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Saturday, March 26, 2016

In the Time Crunch by Vonnie Davis

I’m pushing toward the deadline for book two of my wounded warrior series, Black Eagle Ops. Turn in date for HERS TO HEAL is April 8th.  I won’t mention how many more words I have to write to meet contractual demands. The thought only gives me more wrinkles; and I’ve got enough already.

These books are a little different for me. They're stretching my comfort zone, which is good. A writer has to keep growing. So, I'm trying a few new things and digging deeper into emotions.

How do you feel about Prologues? My former agent hated them and wouldn’t contract a book that had one. I enjoy them if they’re brief and bring a historical or mystical edge to the story. Author David Morell writes the best prologues, bringing in past historical events that have direct influence on todays' events.
I’m using the same prologue for all three books of the series, except for the final line. Here it is:
In the Hill Country of Texas, a community developed around an old Apache legend about “Wounded Warrior Falls.” Myth or truth, the story has been handed down, generation to generation, that the rocks in Warrior Falls carry magical healing powers. Wounded Apaches would stand or be carried beneath the waterfall for the healing-infused water to pour over them.
Over time, the small town Warrior Falls has grown to a population nearing six-thousand. Its few streets boast quaint shops, restaurants, and supply stores kept afloat by the townsfolk and nearby ranchers. Many of these businesses are owned and operated by salt of the earth, often quirky people who love their community just the way it is. That’s why the deep secret of Warrior Falls is so closely guarded.
Until a team of present-day wounded warriors slowly trickle into town…
This is Reece “Steelhead” Browning’s story.
Do you enjoy prologues? Or do you like background information dribbled into the story. This is my first time at doing this, so I’m understandably nervous. 
Not as nervous as I am about meeting my deadline though. Okay, who moved my chocolate?
 

 

9 comments:

  1. Hi Vonnie, Suzanne Rossi here. I like prologues. They can set the stage for what's to come yet still leave room for backstory within the novel. I also like epilogues. They can tie up those loose ends that always seem to dangle. I frequently use both.

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    1. Thanks, Suzanne. I've used epilogues before. I think readers like them. In fact, one reader gave me a bad review because I didn't have one. LOL

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  2. Hi Vonnie, Suzanne Rossi here. I like prologues. They can set the stage for what's to come yet still leave room for backstory within the novel. I also like epilogues. They can tie up those loose ends that always seem to dangle. I frequently use both.

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    1. Since you posted your comment twice, I'll answer them both. Hey, it gives me a chance to talk...and boy can I talk! I think your definition of prologues is spot on. Thanks!

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  3. As a reader, I like prologues. They set the stage for what's to come!

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    1. Karren, I like them, too, to be honest. But I prefer them to be short. Not everyone thinks that way, thank goodness. I wanted to add a bit of mystical quality to the overall feel of the story because those healing water do come into play.

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  4. I don't have strong opinions about prologues either way! Sometimes they work; sometimes they don't.
    I'd be concerned about using the same prologue for all the books for only one reason: what if a reader used the "look inside" feature on Amazon, read the prologue, and thought they'd already read the book? Is that likely to happen? Maybe not, but it's something to consider.

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  5. That is something to consider, isn't it? I never use the "look inside" feature which is why it never occurred to me. I might have to talk that over with my editor. Drats, every time I get a "cool" idea, it turns out to be not so bright. Thanks for mentioning it.

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  6. Hope you scored a chocolate Easter bunny to help you persevere. *g*

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