Let's Write A Gothic Story & 5 Gripping Openings

Welcome to the first video in my series ‘Let’s Write A Gothic Story”. Several of you have commented that you’re writing or want to write your own gothic narrative, so I’ve created this series to help you make that dream a reality. Over several videos, we’ll explore the structure of successful storytelling with a Gothic twist to enable you to craft your very own Gothic tale. If that sounds interesting, hit the notification bell now so you don’t miss the next upload where I’ll focus on exposition - the beginning stage of a story where setting, characters and genre are usually established.
Before we get started, turn on the subtitles and download the pdf containing these five gothic openings as well as a glossary of the literary terms discussed, which you can find in the description box down below. Then you can annotate it directly on your device or print it off - whatever works for you. Lastly, feel free to pause the video and make any notes as we go along.

[@LitCrit]

Here's the PDF of the 5 Gothic Opening Lines mentioned in the video: drive.google.com/file/d/1a3QOU-_jndXkYQXCXFUC7ixphBH4GipV/view?usp=sharing

[@randomvids4383]

I respect the grind Ms. Scourti

[@LitCrit]

Thanks! Enjoy the video.

[@marcusblacknell-andrews1783]

As a D&D player, this is perfect for helping me craft my horror games.

[@LitCrit]

@@marcusblacknell-andrews1783 sounds interesting! Tell me more :)

[@marcusblacknell-andrews1783]

@@LitCrit, if you get a copy of “Van Ricthen’s Guide to Ravenloft” you’ll learn everything you need to know to create a horror RPG.

[@LitCrit]

Thanks! This is uncharted territory for me 😂

[@MagnificentSails]

The sharp splinter of agony was as strident as the heavy wooden door laden with chains ; latching atop me in that catacomb beneath the cathedral of stone.

[@MagnificentSails]

I'm sure I butchered the punctuation LOL

[@LitCrit]

I can give you some suggestions if you like?

[@MagnificentSails]

@@LitCrit yeah sure that'd be fun 😁

[@LitCrit]

@@MagnificentSails I would look to simplify the sentence overall to ensure the reader absorbs the main images, as ‘too many’ (subjective) details can detract from the overall impression.

[@LitCrit]

Also, a splinter is by its nature sharp. Do you need it here? In addition, ‘strident’ usually refers to a harsh and forceful voice, so perhaps there’s a more suitable adjective you could use. Lastly, perhaps you could clarify what has caused the agony? Eg the splinter of agony as the heavy wooden door slammed down on me etc