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"Grammar is the difference of knowing your shit and knowing you're shit."

Monday, January 30, 2012

Writing Tip #3: Prologues

So what is a prologue? A prologue is an introduction to a story and is meant to grab the reader's attention. That does not mean that those are the only jobs of the prologue.
Prologue Test

Leave it out. Is there something important missing in your story? Now change the title to Chapter One. Does it screw up the plot? Yes on both questions? Keep it. Otherwise, kill it with fire.

No-nos
  • Do not infodump. EVER. Enough said.
  • It has absolutely nothing to do with the story. What the heck is it doing there then?!
  • Its only purpose is to grab the reader's attention. Why can't you do that in Chapter One? A prologue isn't an excuse to have an info-dumpy first chapter. Why should we keep reading if you tricked us with a super exciting prologue, just to read some boring spiel about this character doing that? *picks up pitchfork* The author is a filthy liar!
  • It's too long and overly-detailed. Damn, it's not a flipping x thousand word essay. Try to keep it short.  
  • It's written in a totally different style from the story. It won't fit. It's like trying to shove a square piece into a triangle hole in a child's puzzle.
  •  It's there to set the mood...why would you do it twice? You have to do the same thing in Chapter One.
Hell Yeah!
  • The prologue should always be written in the same style as the story, otherwise, it won't fit. Remember the child's puzzle.
  • Treat the prologue like a short story, but the resolution must be in the story. This is how you'll make the readers continue. You're not Shakespeare, so don't spoil the ending.  
  • The prologue should start with a strong and intriguing hook as if it were the only beginning of the novel. This does not mean you can have a boring ass Chapter One. No one's going to keep reading after that.
Well, I hope this little list helped you. Happy prologue writing/cutting!

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