tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post5371067735149460413..comments2023-12-09T00:33:24.572-08:00Comments on Novel Matters: First Things FirstBonnie Grovehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11377519561074174038noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-15137157781793548862010-09-14T11:22:20.341-07:002010-09-14T11:22:20.341-07:00I love prologues in the books I read. They're ...I love prologues in the books I read. They're like appetizers, just a flavor of what to expect. Then I'm content to have the salad, knowing that the main dish will be yummy once we get through the preliminaries.<br /><br />-Regina<br />TABECRegina Jenningshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08791893550984663049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-84509990460658348762010-09-13T12:14:45.803-07:002010-09-13T12:14:45.803-07:00After reading Hooked by Les Edgerton, I realized I...After reading Hooked by Les Edgerton, I realized I had started my WIP in the wrong place. I had started where I should have ended the story. A total rewrite was in order. TABECNichole Osbornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08167000199419272337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-40915224469680316312010-09-13T07:01:12.059-07:002010-09-13T07:01:12.059-07:00I've heard so many stories about prologues. I ...I've heard so many stories about prologues. I think I'll just stay away from them for now.<br />TABECSteena Holmeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03585255306121495098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-81344234240545772732010-09-10T16:26:44.249-07:002010-09-10T16:26:44.249-07:00I've found a way to include one (of my three) ...I've found a way to include one (of my three) prologues in the meat of the story in my WIP! Yeah! Now, maybe I can do the other two, also, once I get the timeline straightened out. It's a mess.<br /><br />TABEC<br /><br />VoniAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-76073291749022679122010-09-09T14:46:02.875-07:002010-09-09T14:46:02.875-07:00I tossed my first two chapters. They built the sto...I tossed my first two chapters. They built the story world but didn't drop the reader into the action. I'm finding ways to inject the location and ambiance in other sections. <br /><br />TABECMelinda Evaulhttp://melindaevaul.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-76253903456712817122010-09-09T14:27:27.472-07:002010-09-09T14:27:27.472-07:00Megan, thanks for the link to the writer's web...Megan, thanks for the link to the writer's website. After reading the article you'd mentioned, I read some other articles on the site and got some great inspiration!<br /><br />---Marcia<br /><br />(from the sticks of Texas)<br /><br />TABECMarciahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08469229466889267340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-88548461136088543572010-09-09T10:14:14.454-07:002010-09-09T10:14:14.454-07:00Exactly like an appetizer, Debbie. Well said. I wo...Exactly like an appetizer, Debbie. Well said. I would never pass over a prologue, or anything else. I read every word of every book I open. Every word. When I hear people say they pass over a lot of passages without dialogue I think, "What?!?"<br /><br />Love all the discussion here. Excited about all the brave souls willing to hand over their babies to Bonnie. Not that Bonnie's scary . . . not exactly. Mwa-ha-ha.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-20870606074006412842010-09-09T09:09:17.957-07:002010-09-09T09:09:17.957-07:00Starting the story in the right place is very impo...Starting the story in the right place is very important. I think Sol Stein advised starting the story just before the inciting incident.<br />TABECAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-15613948402374051472010-09-09T03:14:58.175-07:002010-09-09T03:14:58.175-07:00Hey all, for those - like me - who have suddenly f...Hey all, for those - like me - who have suddenly found themselves struggling with the perceived need for a prologue I just found this really cool article with a "job description" for a prologue, so you can tick each bit and find if yours really is necessary. I had no idea those little words were so complex! Link below.<br />http://www.writing-world.com/fiction/prologue.shtml<br /><br />TABECMegan Sayerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15410068162701570057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-11520313058063197282010-09-08T22:00:37.051-07:002010-09-08T22:00:37.051-07:00It's midnight in Texas, and I was so tired I f...It's midnight in Texas, and I was so tired I forgot to write<br /><br />TABEC!Marciahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08469229466889267340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-37542077452226019372010-09-08T21:57:19.071-07:002010-09-08T21:57:19.071-07:00Emma, that's what I've done—include what ...Emma, that's what I've done—include what could have been prologue info within the novel itself. I feel like I'm walking a fine line —giving the reader just enough information to titillate and enlighten, but not so much that the transfer of knowledge seems obvious. That's where an objective editor could help. Tell me I've got too much info here or too little there.<br /><br />I can see where a prologue might be construed as a slow, unappealing start.<br /><br />On the other hand, I've read books where I was so confused in the first chapter I wished the author had just spelled out what was going on in black and white. For instance, I started reading Ben Hur the other day. The way it droned on and on in its detailed description of the environment was so boring. I wanted a character with whom to relate, or an obvious purpose stated. I found myself thinking, “Who is this about and why should I care?”<br /><br />Perhaps a lean, swift, prologue would have given me a little boost. But that book was written in an era when people weren't so impatient, when the reader expected to be led in a leisurely, unhurried fashion.<br /><br />Today we want something that will pop us in the face and grab our attention from the get-go. Guess that's what we have to try to produce in order to get our voices heard. <br /><br />---MarciaMarciahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08469229466889267340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-66028477083999832222010-09-08T18:18:01.049-07:002010-09-08T18:18:01.049-07:00I'm a believer, Wendy. I asked a member of my ...I'm a believer, Wendy. I asked a member of my writing group who has not read my manuscript to read the first 20 pages of the novel beginning at Chapter 1, then to read it again beginning with the prologue. She said ditch the prologue. I am now doing some rewrites and including the prologue info within the novel itself where appropriate. That extra info deepens my characters and expands the nuances of place. The beginning is now much stronger. <br />TABECAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05746848980923855417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-25066387413003185682010-09-08T17:49:21.891-07:002010-09-08T17:49:21.891-07:00I love hearing what everyone has to say. It's ...I love hearing what everyone has to say. It's like one big conversation floating over the literary world. (We need Pumpkin Spice Lattes or something)<br /><br />I should have mentioned that an editor told me they don't generally like prologues because 'nobody reads them.' The editor claimed that most people skip over them. I'm a prologue reader myself. Why pass up a juicy little tidbit? It's like an appetizer. :DDebbie Fuller Thomashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09174333267329587740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-81708427257413540632010-09-08T15:38:49.761-07:002010-09-08T15:38:49.761-07:00Latayne, your book sounds really intruiging - look...Latayne, your book sounds really intruiging - looking forward to reading it. <br /><br />This has been such a good discussion. I feel like my story has three distinct threads that all come together at the end, but finding where the best place to start off, with a strong hook, is really tricky. <br /><br />I need help! Think I'll enter after all...<br /><br />TABECMegan Sayerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15410068162701570057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-41336639163457107402010-09-08T14:39:33.681-07:002010-09-08T14:39:33.681-07:00Ellen: If you have a finished synopsis (the story ...Ellen: If you have a finished synopsis (the story has a known beginning, middle, and end written creatively), and a good first chapter, that is fine for this contest.<br /><br />Someone asked about non-fiction. Because I write non-fiction as well, I'm comfortable including it in this contest. But I'd want to see a completed or very near completed proposal and at least the first chapter. Otherwise, I'm simply giving an opinion on a premise. Sound good?<br /><br />Marcia: Yes, we very often pass our work between the six of us for various reasons. Sometimes we just need to know we're not crazy! We may not all be reading everyone's work, but usually a few of us are reading someone's. If that makes sense! Just this morning I sent off a question to the other ladies asking for their professional thoughts on a POV issue I'm stuck on. Still waiting ladies! *drums fingers on table*Bonnie Grovehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11377519561074174038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-51928014690364472152010-09-08T14:23:20.438-07:002010-09-08T14:23:20.438-07:00Debbie, I was intrigued by your question, "Do...Debbie, I was intrigued by your question, "Does your novel start in the right place?"<br /><br />I have a hunch that a novel should start where a change is in the air... where the protagonist is making a significant turn, getting on a track that will take her somewhere she's never been before. Somewhere quite frightening and quite beyond herself.<br /><br />Hope that hunch is right.<br /><br /><br />---Marcia<br /><br />TABECMarciahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08469229466889267340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-59453328969897567572010-09-08T14:03:05.012-07:002010-09-08T14:03:05.012-07:00I was wondering if you girls at Novel Matters regu...I was wondering if you girls at Novel Matters regularly critique each other's work. Sounds like it. I'm enjoying the conversation!<br /><br />---Marcia<br /><br />(from the sticks of central Texas)<br /><br />TABECMarciahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08469229466889267340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-3277821230281708092010-09-08T13:50:34.091-07:002010-09-08T13:50:34.091-07:00I'm am working on my first novel and have foun...I'm am working on my first novel and have found many good tidbits of encouraging information in your blogs. The question of where to start my novel is compelling. I believe I've chosen an appropriate beginning to win the reader to the main protagonist. But have I really? <br />I would like to enter your Teeth and Bones editing contest, but am only half way through my novel. I am new to the process of writing a synopsis, but am familiar with Randy Ingermanson's suggestions for creating it.<br />Should I wait or go for it?<br />I would love your feed back.<br /><br />TABECEllen Staleynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-80046719349612039892010-09-08T13:06:18.767-07:002010-09-08T13:06:18.767-07:00Awwwww,
Thanks, Bonnie and Sharon.
I love you gu...Awwwww, <br />Thanks, Bonnie and Sharon.<br /><br />I love you guys to pieces. And all the NovelMatters ladies.<br /><br />And you readers, too.Latayne C Scottnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-29435082740901382942010-09-08T12:41:32.172-07:002010-09-08T12:41:32.172-07:00I like reading prologues. They kick-start the stor...I like reading prologues. They kick-start the story for me. I'm working on my first novel and I assume I won't know if it needs a prologue until after I've read it and find it needs a kick-start. <br /><br />All this to say that someone as green as myself needs this TABEC.<br /><br />TABEC (there, I said it twice)Marianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-14229908615867663382010-09-08T12:15:05.432-07:002010-09-08T12:15:05.432-07:00This post raises a very important question, and on...This post raises a very important question, and one that I am currently struggling with: Does your story start in the right place? How does one know where the 'right place' is?<br /><br />TABECLaurelCKrieglerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08874628866547175842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-43561170899794382692010-09-08T11:26:09.692-07:002010-09-08T11:26:09.692-07:00I have often heard that we want our novels to &quo...I have often heard that we want our novels to "sing for Jesus". <br />I've come up with a new statement for mine. I would like my novels "dripping with the Balm of Gilad" so that they anoint my readers with love and inspiration. <br /><br />Please enter me in your contest and thank you for the offer to do this for writers. :)<br /><br />Sincerely, Paulette Harris.<br />coloradopolly@yahoo.com<br />comeandsitawhile.blogspot<br />www.pauletteharris.bizAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-61457647457267108892010-09-08T11:00:02.059-07:002010-09-08T11:00:02.059-07:00My most recent release (Seeing Things) has a prolo...My most recent release (Seeing Things) has a prologue AND an epilogue...but I have my reason! Since Huckleberry Finn plays prominently in the story, I mimicked (remember flattery?) Mark Twain's writing of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn where the storyteller addresses the reader directly. It was great fun to write in that voice.<br /><br />But yes, I've struggled and struggled with where to start my stories, writing multiple beginnings from multiple POVs. But that's what we must do to get it right.<br /><br />Great topic, Debbie.Patti Hillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07575415697841348226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-66497894393636225002010-09-08T10:54:31.551-07:002010-09-08T10:54:31.551-07:00My current WIP has THREE prologues. :) I'm obv...My current WIP has THREE prologues. :) I'm obviously having a hard time with where to start it! lol. <br /><br />I definitely needed today's blog. It's taking me tremendous courage to do a complete re-vamp and get the story started where it starts. Still struggling with that.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Voni<br /><br />TABECAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360410252358941163.post-64988653070332262332010-09-08T09:50:05.706-07:002010-09-08T09:50:05.706-07:00Steena,I am so with you. Editing is not fun. I rea...Steena,I am so with you. Editing is not fun. I read the comments here about those who enjoy the editing process, and I don't get it. I'd rather do pushups for a day. There you have it, my confession.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com