{"id":27607,"date":"2023-09-26T03:00:59","date_gmt":"2023-09-26T10:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/?p=27607"},"modified":"2023-09-25T06:51:27","modified_gmt":"2023-09-25T13:51:27","slug":"five-rules-for-writing-ghosts-by-laurel-osterkamp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/writersfunzone.com\/blog\/2023\/09\/26\/five-rules-for-writing-ghosts-by-laurel-osterkamp\/","title":{"rendered":"Five Rules For Writing Ghosts by Laurel Osterkamp"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Five<\/a>Let\u2019s welcome back Laurel Osterkamp<\/a> as she shares with us \u201cFive Rules For Writing Ghosts.\u201d Enjoy!<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Autumn is the perfect time for ghost stories.<\/strong> The mystery, intrigue, and spookiness factor is sure to attract readers.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also a great opportunity for writers to let their creativity run wild.<\/p>\n

But are there rules we should follow when writing a major character who is a ghost?<\/p>\n

Writing ghost characters can be freeing and fun<\/strong>, however, it can also be tricky to pull off in a way that\u2019s both realistic and believable.<\/p>\n

Ghost stories can be difficult to write for two reasons: first, it requires a suspension of disbelief on the part of the reader, and second, it requires the author to think outside the box when it comes to how the character interacts with other characters and the environment.<\/p>\n

Because my current WIP involves a major character who\u2019s a ghost<\/strong> (and it\u2019s my first time writing a ghost story), I thought I\u2019d research and figure out some ground rules. Here\u2019s what I came up with:<\/p>\n

1. Establish a Backstory
\n<\/b><\/h2>\n

With any character you\u2019re going to write, backstory is important. But with a ghost character, that importance is heightened.<\/p>\n

Create a history for your ghost<\/strong>, including how they died and why they are still lingering in our world.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also vital to consider the ghost\u2019s motivations.<\/p>\n