The Art of Crafting a Gripping Disaster Story: Tips and Techniques for Writers

Disaster stories are cautionary tales that focus on the personal and emotional struggles of the main characters trying to survive amid chaos, perilous situations, and the pressure of dealing with impending or ongoing natural, human-made, or supernatural destruction. A disaster story isn’t just a story with a disaster in it – it must be about the disaster, with the disaster central to the narrative.

Integral Role of Disaster

The disaster should be factually possible within the world of the story, indiscriminate, unexpected, and all-encompassing. It shouldn’t be a mechanical function of the narrative but rather an integral part of the characters’ struggle to overcome obstacles and grow. Conflicts should arise from complications relating to the disaster, and the story’s plot points should revolve around decisions or actions concerning it. The story should make clear how the disaster is affecting the characters and the environment around them. Disaster stories aren’t just about clinging on to life but about finding a way out of the chaos and gaining a renewed perspective. The disaster genre serves as a reminder of the meaning of life, the people we care about, and what truly matters.

Natural Disasters

Some common types of disasters are natural disasters, events caused by forces of nature beyond human control. These stories emphasise the importance of survival and showcase the traits needed to stay safe. They often present a reminder that even good people can fall victim to natural disasters, highlighting the fact that being good isn’t enough to guarantee protection. They explore themes such as resourcefulness, resilience, teamwork, and the dynamics of relationships under stress.

Human-Made Disasters

Human-made disasters result from humans’ actions, which are often portrayed as dark and cynical. These stories shed light on human faults such as greed, power-hungriness, and disregard for the environment. The disaster often stems from a self-serving individual or organisation, emphasising the need for environmental responsibility. These narratives are often cautionary tales, reminding us of the consequences of irresponsibility.

Supernatural Disasters

Supernatural disasters are caused by forces such as monsters or ghosts. These stories depict a catastrophic event and the characters’ efforts to overcome it to save themselves and the world. They often explore themes around bravery and determination in the face of an insurmountable threat.

Doomsday

Doomsday narratives depict the end of the world or near-annihilation and the struggle of the characters to survive. The apocalypse may be caused by aliens, a comet, an asteroid, nuclear warfare, a pandemic, a natural disaster, a scientific or technological disaster, artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, or bioterrorism, to name a few. These stories explore the idea that the apocalypse can be prevented, suggesting ways that humanity should conduct itself moving forward.

Post-Apocalyptic

Post-apocalyptic stories take place in a world or society that has been affected by a major disaster and faced almost total annihilation. These stories explore the aftermath of the disaster and the characters’ efforts to navigate and survive in a changed world. They often depict the challenges and obstacles the characters face in their efforts to rebuild their lives and communities.

Solo Disaster

Solo disaster stories focus on an individual’s experiences and struggles amid a global disaster. The protagonist is often isolated and must rely on their resources and determination to overcome challenges and survive. These stories explore themes around self-reliance, determination, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. They may also touch on themes relating to distrust in government and the ambitions of others, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility in times of crisis.