Need some writing inspiration? Can’t think of the perfect setting for your next gothic story? These five ocean-themed settings should get the ideas flowing.
Lighthouses
Lighthouses are a common gothic setting whether they are active and in-use, a tourist attraction, or completely abandoned. They often represent isolation, guarding against the dark, and forbidden knowledge. Ghosts seem to enjoy them, too.
Tide Pools
Tide pools are inherently creepy. Wiggly anemones extending their tentacles, sea stars clinging to the rock, seaweed wrapping around ankles, sharp purple urchins puncturing flesh. An angry local chasing away tourists, someone finding something in the pools that doesn’t belong there…tide pools are too often overlooked as a gothic fiction setting but they’re literally filled with potential.
Ferries
Ferries are a common site in the Pacific Northwest and the most commonly used way to get to the San Juan Islands and other areas. Despite their everyday functionality, ferries are rife with dark potential–they could sink, they could be haunted, someone could see something while on the ferry, the ferry could take someone to an alternate reality island…the options are endless!
Abandoned or Rented Beach House
The classic haunted house setting gets a Pacific Northwest twist! Weather-worn beach cottages full of sand, a seemingly perfect vacation beach house, views of the sea (or of something else…). The opportunities are endless.
A Fog-Veiled Beach
There’s nothing quite as eerie as the Pacific Northwest coastline. Dead jellyfish, crab pots, seabirds, fog, cold gray water, unique rock formations, driftwood–northwest beaches are full of elements and visuals perfect for a gothic story setting.
The ocean and beach make truly creepy settings for any Pacific Northwest gothic story.
For even more inspiration, check out these stories set on the coast of the Pacific Northwest:
- “Bait” By Bec Stranger (included in the Back Into the Ground anthology)
- The Drowning House by Cherie Priest
- Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
- Bear by Julia Phillips
- The Stars Did Wander Darkling by Colin Meloy
- The Sea Gives Up the Dead: Stories by Molly Olguín