Personally,
I love prologues. They get you right into the action whether it was in the past
or something exciting that is to come. But that’s exactly why most agents’
blogs I’ve read say not to use them. Paraphrasing…“If you need a prologue, then
your story must not be strong enough…”
Hmm…well,
I like them, and I use them. But I’m curious what readers think, and I’d love
you to weigh in. AND, if you have some great examples, please leave the title
in the comment section.
Now…here’s what I’ve noticed.
Plenty
of bestselling books have used them, even though they aren’t always called
prologues. Same diff in my opinion.
My biggest example is ‘Twilight’. If that little blurb wasn’t in the beginning,
I don’t think I would have made it through the first chapter.
How
about movies? I don’t watch a lot. But I’ve started to notice how many have “prologues”.
I also don’t have cable, but I have NetFlix, and hubby has just started
watching ‘Breaking Bad’. Okay…I am too. And I NEVER watch TV. But the show is like a train wreck; you simply can’t
look away.
Anyway, every show has a prologue, something that will make sense
midway through the forty-seven minute episode.
And
since it’s sitting on my desk, I looked and noticed that Nicholas Sparks used a
prologue in his bestselling book, ‘The Last Song’, which I loved by the way.
Great book for teens. Did I ever mention I have a bad case of AADD? I do…sorry…back
to the blog.
So
if bestselling authors and blockbuster movies use them, why are they considered
to be no-no’s with aspiring authors?
Again,
this question is going out to the community of writers, agents, publishers, and
especially readers. I really want your thoughts.
About me... My stories all have prologues. The first one in She Belongs to Me is probably way too long and should have been the first chapter, but that's how we learn. The rest are short and are just used to set up the story. Please check them out and see for yourself. :) All my stories are available in print and eBook formats at your
favorite retailer. You can download my mini-mysteries with a paranormal edge
absolutely FREE or start with my romantic-suspense bestseller She
Belongs to Me for only .99 cents. From
there, all my stories are priced 'less than a latte', so READ UP and enjoy!
Until
next time, happy reading, friends!
Carmen
I
love talking about all things books, so please connect with me via one of the
links below.
I love prologues and have one in my novel which I'll be submitting soon. I had a editor look at the first three chapters of my novel at a writing conference and he liked it because it set the scene for the crime that was being investigated immediately on page one.
ReplyDeleteYay! One vote for prologues. Any examples of popular bestsellers you can think of that you thought the prologue made it better, or enticed you to read?
DeleteAnd good luck with your submission. :)
I say yes to prologues. I love them. Not everyone reads them but that is okay. As long as the story can make sense without the prologue, you're golden. ;o)
ReplyDeleteI've even read blogs where agents said NEVER write a series. So my question regarding agents on most topics such as these is: Are they nuts? lol Not all agents get it, but that is another topic for another blog for another time. ;o)
Off the top of my head, I can't think of any example where the prologue was absolutely vital to the rest of the book. Again, as long as the rest of the book makes sense without it, I say you're good to go.
Uh-oh! That could be a problem with me... LOL! My first novel 'She Belongs to Me' has one of those long movie prologues. If the reader doesn't read it, they *will* be confused. Hmmm...intersting point. The rest of my prologues are rather short and though they offer information, I guess you could read without. I'll keep that in mind in the future.
DeleteAs for series... I love series... Though, I do like reading a series that can be a standalone without the author feeling the need to give me tons of 'information dump'. I read one series, and I did like it, but the author felt the need to describe the house in every book. I felt cheated of reading time. If the other readers hadn't read the first one, that was their fault. LOL! But as you said, will save that for another time. :)
I do love prologues. I just read the prologue to Sweet Salt Air by Barbara Delinsky and i can't wait to read the book.
ReplyDeleteOoh...that's what I like to hear. That means it gripped you. I was just telling a reader the other day that I couldn't get into the 'Hunger Games'. I'm trying, but I'm having a hard time getting past the morning routine, fat cat, and descriptions. Don't get me wrong; I love to know my characters intimately, but I need a reason to get to know them. I will finish it eventually. I'm up to the point that they're getting ready for the 'reaping', so maybe I'll get past that part finally, since I hear it is such a great read. :)
Deletei'm a fan of prologues. i think they set the tone for the book/show and if the story starts to veer away you have some point to guide you back!
ReplyDeleteThat makes sense. I notice I often forget about the prologue right about the time it shows up.
DeleteI thought of a good example while reading everyone's comments. "The Bounty Hunter". I think that was the title of the movie with Gerard Butler and Jennifer Aniston. That prologue wasn't necessary at all, but it was funny. You wanted to know how it happened, but we would have understood the characters and the storyline without it. It was a hook...not that you needed one with those two actors. :)
I like prologues. Not every story needs them, but sometimes it helps to get you hooked, wondering what will happen later, how the story will get to that point, or tell you something about the characters.
ReplyDeleteI agree! I'm glad you do too, since I'm rather fond of them as you know. :)
DeleteAs a reader I'm a bit indifferent to prologues. I always read them if they're there, and they never annoy me, but I can't say I'm all excited about prologues.
ReplyDeleteAs I writer I think they're a useful tool to give a sneak peak into the past or future. I use mine to give a little backstory to my character, to establish a bit of why she is the way she is.
If a prologue has a purpose then great. If not then maybe you should consider why it's there.
Very good point, Christine. I agree completely.
DeleteI like prologues and use them in my writing. A prologue, when well written, can be a momentary window into the soul of a character, a set up of drama yet to unfold, or back story that sets up the main story in the book without the author having to take pages of info and work it into an action scene, conversation, or thoughts. It's pointing your reader to exactly what they need to know.
ReplyDeleteAs far as examples of good use, I'd have to agree with the Twilight prologue. Hearing Bella say that what was about to come would lead to her sacrifice is what makes the story interesting. If we just opened with her getting of the plane and riding into Forks with her dad and the drab conversation held, I'm sure many readers would have put it down and we would not have been blessed (lol) with the Twilight series. Apparently the agent knew exactly when to use it and scored big!
Again, a good point. And though most of us are all authors, we are ALL readers. So...so far, it looks as though "to prologue" is the winner.
DeleteBut I'm enjoying the "how" to prologue. Great feedback, friends. :)
I like prologues and agree with every word you say. Sure, we could call it Chapter 1, but a prologue is a special part of the book that, IMO, gives readers anticipation of what's to come. But that's only if it's done well, as is true for any scene. I've been off and on about my prologue, too, but I think I'll keep it!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Angela. And feel free to post a link to your prologue...as long as it is PG13. We'd love to read your example. Mine are all on my blog by the way. Under each tab, I always add a link to my first excerpt.
DeleteGood luck with your prose.
:)
I don't have a problem with prologues and often find that when they are used and done right, it's a great way to pull the reader (or movie go-er in...and I totally agree with you on Breaking Bad!!). In my first novel I used a prologue - kind of taking an action scene from the middle of the book and starting with that, then having the first chapter take us back to the beginning and leading back up to that same exact scene I used in the prologue. I didn't use one in my second book (my current WIP) but I think that they have to feel right and work with the story in a certain way. I too have read how they are a big no-no, but like you said, if the big guys are using them, and using them successfully, then why can't those who are still learning or getting started?
ReplyDeleteExactly, Michelle!
DeleteQuestion... and something I'm running into on my fifth novel, which I already wrote; I just need to edit...
In your use of the scene from the middle of the book, do you repeat yourself with the same scene, or do you remind the reader subtly that you are back to this point. I'm told DO NOT repeat yourself. And in my first book, I don't. But it was easy because I take you back to the future several times, so there is never any confusion.
In my fifth book however...it is strictly a teaser, and I felt the need to copy and paste the scene identical. It's very short and my beta, who originally said absolutely no before she read it, changed her mind afterward.
So...now we have another question for the group. My thoughts would be normally you should be able to skip ahead, but if it's super short, you might be able to get away in reminding the reader what situation they are in.
Good luck on your new release!
It depends on the book. I yanked out the prologue from my book because every important plot point in that was in the prologue (even though it had taken place twenty five years earlier) was revealed within the first chapter of the book anyway though brief and tantalizing mysterious sounds in the night, conversations, etc. By yanking out the prologue, I dumped the reader straight into the action and it seems to have to worked.
ReplyDeleteWhich is sometimes the same thing... And... I guess what agents are stating, that you should be able to propel a reader right into the action. If it works, great!
DeleteI guess in the case of my first prologue (She Belongs to Me), I used the prologue more like a teaser, a mystery, and then I went back and built up what led to the night of the prologue.
But in my next two prologues...I actually took the readers to the past, using the prologue to describe what life-event shaped my protagonist's life.
This is great, everyone. You guys are helping me figure out why and what I like about my own prologues. LOL!
What's the title of your book, Jade? I'd love to see your example. :)
I personally think prologues are a great way to set up the action and tease what's to come. I think they're especially effective with suspense/mystery novels. My guess is the reason so many agents don't like them is sometimes they're too long. I took a writing class this summer where one of the students had a 15 page prologue, so really, it was more like a chapter (and a long one at that!)
ReplyDeleteI agree, Bianca. And technically, my first prologue was too long, but it probably fell under one of those long movie scenes where you forget that you are watching a prologue and all of the sudden you are launched five years into the past. And honestly, when I queried, I called it the first chapter, not the prologue. I know...bad girl... But I didn't want to turn publishers off. I figured they could call it whatever they wanted when the time came. And yay...as it turns out, my publisher named it a prologue, even added two scenes I'd deleted back into it. :)
DeleteVote no for me. I like to be tossed right into the story--at the deep end, if possible. Prologues seem to me pussy-footing around instead of getting on with it. Of course, if you write one, you know I'll read it and probably like it anyway. . .
ReplyDeleteCool... one 'no' ... So now I have to ask, do you write also? I'm just curious if it is your reading standpoint as well as your writing opinion.
DeleteBut...I'm glad to hear you read them. It scared me to hear that some readers don't read prologues. Because I assume if they are there, they are integral to the story.
Thank you for commenting, Ron.
I don't like prologues, or epilogues for that matter. Just give me the story.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your input, Carol.
DeleteI took a peek at your website and it looks as though you are an avid reader / reviewer, so I definitely appreciate your feedback.
I understand your direct comment..."just get to the story", but I would also love more information of 'why?'. Since I am prone to use both prologues and epilogues in my writing, I covet more information.
Do you feel they aren't a part of the story?
Do they detract?
And lastly...do you like to start off with action or do you like getting to know a character before reading about any of their issues?
One of my beta readers insisted I read "Safe Harbor" by Nicholas Sparks---of course with the assurance that it wasn't one of the cry-your-eyes-out-for-hours type of ending, my standard question when she suggests a Sparks' book.
Anyway, the book was very good, though different. However, I honestly believe if I had written and queried his beginning chapter, it wouldn't have made it past the mail room floor. And though I enjoy getting to know a character intimately, I admit that even I might have put it down if it hadn't come highly recommended.
So...therein lies the problem I think with unknown authors and the reason they often resort to prologues... They feel as though they must 'dazzle' the prospective reader.
Thank you again for stopping by. I hope you'll find time to add additional feedback. I'm going to visit a little more on your blog. :)
Hmmm. Don't think I can add much to all the feedback you've received here, but I didn't want to not comment, so--here goes. Like any other part of a story, a prologue needs to carry its weight. It can't be superfluous, and my test for that is whether it could have been Ch 1. If it could, then it *should*. The way a prologue works for me is if it throws me into a scene that raises more questions than it answers, that engages me with the characters in an unputdownable way. Then Ch 1 *must* start somewhere else, not as a continuation of the prologue. Someone above said "not every story needs one, and I agree with that too. When it comes to agents and publishers, I guess the reason they dislike prologues is because a prologue offers an easy way to hook a reader: take the most exciting scene of your novel and smack it at the beginning--voilá, instant hook. In order for a prologue to work, the story that it introduces, and the writing, must be strong enough to stand up on its own, not use the prologue as a crutch. My two cents--plugged pennies at that :)
ReplyDeleteGreat comments. I'll have to take more time, reread, and comment tomorrow.
DeleteMy brain juices are fried at the moment.
But I thought they were great and definitely added to the discussion.
:)
I agree, Guilie. And that is how I feel I use my prologues, the first one definitely! There was no other way that I was willing to write it. I did feel pressure to spread the scene over the entire book as flashbacks, but I'd graciously declined--not really...I stomped by feet and pouted. It was not how I wanted to write the book. The prologue was a must in my mind, and then I took the reader back five years.
DeleteBut in the same instance...my third book, 'Entangled Dreams', there was absolutely no need for the prologue. I could have easily worked in the few tidbits I wrote into the first chapter. BUT...I did it because I wrote the book as a modern-day fairytale and wanted to make the prologue sound as if it had been narrated. Again, maybe not the best idea, but one of the benefits of publishing with a smaller pub, they spoil you, let you have your way. LOL!
I can tell you one thing. In the future, I am going to be very cautious about using prologues. I've used one in all six of my published stories, and number seven has one too. But the new series I'm writing...I listened to my betas and I'm skipping the prologue--and even skipping the first chapter. Per my beta readers' great advice, I am doing as Ron and Carol suggested--jumping right into the story! Cheers!
I like prologues. In my NaNo story I wrote last year, I had a prologue...and it was the show what happened that led to chapter 1. In ANY book I read, this would be acceptable but you would find out what happened before without it as you read the story. I guess I like knowing what happened and watching the readers deal with it, rather than picking up bits and pieces through the story. But in general, I like prologues and I like epilogues....because I like lots of information :)
ReplyDeletewww.cassandrajaney.com
I'm with you, Cassandra, I love a lot of information, but I'm not so good at reading information dump all at once. As much as I do like to know what makes a character 'tick', I really do love a good prologue telling me why I want to know why they're 'ticking' in the first place. Often a prologue brings me right to the heart of the problem, which makes me want to read more.
DeleteAs I'm working through all of these comments, it seems prologues are coming across as a continuation of the 'book flap'. With so many books available nowadays, if you are not one of the authors I'll read just because you wrote a book, it's a valuable tool. Thank you for your comment. :)
By the way, Cassandra Janey. My first book, SHE BELONGS TO ME's main character's name is Jaynee. My second book, LAND OF THE NOONDAY SUN's main character is Cassandra.
DeleteWhat a coincidence? For a second, I was wondering if my characters really were coming to life and talking to me. LOL!
:D That's pretty neat! It's my real name so I find that rather amusing, lol.
Delete:)
DeleteI'm not a fan of prologues. They seem like a cheap trick to me. I feel the author is trying to get me hooked on the story, and that method fails 10 times out of 10 for me because I'm dumped into a tense situation involving characters I don't yet care about. That being said, if you like prologues, rock on! I know there are readers who love prologues as much as I dislike them!
ReplyDeleteVery good point! Again...where writers struggle between the perfect balance between information dump and intriguing information.
DeleteHere's what I was taught by my writing instructors about prologues: "If the information in the prologue is vital to the story, it belongs in the story, not as a prologue. If the story can still be full and rich without the prologue, then the prologue works as a prologue." Why? Because about 50% of readers do not read the prologue (And I know this is true, because I used to be one of those prologue-skippers until a few years ago). What does this mean to an author? Well, it's obvious: If what you've written into your prologue is vital to the story, and your reader skips it, guess what? The reader will not "get" your story.
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to say, "Well, that's the reader's fault. They should have read the prologue." No. It's the author's job to know their audience and to use the writing tools they're given correctly so that readers won't be left in the dark. Knowing that 50% of readers will likely skip the prologue, an author would be careless to then put vital information in the prologue just because they "like writing prologues." That is a recipe for failure and shows the author doesn't care about their readers. Can you tell I am a huge reader advocate? :)
I'm a writer, and this is a quote I wrote recently on my own blog: "It doesn't matter how much YOU like your story. It only matters how much the READERS like it." And that includes ALL components of a story. Something else I wrote on that same blog post: "If a scene in your book doesn't contribute to the main story line, or detracts from it, it needs to go, no matter how fabulous you think it is." This includes prologues. An author might think the prologue they have written is the bee's knees. It's a work of art to be cherished forever. But if the prologue does not suit the purposes of a real prologue, meaning that it is non-essential to the main story that begins with Chapter One, and that the info contained within it is vital to the book, the prologue has to go, and the material in it needs to be incorporated into the story.
That's what I was taught by more than one published author and writing instructor, and that's what my continuing education continues to teach me. I figure these Big Six instructors and editors know more than I do, so I'm going to listen to them and make sure my prologues are actually prologues.
Great feedback! And I'm is seriously big trouble if readers don't read my prologue in 'She Belongs to Me'. In hindsight, I guess I could have called it chapter one, but because I take the reader back five years, I decided to call it a prologue. I honestly never considered that readers would skip a prologue. I guess because I'm such an avid reader myself and never want to miss anything, I would never think to skip.
DeleteThank you for all the great info, and I will certainly make sure I'm careful in the future.
I will also run over to your post when I have a moment. :)