It is said that Editors dislike them, new authors don’t know
how to use them and readers either love them or hate them. My opinion is…it
depends.
Prologues have their place, but they have to be there for the right
reasons. That is where new authors often get it wrong. They often don’t truly
understand the true job of a prologue and how to execute one correctly. Like a
lot of writing, it is an art to be mastered.
So, what exactly is a prologue?
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The Oxford Dictionary describes the prologue as: A separate introductory section of a literary, dramatic, or musical work.
Or in other words a part of the story that comes before the main story in some way.
So how do so many get it so wrong?
A lack of knowledge is most often the case so:
- Avoid info dumps. You don't need to tell everything.
- Avoid writing a scene that creates atmosphere but has nothing to do with the story.
- Avoid explosions and fireworks to make up for a dull or slow first chapter
A prologue can:
- be in a different POV than the rest of the book.
- It can be from the villian's POV,
- the setting's POV or
- even another character's POV.
Here are two examples of prologues that really work. I recommend you read them.
Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
The Dry by Jane Harper
Both these prologues demonstrate how powerful a prologue can be.
In Lord of Scoundrels it is a necessary explanation of the hero's life leading up to where the story really begins, but it is done in such a way as you are only told what you really need to know.
In The Dry it sets up the mystery of the story in a way that is evocative and chilling. Both authors have represented their chosen genre in wonderful ways.
So, do you love or hate a prologue?
Do you have a favourite? Please share in the comments.
Love to Love - finding new authors to read.
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