Board Thread:Writer's Workshop/@comment-27838637-20160228064535

I am writing a Creepypasta, and considering it will be my first one, I want to make sure it is of good quality. In short, it is about a serial killer who's weapon of choice is venom from different deadly creatures; including snakes, spiders and jellyfish. For example, the killer may let loose a cobra on his victim, thus the victim will be bitten. The killer then captures the snake and subdues the victim until the venom takes its toll. I am considering writing the story a little different to the simple start-finish formula, and instead present it as a number of case files a Private Investigator has accumulated as he hunts the killer, trying to uncover his pattern, identity etc.. At the moment that is all my story consists of; a basic theme, main characters and a structure.

I am looking for some advice on the following points.

- What steps can I take to ensure the story is both scary and intriguing, rather than a simple and cliche'd murder/mystery? How do I ensure the plot stays original and doesn't stray into the cliche and predictable territory?

- Will the proposed structure work or is it too abstract? If so, how do I go about structuring the story without making it seem to bland an unoriginal?

- What is your opinion on the theme of my story? I know the 'serial killer' plot is overused but I have tried to create a unique Modus Operandi for the killer so that the story does not stray into the typical slasher/shooter category.

- Any other points you may want to express, that the other points do  not allow for.

Thankyou in advance for any advice you can give, your criticism will go a long way.

A_O. 