Day 26 – 30 Days of Writing Advice – To Prologue or Not to Prologue

DAY 26

This month of daily writing advice will include tidbits, tips, and sometimes tricks. This isn’t a replacement for editing or book coaching, it’s meant as a jumping off point for exploration and thought! I hope it helps! ~Amy

Amy xo

TO PROLOGUE OR NOT TO PROLOGUE

We’re heading to the end of our 30 days, so it makes sense that we’d talk about beginnings, right?

Prologues are tricky. They divide civilized writer types into three camps: the 1) DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT, 2) SURE GO AHEAD BUT CALL IT CHAPTER ONE, and 3) IF YOU DO IT DO IT WELL.

Let’s go with #3, shall we?

In the time and space we have here, it’s better for me to share with you what a prologue is NOT!

Prologues are NOT info dumps or backstory. Prologues are not meant to fill in your reader, bring her up to speed, or make her understand. They’re not cryptic. Just naming a prologue Chapter 1 doesn’t solve the problem unless it’s not really a prologue to begin with.

To me a prologue tells its own s reveals something to the reader that further comes to light throughout the story.

In THE LAST BATHING BEAUTY I included a prologue at the urging on my agent. I was in Camp #1 and then I hopped the fence to Camp #3. My prologue introduces a young, reluctant bride-to-be on the day of her wedding. How and why she ended up in that situation, along with the repercussions of that day, make up the rest of the story.

Hope that helps!

Give me your thoughts on prologues and if you have a question or quandary, as me in the comments.

SEE YOU TOMORROW!

Amy xo

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