Prologue Question.

rejectME · Mar 3, 2005

Hi Folks,

This may or may not be a foolish question. In the most recent revision of my newest novel, I've decided I wanted to start differently.
So my question is: Can I begin with a prologue that is actually a scene from the ending of the novel? The scene doesn't give the ending away and doesn't allude to whether the character is good or bad. It does indicate to the reader that the character is going to be in a nefarious situation however.

Would this just be seen as a tacky device or is something more common?

Thanks,

Jerry

Mistook · Mar 3, 2005

Without knowing the exact nature of the story, I'd say you should just have your new beginning be chapter one, and have the rest of the book be a big giant flashback.

maestrowork · Mar 3, 2005

You can do that, but like Mistook said, it makes the whole book a big flashback. Most people would suggest opening a book closer to your first conflict.

Prologue Question.

rejectME

Mistook

Neverending WIP

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray