essay on a worst nightmare

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My Worst Nightmare Essay

Type of paper: Essay

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

Published: 02/19/2020

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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.

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My Worst Nightmare

The story is about a girl who had two friends over at her house when they received a scary message from an unknown person. They didn’t take it seriously and continued chatting until one of the girls went to the bathroom and didn’t return. The protagonist went to check on her friends and found them dead. She was attacked by the killer but managed to escape and call the police. The killer fell into the pool and was caught by the police. The protagonist’s parents arrived and the night was finally over.

It started in my room, during a solitary moment when the clock hit midnight. The recollections of my two friends’ deaths in this house overwhelmed me. This occurred on a Friday evening while my parents attended a party. To avoid being alone, I had asked my two dearest friends to come over. We were gathered in my room, engrossed in our laptops, playfully messaging each other. Out of nowhere, we received an unsettling message from ‘yourworstnightmare84’ advising us to be careful because our worst fear would manifest that night. The three of us exchanged apprehensive gazes.

Michelle appeared pale and Kylie was filled with fear as she nervously questioned, “Who sent this?” In an effort to calm them down, I replied, “It’s probably just someone trying to scare us. Don’t be scared.” Suddenly, a new message popped up on the screen: “Maybe you should be worried.” Worriedly, Michelle inquired, “Does that mean he’s inside our house?” Hastily, I reassured her by saying, “No. It seems like the microphone on my laptop must have transmitted my voice to this unsettling person’s computer.” Michelle let out a relieved sigh and added with relief, “That’s good news because I really need to go to the bathroom.”

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After leaving the room, Kylie and I both powered off our laptops. We engaged in a lengthy conversation lasting for an hour and a half, focusing on the attractive boys at our school. It was during this discussion that we realized Michelle had not come back yet. Concerned about her well-being, Kylie volunteered to check on her since she had been in the bathroom for quite some time.

I waited patiently for their return but grew increasingly worried when several minutes went by without any sign of them. Determined to uncover the cause of the delay, I sprinted down the stairs until reaching the bathroom door. Anxiously opening it, I was met with a horrifying sight: Michelle’s gaze.

Michelle and Kylie suffered a horrifying fate when they were brutally stabbed, resulting in their throats being slit and their t-shirts stained with blood. I found myself paralyzed by fear, torn between the desire to escape from the house where the killer couldn’t harm me and my body’s inability to respond. However, after hesitating for a moment, I mustered up the courage to sprint towards the door. Just as I was about to reach it, a menacing man grabbed hold of my throat and trapped me in a suffocating grip. Gasping for air, I somehow gathered enough strength to forcefully thrust my fist forward and strike him with all my might.

After stumbling back, I rushed to my backyard and discovered that my gate was locked, leaving me trapped. The killer aggressively came towards me, but miraculously, I narrowly avoided his attack with his bloodied knife. Instead, he plunged into the deep end of my pool where he struggled for air despite not being able to swim. Without hesitation, I immediately called the police who arrived in just five minutes. Soon after, my parents also arrived on the scene and finally brought a sense of relief as this terrifying night came to an end.

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My Worst Nightmare (A Short Story)

As I Walked down that bitter and harsh road I looked back as he continued to walk out of my life. I t was then I realized I was making a big mistake.

“Thomas” I called my words falling upon deaf ears. I had a sudden urge to wring his neck like a piece of cloth.

He continued to walk on though he did look behind

“Why so you can hurt me like you did to Jason?”

“It wasn’t me!”  I lied  

I should start from the beginning. My name is Debra Witch Anna Craft .Put those words together and you get Debra Witchcrafts Yep you got it in one I am powerful   I don `t know how to say it let’s just say between me and you I am powerful enough to speed up the end of world. Let me go through my ……… Gifts. Well I can take the form or shape of anything that walks on Heaven or on Earth or in hell and all the other 8 planets also. Oh yes did I mention that I am Satan’s child though I have been put on this universe to stop mankind from destroying itself. What you just witnessed was an argument between my former lover and me. He had unfortunately had been the witness of a brutal killing. Let me go into detail about my fore fathers. My mother is Latvia Carmen. I beg your pardon I forget you have not pondered this Earth as long as I have. My father Johan Satan is the bearer of bad news the bringer of death and the punisher. My father had a great quarrel with the God Zeus therefore cursing and vowing to wipe the seed of mankind.

My mother Latvia Carmen is the daughter of Zeus she fell in love with my father unaware that he was the devil she soon became wise to his cunning ways before my father could protest he had her eating out of his hands and before she could anything he had her turned into bride of the devil. My grandfather Zeus s had little to say so he forced my mother into exile .All he asked that when a child was born to them that he could see ME.  So every 3 months I see Zeus on mount Olympus. I am immortal being. I go to a high school that is called Emmanuel Christ School. Don’t let the name fool you it is hardly into Jesus it was a place of dirty deeds half of my friends had lost their virginity way before I had even thought about it. The teachers are there are, into dirty habits. I myself have had a couple of boy friends. Thomas being the latest notch on my belt. I am not into long relationships .Oh I forget I important detail I need the cardiovascular system.  Unless you’re a science freak you will properly not know what that means. Well let me explain that in layman terms. The cardiovascular system is the system in which blood flows. Every demon has their Achilles heel and mine is that if I don’t get my daily supply of that system then no more Debra Witch Craft. You see my father he even though he is the devil he can still be killed, I cannot tell you out the fear that you may indeed want to kill him. He may be the devil but he still is my father. My Mother Latvia has forbidden me to make more of my kind as they could also lead to doomsday .I didn’t tell you that I could make more of my kind. But unlike me they will not be able to control them selves; they will use their power for evil deeds, stuff so bad I forbade myself from even thinking it. Though there is only a 10% chance of this, but I am not willing to take that chance.

 Now you know about me let me tell you more about the brutal killing my former lover had witnessed. I was in the holy ritual of gaining what I seeked when my dear boyfriend decided to pay me a visit that reminds me I must clean up the house it reeks of human blood. Oh well you gain some and you lose some. Too bad that I had to use Jason as my supply because he was one horny teenager. I’ll let you be the boss of that; I’ll replay the foreplay before the killing.

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 I stood in the mirror in the hall looking at myself trying to pull my miniskirt below my knees.

Ding-dong. Shoot he was here already. I timidly walked to the door it was hell walking in those high heels.

“Hi Jason so glad that you could make it “I kissed him lightly on the cheek to let him know that I meant business

“So do you want to come through, the living room is the first on the left I just got to check on the turkey, I gave Jessica a night off I want no disruptions!”

Ha lie very well don’t you think, I gather you understand what I was going in the kitchen for. To get myself ready after all to claim the cardiovascular system I have to gain the respect of my supplier and the ages in which society lives in now days expects you to act like a tart to gain what you need, most of my friends were sleeping with the son’s of rich men just so they could get into a good college and become rich without none of the work fortunately for me I only went to school to keep my true identity hidden for I knew the secrets that man is discovering when I was first born. Anyway back to the foreplay.

I sauntered back into the living room after having allegedly checked on the turkey

“Hey do you want to eat now or get drunk?” I asked profoundly knowing what the answer would be I just thought that it would be polite

“Get drunk, like every other teenager”, he replied

“I’ll be back in a moment “

I brought him Barcode Breezes and made myself comfortable.

“Hey want to listen to my music? He gave me a weird look and said, “That depends on what you have to offer “

I felt a tingly sensation down my spine when he said that. I put Missy Elliot and dragged him to the middle of the room and lightly punched him on the chest, from what I could feel he was a well-muscled guy. I guessed I would have to summon all my strength to deal with him. He was a good dancer though after the third song he started to come on to me.

“Your looking good tonight I’d like to go one- one with you” he whispered into my ear

“I’d love to but let’s take this up to my room” I said kissing him lightly on the lips. A Chilling sensation went down my spine. I thought to myself hunk, sex wonderful combination. I decided to take the lead.  There was a wonderful pounding sensation thumping in my head, but I couldn’t determine whether it was sexual or instincts. I was practically dragging the boy; on the third step he pulled me closer and practically chewed on my lips. I took him up to the room and we let nature run its course. You must be wondering why I did that it was to weaken so that I could kill him easily now the juicy fulfilling part of the job gaining what I sought my cardiovascular system.  I went to the bathroom to summon my strength.

Powers of hell

I call upon thee

Bring my desire

With the winds of fire

To cure my aching flee

I call upon my father  

To aid me with my loss

And bring me what is mine for all

For the better for the worse

For power that is mine,

That is truly fine.

Bring it to me to set it free!!!

Within the minute I had finished my incantation Carmilla my father’s sister appeared before me

“Well, needing your father’s aid, I knew that since the day that you were born “

I looked at her with disgust .Let me explain when my father married my mother, Camilla didn’t agree she thought that he should marry someone equal to his evil standards .She thought my mum was too goody her. The child she felt would not be evil enough to take care of hell. She said I relied on my father too much.

“Well, well what does daddy’s princess want?”

“I want him to call on the powers of hell to help me, give me strength “I replied not showing any emotion

“Fine you’re so lucky you’re my brother’s  daughter cause I would have killed you ages ago”

“And you’re so lucky you’re my father’s sister as I would have killed you ages ago” I replied back. This bitch was getting on my nerves

She started saying an incantation, which I wasn’t bothered to listen to. I sat on the edge of the bath  and started playing with my nails. The room started to get hotter I stood up and joined hands with my aunt .this was the only time I ever would get close to my aunt.

“Powers of hell I summon thee

Bring me what I seek

Ask no more from me

Here I wait humble and meek

I bowed my head, I had to wait ….wait until what I had asked for came to me. I looked up and saw a dark shadowy figure moving  behind my aunt. I smiled a wicked smile I knew “Daddy” would never let me down

The figure took one giant step and before I knew it was standing before me. My aunt looked at me knowingly “My business here is done” she said and with that she disappeared took a step closer to the shadow I could feel the cool breeze coming from it but when it opened it’s mouth or where it’s mouth should have been  it felt as if hell was breathing upon me .The shadow stepped towards me, it was practically in me .I felt like I was burning then. At that precise point the shadow disappeared as quick as it had appeared. Now I had cleared up business at this end I had some well…..unfinished business waiting for me. I splashed some cold water on my face and strolled back to the bedroom. He was putting his clothes back on

“Going so soon” I asked putting a pout on my face  

“That depends …why?” he said smiling mischievously

“Well that was only the starters there’s still dinner left “I said kissing him lightly

The boy looked baffled “Are we chatting about the same thing” he asked

“Maybes” I said being as sluttish as I could

“Well I’m hungry for some action” he said laughing.

“Well follow me “I said leading him out of the bedroom. As we got to the stairs I jumped on his back “I want a piggy-bank” I said as innocently as I could. Am I a pro or what? Unaware to this poor unsuspecting boy there was a knife in my back pocket As he went downstairs with me on his back I slowly pulled out the knife ….I lifted it high above his head and bought it down as hard as I could.”AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGHH” the boy screamed like a little wittle baby. This was my chance I somersaulted over him so that now I was facing him, poor kid he was in shock but thankfully he wasn’t in pain I tried to do him a favor and kill him before he felt any pain. He squirmed and screamed

“Listen….”I said trying to hold him down and get his attention

“Shut up…”I bellowed. His eyes locked themselves on mine “Look the more you move the longer it’s gonna take, so quit moving and let me do my job,” I whispered into his ear

He stopped moving and sat up as he looked at his wound. I reclaimed my knife from off the floor the knife was oozing with his blood. I licked the knife clean off every drop. Jason turned away he looked as if he was going to throw up. I came closer to him the knife still in my hand as I bought the knife closer to his chest it finally clicked to him what I was going to do. His eyes were full of dismay and sadness. I always hated suppliers who did that who used puppy dog eyes on me; it sickened me how they thought those kind of tricks would work on a demon child like myself. While I was lost in my own trail of thoughts, I hadn’t been able to see that Jason was trying to figure out a way to escape. As I returned to the human world I saw that. I snarled showing my razor sharp teeth. He laughed a fake laugh to kid himself; I smiled for him showing him that it hurt me having to do this. Yeah right! I have to live to you know. I noticed that he was wearing a shirt, flipping hell I’d have to take it off him, the knife in my mouth and started to open the buttons, I wasn’t looking at his face but at his buttons so I wasn’t able to see him bring his foot up and kick me in my chest I fell back shocked.” What the fuck do you think your playing at here I am trying to be nice    

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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)

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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.

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Nightmare - Free Essay Examples and Topic Ideas

Nightmare is a disturbing dream that brings feelings of fear, anxiety, and despair. It is usually accompanied by intense physical sensations such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath. Nightmares can be caused by a variety of factors including stress, trauma, medication, or even certain foods. They often shake people to their core, waking them up in a cold sweat and leaving them feeling unsettled for hours afterward. While they are a common occurrence, recurring nightmares can be a sign of underlying mental health issues and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

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Casemiro’s Liverpool nightmare signals the beginning of his end at Manchester United

Erik ten hag delivered the half-time axe in a telling moment for the brazilian, who floundered in a chastening defeat by liverpool, article bookmarked.

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Old Trafford is scarcely short of traditions, but they have a new one. For the third game of the season, at home to Liverpool and when Manchester United have already been beaten by Brighton, they unveil an expensive defensive midfielder, parading him on the pitch before kick-off. For 2022, read 2024. For Casemiro , read Manuel Ugarte .

But only because the solution has become the problem. If United recognised the need to replace Casemiro less than two years after his debut and with two more years remaining on one of football’s worst contracts, the Brazilian couldn’t even occupy the role until the Ugarte era can begin in earnest, until he is eligible. If history is destined to repeat itself, Casemiro’s afternoon contained tragedy and farce . It was sufficiently harrowing, so humiliating to suggest this is the end: except no one else – not even a Saudi Arabian club – will want his salary on their books so United are trapped with a £63m deadweight.

If retirement doesn’t beckon, it is because of a contract. Casemiro’s former Real Madrid sidekick, Luka Modric, is six years his senior and still going but Casemiro feels an old 32. Now he puts the ‘old’ into Old Trafford.

He is not alone in that. There were ex-Manchester United footballers everywhere: Roy Keane in the television studio, Ruud van Nistelrooy in the dugout, Jaap Stam in the press box, Bryan Robson, Denis Irwin and Gary Pallister, dressed in white tracksuits – to their evident amusement – on the club’s request. There was an ex-footballer on the pitch, too: in the centre of United’s midfield. If, that is, they had a midfield.

Leave football before football leaves you, as Jamie Carragher put it. The game can have a cruelty, consigning its greats to the past with brutal illustrations they have become yesterday’s man. The football left Casemiro at Old Trafford: for each of Liverpool’s first two goals where, in different ways, he contrived to lose possession. He decided the English Clasico; just not in the way he was supposed to.

His week’s work has brought him more than £300,000 and only lasted 45 minutes; which, for those who can cope with the embarrassment, is a profitable business. His cameo – if a start can be described as such – was rammed with ignominies. There was Liverpool’s opening goal, fashioned when Casemiro presented the ball to Ryan Gravenberch but providing another action replay of sorts. United left players unmarked at the far post again. At least this time it was only two – the scorer Luis Diaz and Dominik Szoboszlai – after Brighton’s three when Joao Pedro scored. The only man marking Diaz when he headed in was his teammate.

There was Diaz’s second goal, when Casemiro was robbed by the Colombian, looking aged and cumbersome as he stumbled to the turf. To compound it, Diaz swept home his second goal after the kind of run a defensive midfielder ought to track.

There was the moment when Casemiro passed the ball straight out of play from Noussair Mazraoui’s throw: even a simple ball back to the taker proved beyond him. His powers have waned at Old Trafford; sadly, suddenly, shockingly. With his successor sat in the stands, these could be called ill-timed errors or evidence to the watching Ugarte of the scale of his task. There was a hole at the heart of their midfield, a vacancy for the tackler supreme.

Finally, there came the verdict from Erik ten Hag: the half-time axe. Enter Toby Collyer, who had never played a minute of league football. It was a substitution that suggested anyone would be better than Casemiro. Collyer ran around enthusiastically, if largely cluelessly: he was the older of a double act with Kobbie Mainoo, who again underlines that it breaches the Trade Descriptions Act to call him a defensive midfielder.

But Casemiro was supposed to be the best of his generation, even if it now looks the last generation. One of his last Real Madrid games was against Liverpool; it brought him his fourth Champions League. Yet the last year has brought untold examples of decline. There was the horror show against Crystal Palace, the weird, one-man interpretation of the offside trap against Arsenal, the way he was dropped for Sofyan Amrabat for the FA Cup final. There is a sorrow to it; United may have been a sinecure at the end of a glorious Real career but it was not supposed to go this way.

But it was proof that time waits for no man. Although if it did wait for Casemiro, it may be a lengthy wait. It could take him quite some time to catch up. The statue of United’s ‘holy trinity’ moves faster than the Brazilian.

Yet as United are already replacing a flagship signing from 2022, it illustrated how quickly their plans can go horribly wrong. And as Ugarte will be presumably be parachuted in, designed to be the catalyst Casemiro initially was, United have to hope the familiarity of the scenario means they are not trapped in a cycle of failure.

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