by Korina Moss
The choice of whether a book should begin with a prologue is often a heated debate. A prologue can be used for several reasons: to provide essential background information in order to set up the central conflict, as is often used in fantasy books; to provide a glimpse into the antagonist’s mind, sometimes used in thrillers; or to reveal information that the protagonist doesn’t yet know, sometimes used in suspense novels. Of course, there are other times one might use a prologue -- as with every “rule” in fiction writing, the reasons are not cut and dry. But should a prologue ever be used in a cozy mystery?
I’m never going to say never. However, the one reason not to use a prologue, which has come across my editing desk, is as a replacement for a slow first chapter. Some writers want to use it as a way to hook the reader with simply an exciting scene, knowing they've filled chapter one with backstory and introductions, and the plot train hasn’t left the station. Although you need to take time to introduce your main characters and set up the initial stakes and the discovery of a murder, this should be done while still moving the plot forward. A prologue can be used for many reasons, but it's not a substitute for keeping your readers entertained in chapter one.
Readers: Do you like prologues? Writers: Do you like to use them?
Good points.
ReplyDeleteI groan when I see a prologue. I'm afraid it is there for your second reason: the true opening is slow and the author wants you to cut them slack. If I get bored in the first chapter, I'll generally put the book aside and pick up something else from my TBR pile.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of prologues. I think a prologue in an unknown author's submitted book is a recipe for immediate rejection. However, like any "rule" in writing, exceptions can and will be made. I've read a few books by favorite authors where a prologue efficiently sets the scene and provides essential background while creating suspense.
ReplyDeleteI skip right over the prologue. I also skip over any chapters that are from the killer/victim's views. I want the mystery.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Korina. I do read prologues, but often doubt their necessity.
ReplyDeleteIn certain books they fit, maybe historical novels or ones with several timelines, but I don’t think a cozy needs them.
ReplyDelete“The plot train hasn’t left the station”. Oh that’s perfect! Something to watch for next time I’m starting a book! Thanks, Korina.
ReplyDeletePrologues about rushing streams and babbling brooks with floating leaves revealing a corpse make me crazy.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great perspective! If you're writing a suspenseful prologue, the first chapter (and the rest of the story) better follow suit.
ReplyDeleteI do not like prologues and never read them when I start a book. I usually find they provide information that I don’t want to know about and takes away from the actual beginning of the story.
ReplyDeleteOccasionally I will read them after I have finished the book to see if it would have enhanced it. I almost always find details that I don’t want to read ahead of time.
For the same reason I don’t like comments that portend what the characters are going to encounter. I want the story to evolve naturally not hint at potential danger, e.g if I had known…