My Prologues

This Monday morning, my mind is on prologues, due in part to the latest drama in the indie space. Seriously, people are still hating on them. Weird. More than one way to skin a cat in storytelling. But I don’t intend to argue the toss, I just want to have a quick chat about the prologues you’ll find in my Hartmouth Horrors novellas.

First and foremost, I see them as hooks rather than explainers. I’m not providing you with essential context, backstory, a potted history, or the foundations of a world. No, I’m showing you a page or two of something I hope is entertaining and showcases my writing style, as well as the type of content you can expect.

Second, I’m presenting you with a little bit of mystery. A puzzle piece, so to speak. The prologue is a short scene cut from later in the story, and the more observant or engaged reader should have the pleasure of an aha moment, where it becomes clear exactly how the piece fits into the whole.

And third, my prologues are non-essential, in the sense that if you skip them (such people exist, I’m led to believe) the story still works. You might argue that if this is the case, the prologue is unnecessary, to which I would say whatever.

So yeah, that’s it. Told you it would be quick. You can check out my first two prologues for yourself via the link at the bottom if you’re so inclined.

And until next week, happy writing to you all.

Hartmouth Horrors Series Page

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