Sometimes authors will start their story in the middle, to throw the reader right into the action. Begin your next horror story somewhere in the middle, preferably someplace terrible.
In Media Res
In Media Res, when used correctly, can be a great way to build tension. Done right, it not only makes the reader question what will happen next, but how we got there in the first place.
A Good One
I curled up, shaking on the hard tile of the bathroom floor.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
Each time that fist hit the door, I was sure it was going to break.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
Each pounding noise sent a shockwave through my body until I was in tears. Terrified of what could happen next. Visions flashed through my head of bloody walls and a flashing blade. Each one more horrible than the next until I was a broken wreck lying face first in a puddle of my own sweat and tears.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
There was no disgust. No anger. No sadness.
Only fear.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
A Terrible One
Being chased by a lunatic really makes you gotta piss.
Who knew, right?
I stopped the truck at a McDonalds, but left it running. I pulled the key off the fob, locked it, and rushed inside that red and gold hellscape.
“Sorry, will buy something in a second.” I told the cashier as I rushed to the back, towards the bathrooms.
I didn’t intend to buy anything.
I never buy anything.
Creative Mine 