(Haunted) Backstory Writing

Haunted backstories are the fictional circumstances that led to a haunted attraction becoming “haunted.” These stories, when placed on a haunted attraction’s website, are pivotal to the development and marketing of every successful haunt and can aid in social networking, advertising, and promotion of any kind.

A backstory, as you may already know, is like a movie trailer — giving people a sneak preview of what is coming. Haunt owners and operators can take elements in the backstory and use them as marketing (you *should* do this!). I can create new characters, props, use local elements unique to your city, and add a number of other elements that you, as the haunt owner, may not have imagined but could find useful during the build season and during the decorating stage.

Custom, one-of-a-kind stories designed specifically for your haunt allow construction crews building sets to share the same vision of the haunt, encourage creativity and design ideas, provide ideas for costumes, and aid actors in developing realistic characters and dialog.

“We continually come up with new layers of detail to add because as we were working in an area and discussing the story, we would inevitably come up with new things to help bring the stories to life,” said Mike Wilbur, creator of Talladega Frights in Bakersfield, Calif.

Backstories also give the actors a “script” and gives the entire haunted house consistency.

“Having a backstory helped us stay consistent and true to our story, so when our guests walked through, they could really experience the ‘history’ of the area they were in. Our actors are always talking about their characters and/or family of characters, and even started referring to each other by their character names.”

I also offer writing services for feature stories, articles, and some types of creative fiction, as well as coordinating feature stories to market haunted events.

Please contact me for pricing and information on how to create unique stories, history, and marketing materials for your event.

raven's gate

For a custom proposal for haunted house backstories or escape room themes, please contact Dana. You will receive an answer within 24 hours.

IMPRESSIVE!! Dana, you exceed every expectation in marketing and then keep going. Maybe we need to set higher goals for you! Thank you for your commitment in a start-up haunt. Nothing like biting off more than you can chew and making it look easy.

You are one in a million.

–Mike Callahan, Raven’s Gate Haunted Attraction

Once I heard the story, my mind was racing with all the possibilities created for me. I feel that our backstories are a critical part of our success.

–Mike Wilbur, Talladega Frights

Dana Martin Writing

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