Prelude to a Plot #MFRWAuthor

Prologue – a separate introductory section of a literary or musical work. Now that we got that Google definition out the way, when do you really see a prologue? At the beginning of the story, of course. 🙂

Writers use this tool across multiple mediums. In movies and television, it’s called a teaser. In fiction, it’s a prologue. It’s that bit of information that’s shown to whet the imagination. One of my favorite movies The Mummy’, opens with a dark priest, forbidden love, betrayal, murder and retribution. The Magi guard the tomb of tee dark priest to make sure he’s never resurrected.

Clive Cussler employs the prologue in many, if not all, of his novels. One that stands out for me is ‘The Silent Sea,’ where five brothers explore a rumored treasure pit and only four return home.

I use the prologue in my writing. It’s a useful tool to set up the rest of the story. Why? Hopefully, the prologue will have the reader asking how does this tie into the rest of the story? Or what’s so important about this tidbit of information?

In The Mummy, it was the catalyst for Evie to prove she’s worthy as a scholar and archeologist. In ‘The Silent Sea, Chairman Juan Cabrillo of the spy ship Oregon to foil a plot to world domination.

I like prologues because it can give backstory without having to use flashbacks or a lot of ‘telling’. The write can ‘show’ the reader instead. A prologue isn’t necessary, but it is a useful tool.

“Indulge Your Inner Romantic”

Would you do anything? #MFRWhooks

Excerpt

Cassie Rivers stared out the office window with a sigh. Just in the distance, beyond the creaky wooden steps of the back porch, right at the edge of her vegetable garden, Seth Carson, pushed a mower. She sucked her bottom lip between her teeth and held her breath as Seth pulled his sweat soaked t-shirt over his head and draped it over the handle of the mower.

Thick corded muscles rippled in his arms when he resumed cutting the grass. This wasn’t the first time Cassie watched — or rather lusted after the sexy ranch manager. It reminded her of the first time she saw him, six months prior. Cole hired him, while she was away for a weekend of relaxation. She hadn’t expected an instant attraction to the man, or that he would fit so nicely into their lives.

He had chocolate brown curls, that were now slicked to his head and a tanned torso that made her long to be held in his embrace.

The bottom half of him was drool worthy as well. Faded denim hugged powerful legs and thighs. She envied how the fabric was able to caress his hard buttocks. Seth turned, and as if knowing she were watching, lifted a hand in greeting.

She had her own work that needed tending, a stack of receipts and invoices that had to be reconciled and paid. She let the curtain drop back in place.

Cassie turned and screamed.