Premise:
On a desolate stretch of coastline stands a lighthouse where the light never goes out, even when it should. For generations, locals have whispered about its otherworldly glow and the strange occurrences surrounding it. Ships avoid its beam, and those who venture too close often disappear without a trace.
Core Challenge:
When the lighthouse's long-time keeper dies under mysterious circumstances, his estranged daughter reluctantly returns to take his place. As she settles into her new role, she uncovers disturbing truths about the lighthouse's history and her family's connection to it. Can she unravel the mystery of the eternal light before it claims her too?
Key Elements:
- A weathered logbook filled with increasingly erratic entries from past keepers
- Unusual marine life drawn to the waters around the lighthouse
- A hidden room at the top of the tower, sealed for decades
Twist:
The lighthouse's beam doesn't ward ships away from danger - it beckons to something in the depths.
Writing Style Tip:
Utilize the isolated setting to create a claustrophobic atmosphere. Contrast the lingering dread of the lighthouse interior with the vast, threatening expanse of the sea. Use vivid, sensory descriptions to bring the harsh coastal environment to life.
Optional Variations:
- Set the story during a once-in-a-century storm that threatens to topple the lighthouse
- Explore the perspective of a deep-sea diver investigating shipwrecks near the lighthouse
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