reviews from those people who have already used the services.

What is the best essay writer?

The team EssaysWriting has extensive experience working with highly qualified specialists, so we know who is ideal for the role of the author of essays and scientific papers:

• Easy to communicate. Yes, this point may seem strange to you, but believe me, as a person communicates with people, he manifests himself in the texts. The best essay writer should convey the idea easily and smoothly, without overloading the text or making it messy.
• Extensive work experience. To start making interesting writing, you need to write a lot every day. This practice is used by all popular authors for books, magazines and forum articles. When you read an essay, you immediately understand how long a person has been working in this area.
• Education. The ideal writer should have a philological education or at least take language courses. Spelling and punctuation errors are not allowed in the text, and the meaning should fit the given topic.

Such essay writers work in our team, so you don't have to worry about your order. We make texts of the highest level and apply for the title of leaders in this complex business.

Customer Reviews

The first step in making your write my essay request is filling out a 10-minute order form. Submit the instructions, desired sources, and deadline. If you want us to mimic your writing style, feel free to send us your works. In case you need assistance, reach out to our 24/7 support team.

What if I’m unsatisfied with an essay your paper service delivers?

Finished Papers

Total Price

Tinggalkan balasan batalkan balasan.

Alamat email Anda tidak akan dipublikasikan. Ruas yang wajib ditandai *

Customer Reviews

Pricing depends on the type of task you wish to be completed, the number of pages, and the due date. The longer the due date you put in, the bigger discount you get!

Know Us Better

• Knowledge Base
• Referencing Styles
• Know Our Consultance
• Revision and Refund Policy
• Terms Of Use

Customer Reviews

How does this work