In this week’s Story Works Round Table, Alida, Kathryn, and Robert talk about starting your story in media res, discussing everything from starting fast to starting with your inciting incident already in the past.
VIDEO
AUDIO
SHOW NOTES
What does in media res mean? And how do you use it appropriately to draw your reader into your story? What happens to the structure of your story if you choose to start in media res? And does it mean your inciting incident has to be off the page?
What we talked about:
What does in media res mean? (0:40)
What’s the difference between in media res and a prologue, or a framing device? (4:40)
How is pacing different from in media res? (10:02)
What about the stories that start in the middle? (12:10)
What happens to the inciting incident if you are starting in media res? (21:56)
What happens to the structure if you start in media res? (24:19)
It’s about starting in the right spot! (32:26)
LINKS
Things we mentioned:
Star Wars A New Hope
Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark
The Emperor’s New Groove
SWRT 105 Talking Fantasy with Nico
SWRT 106 Talking Fantasy with Nico part 2
Hamlet
Marriage Story
Want more about these topics? Check out:
SWRT 11: Pacing
SWRT 011: Openings
SWRT 29: Hooks
SWRT 075 Story Structure
