Ideas for style models for a story?

Question

I study English Language at 6th form and for my first piece of coursework I need to write the opening chapter to a story. I'm thinking along the lines of horror. But I need some style models (authors and books of which I'll need to base my style of writing on). Does anyone have any ideas of stories which are good at gripping the reader right from the very first chapter? I'm thinking along the lines of Steven King or similar authors. Does anyone have any suggestions about good books I could use, please? Thank you!

Answer 1

Having the opening scene be someting that actually happens in the middle of the story is usually a good hook. Then you can backtrack to show how the character(s) got to that point, then conitnuie to the climax and resolution.