Current writing prompt / August 2026

Cult

Some people worship gods. Some worship ideas. And some are willing to kill for something they believe is worth more than their own lives. For this month’s Horror Writers Club, “Cult” invites you to explore secret societies, forbidden rituals, charismatic leaders, fanatical followers, and beliefs that should never have been discovered. Your story could follow a stranger who stumbles upon a secluded community, a family hiding an ancient tradition, a group preparing for a ritual, or someone slowly realising that the people around them are not who they claim to be. Perhaps the cult worships an ancient entity or perhaps their beliefs are disturbingly justified. Take the theme anywhere you want: psychological horror, occult horror, folk horror, supernatural terror, cosmic horror, or even grounded human horror. But remember: the most terrifying cults don't always look like monsters. Sometimes, they look like people who genuinely believe they're saving the world. Find the belief. Follow the ritual. And ask yourself—how much would you sacrifice to belong?