The Art of the Prologue

Prologue in general is a funny animal. By its very nature, a prologue would seem to be something apart from the body of the story. Something extra. I know people who don’t read prologues until they’re done the book, and then only if they loved the story and want something a little extra. Prologues set things up: set the stage. But, if that’s the case, what are you meant to do in chapter one?

Think about your prologue. What purpose does it serve? What are you trying to accomplish? And in what way are you hoping it moves the story forward? 

For me, a book works much better if we begin with Chapter One. Begin with action, not reflection. What could be better?