How do I write a prologue to a book?
I've been working on an idea for a story for about a year now. I have the entire plot mapped out, even a lot of details that probably wont make it into the book. The problem is the prologue...I've written it about ten times now, and I hate every one of them. Its supposed to be a letter to the reader, explaining the different world and introducing the main character, but every time I either don't get all the information introduced that I want, or its boring and wordy. Any guidelines??
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Bo,
A prologue is a short summary of what will or what did happen in a novel. It gives the reader an idea of how this particular happening came about, or what the plot actually aims for. You can start your prologue just like a chapter, but without being numbered as one.
For example:
Jack stood at the window and stared out into the darkness wondering how he ever got involved in this whole mess. Would the court see this as self-defense or manslaughter? Was he truly defending himself, or did he just want to keep hitting Carl?
You take it from there with about seven or eight more paragraphs. Then you start your chapters from the beginning in which lead up to the incident.
PJ M
If the prologue doesn't feel right, don't include it. A staggeringly high number of people just skip over the prologues anyway, so it's never a good idea to introduce important information in there that's vital to the overall understanding of the story. Prologues -- these days, at least -- are engineered to pique the interest of readers. They're usually only a paragraph or so, a tease to make potential readers want to turn the page. If I were you, I'd work in the details about the different world into the plot gradually; you want to avoid an 'information dump', so never do it all at once. Little snippets here and there are enough. As for introducing the character, this is better done subtly, and not as, 'here's my character, here's what he looks like and this is what he acts like!'.
I hope that helps. Good luck!
I continuously use prologues in a number of my books--reckoning on what the storyline is approximately. the assumption of a prologue to me is something that provides an significant or severe piece to the e book's unfolding tale arc. (or maybe a sprint of issues back.) yet I continuously write it FIRST before beginning the e book. Then i pass financial disaster a million, financial disaster 2, financial disaster 3, etc.
Write as if you're reading someone else's work. If it seems as if it'd be out of place then it's out of place. Structuring and format are seldom regarding pedantry but rather flow and comprehension. If it creates an ease in understanding as well as a better reading experience, then go for it. It's about the reader not the author.
Best wishes,
~Payam