4 minute read
Desmond Fernandes
A Late but Fateful Beginning
Hailing from Goa, Desmond Fernandes is a content creator who has transformed his fascination with the paranormal into a thriving digital presence. While his love for storytelling existed for years, it wasn’t until 2020 that he ventured into content creation on YouTube and Instagram. Despite three years of effort that “just didn’t work out,” Desmond didn’t give up. In May 2024, he launched Dez Horror Stories, a platform dedicated to chilling narratives inspired by real-life experiences, urban legends, and the unexplained.
Storyteller at Heart
Desmond sees himself primarily as a storyteller. Growing up in Goa, evenings were often spent sharing ghost stories with cousins and listening to his grandmother’s eerie tales. It wasn’t until a personal experience pushed him toward the paranormal that he began to take storytelling seriously.
Today, his content blends entertainment, suspense, and investigation, offering audiences a taste of fear through a deeply personal lens.
Crafting Horror with Precision
The majority of Desmond’s stories are narrated short videos inspired by followers’ experiences. Each story is carefully researched to ensure authenticity and structured for maximum suspense.
While he doesn’t claim that any story is completely true, his goal is to translate these experiences into compelling narratives that give viewers chills, all while maintaining entertainment and respect for the original storyteller.
The Art of Fear
Without formal training in art or production, Desmond has learned through observation and experimentation. He meticulously balances visuals, sound, and narration to create immersive horror experiences. With every story, he refines his skills, enjoying the process of bringing suspense and fear to life.
Audience and Engagement
Desmond’s audience primarily consists of horror fans who appreciate the craft behind his work. Social media reactions vary, but he focuses on feedback that helps him improve. Comments, messages, and reactions from followers are invaluable in shaping his future content, ensuring that every story resonates with the community he has built.
Overcoming Challenges
Balancing his content creation with a full-time job is one of Desmond’s main challenges. He dedicates at least an hour each day to Dez Horror Stories, focusing on consistency and quality.
Handling both praise and criticism has taught him to concentrate on support and let negativity slide, allowing his passion to remain the driving force behind his work.
One of the most rewarding experiences for Desmond came recently at Mapusa market. People recognised him, offering positive feedback that brought immense pride to his mother.
For Desmond, moments like these affirm the value of his creative journey and demonstrate that his work is appreciated not just for entertainment, but as a true art form.
Personal Encounters with the Paranormal
Desmond also harbours a personal story from his life that has influenced his work, shared only with close friends and family.
He plans to reveal this story on Dez Horror Stories, promising followers an intimate glimpse into his own paranormal experiences.
Standing Out in the Horror Space
What sets Dez Horror Stories apart is its focus on local Goan tales, urban legends, and first-hand accounts that are rarely shared online.
Desmond emphasises that storytelling has no competition—every story deserves to be told, and each creator contributes uniquely to the genre.
Future Aspirations
While initially content with creating for passion alone, Desmond is now exploring brand collaborations and professional opportunities. He is seeking a manager to handle partnerships and help him expand Dez Horror Stories into a recognised brand in the horror niche.
The Potential of Horror
Desmond believes that horror in India remains largely untapped. For him, it isn’t merely a genre—it’s storytelling in its most visceral form. Love, drama, fear—they all blend into the art of creating compelling content that captivates audiences.
Advice for Aspiring Creators
For those looking to enter the horror or podcast space, Desmond advises: embrace criticism, use doubters as motivation, and remain consistent. Whether success comes or not, people will talk—but staying committed and believing in your craft is what truly matters.
Desmond Fernandes continues to push the boundaries of horror content creation in India, merging Goan folklore, real-life experiences, and narrative skill to deliver chilling yet captivating stories. His journey proves that persistence, creativity, and a passion for storytelling can turn fascination into a platform that resonates with thousands.
