Saturday 09 Nov 2024

Awakening the paranormal: Inside the hair-raising world of @dezhorrorstories

SHERWYN COUTO | OCTOBER 22, 2024, 11:17 PM IST
Awakening the paranormal: Inside the hair-raising world of @dezhorrorstories

Desmond Fernandes, a 32-year-old from Siolim, has been living in Muscat, Oman, since 2014, where he works for an event company. A commerce graduate, Desmond’s professional life may seem like a steady path, but beneath the surface, he’s uncovered a strange and unexpected truth about himself – one, that he says, he has stumbled upon far too late in life


Dive into the world of horror

Dez Horror Stories – just the name suggests a dive into the world of horror. But what most people don’t know is that my journey toward this fascination with the paranormal started late in life. For years, I had a strange pull toward the dark and unknown, but I ignored it. Then one day, it clicked.

The birth

In 2020, I ventured into content creation on YouTube and Instagram. I spent three years building something that, in the end, just didn’t work out. Frustrated, I nearly gave up. But deep down, a voice told me to start fresh, and that’s when Dez Horror Stories was born in May 2024.

Goa’s eerie legends

Growing up in Goa, I heard endless ghost stories from friends and family. Goa’s eerie legends have always fascinated me. Now, with Dez Horror Stories, I share these spine-chilling tales – some urban myths, some sent by my followers. These stories blur the line between fact and fiction, but they’re all crafted to deliver a scare.

Crafting fear

When creating a story, I focus on the mood – creepy, suspenseful, or outright terrifying. I visualise key moments, select visuals and sounds to amplify the scare, and work alone in my home studio, crafting these immersive tales. Every detail is meant to pull the viewer into the experience.

Delivering horror

My obsession with the dark stems from something that happened to me as a child – a personal experience that made me believe in both God and the devil. This story is one I’ve kept hidden, but it’s time to share it this Halloween.

Building consistency

Consistency is everything. I post regularly, engage with my followers, and maintain a strong aesthetic. This has helped me grow Dez Horror Stories and build a community of horror enthusiasts. While I face mixed feedback—some doubting the stories, others fully immersed – I always make it clear that these tales are for entertainment.

Trends & inspiration

Staying on top of industry trends helps me keep my content fresh. I watch horror movies, follow other creators, and, yes, get tips from my imaginary ghosts! But I always strive to add my unique twist.

Challenges

Balancing content creation with my full-time job can be tough, but I’ve committed to dedicating at least one hour a day to my content. The hardest part is facing both love and hate. Over time, I’ve learned to focus on the support and let the negativity slide.

Facing my fears

Ironically, working on horror content often scares me too. After editing late at night, I sometimes sleep with the lights on. But hey, if I’m getting spooked, I must be doing something right!

Learning & growing

I’m mostly self-taught, learning from other creators by analysing what works for them. Brand-building is a continuous journey of experimentation, and I’m always adapting my strategy.

Future plans

I aim to become a global horror content creator, and I’m working on writing a book that captures the chills of my stories. Halloween will be a thrilling time, with real-life experiences and my personal horror story coming out on October 31. Stay tuned!

Advice

For aspiring creators: Focus on the negative comments. Proving doubters wrong will drive you forward. Whether you succeed or fail, people will talk – so believe in yourself and stay consistent.

Looking back

Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every failure, every success has shaped who I am today. Life is about learning, and I’m ready to keep growing as I continue sharing my journey into the dark side.

Share this