Every story starts somewhere, but The Haunted Locker began with a very specific memory: the metallic clang of school lockers and that peculiar echo they make in empty hallways.
The Spark of Inspiration
School Memories
We all remember that one locker that was different – maybe it stuck, made strange noises, or just felt... off. Schools are perfect settings for horror because they're familiar yet filled with unexplored spaces and untold histories.
The "What If" Moment
The central question became: What if a locker wasn't just broken, but haunted? What if opening it wasn't just difficult, but dangerous?
Building the World
Research Phase
Creating authentic middle school atmosphere required:
- Visiting actual schools to observe current layouts and culture
- Interviewing educators about common student experiences
- Remembering personal experiences from middle school years
- Understanding modern tech integration in schools
Character Development
Ben Carter needed to be:
- Relatable to readers experiencing school transitions
- Brave enough to investigate mysteries
- Smart enough to solve problems
- Real enough to make mistakes
The Writing Process
First Draft Challenges
The initial version was too scary – even for middle grade horror! The balance between frightening and age-appropriate required multiple revisions:
Draft 1: Too Intense
- Graphic descriptions of supernatural encounters
- Overwhelming sense of dread throughout
- Adult-level horror concepts
Draft 2: Not Scary Enough
- Removed too much tension
- Felt more like mystery than horror
- Lost the spine-tingling factor
Final Draft: Just Right
- Strategic scary moments with relief breaks
- Age-appropriate supernatural elements
- Empowering resolution
Research Into School Legends
Every school has ghost stories. Research revealed common themes:
- Tragic accidents from decades past
- Students who "disappeared" mysteriously
- Areas of schools that feel different
- Unexplained phenomena reported by multiple witnesses
Character Relationships
Ben and Mia's Friendship
Their partnership needed to feel authentic:
- Different strengths that complement each other
- Natural dialogue that reflects how kids actually talk
- Realistic conflicts that don't derail the friendship
- Mutual support during frightening moments
The Spirits' Backstory
Creating sympathetic antagonists:
- Tragic circumstances that explain their presence
- Understandable motivations for their actions
- Resolution possibilities that don't require destruction
- Historical context that feels researched and real
The Editing Journey
Sensitivity Readers
Working with middle grade specialists ensured:
- Age-appropriate content that doesn't traumatize
- Authentic character voices that ring true
- Cultural sensitivity in all character interactions
- Educational value alongside entertainment
Teacher and Librarian Feedback
Education professionals provided insights on:
- Reading level appropriateness for target age
- Classroom discussion potential
- Series potential and reader engagement
- Parent comfort levels with content
Visual Elements
Cover Design Process
The haunted locker image went through multiple iterations:
- Realistic locker vs. obviously supernatural
- Color schemes that suggest mystery without being too dark
- Typography that appeals to middle grade readers
- Series branding considerations for future books
Lessons Learned
What Worked
- Familiar settings make supernatural elements more impactful
- Young protagonists solving their own problems empowers readers
- Friendship dynamics provide emotional grounding
- Clear resolution satisfies while leaving room for imagination
What Didn't
- Too much exposition slowed pacing in early drafts
- Adult intervention diminished protagonist agency
- Overly complex supernatural rules confused rather than intrigued
- Cliffhanger endings frustrated rather than excited young readers
The Series Vision
The Haunted Locker established patterns for future Scaremoor books:
- Standalone stories that don't require series reading
- School-age protagonists facing supernatural challenges
- Everyday settings with extraordinary secrets
- Empowering themes about courage and friendship
Reader Reactions
The most rewarding feedback came from young readers who said:
- "I couldn't put it down!"
- "It was scary but not too scary"
- "I want to read more stories like this"
- "Ben reminded me of myself"
Advice for Aspiring Writers
For Adults Writing Middle Grade
- Remember your own middle school experience – both good and bad
- Respect young readers' intelligence – they're smarter than you think
- Don't talk down – write with them, not at them
- Test your work with actual middle grade readers
For Young Writers
- Your experiences matter – they're more interesting than you realize
- Write what scares you (in a fun way)
- Don't worry about being perfect – first drafts are supposed to be messy
- Read widely in your genre to understand what works
Writing The Haunted Locker taught me that the best children's horror doesn't just frighten – it empowers. It shows young readers they're braver and more resourceful than they knew. And sometimes, that's the most magical thing of all.
