1 Topic by Rachel Parsons (edited by Rachel Parsons 2020-02-09 18:36:51)

Topic: WIP: Exile in Elsewhen

I am thinking of ditching my current prologue and using the epilogue as the prologue. The benefit? It might make the plot structure clearer, introducing the antagonist and hinting at what she's up to. The disadvantage: It might make the plot structure clearer, introducing the antagonist and hinting at what she's up to.

The seeming randomness of the events in the story give it a Phillip K Dick-esque feel (Not that I'm comparing myself to the Master). Like his works, you are in a constant state of "Huh?" or "What just happened?" It all resolves at the end (well, sort of, as the immortal would say).

So guide me. Vote "Prologue or Epilogue?"

Quote Post 1

Re: WIP: Exile in Elsewhen

I just read both. I prefer the existing prologue as an opening. The epilogue didn't really give me any clarity as it relates to the early chapters I read. I don't recall the second half of the prologue, where you show time repeating, but it helps. That being said, the prologue introduces too many "names" (not just characters) too quickly, so it's hard to puzzle out what you're trying to say. If you're going for a "Huh?", then you've succeeded. However, confusion doesn't draw me into a story. I put Dune down at least three times when trying to read it as a kid. Once I saw the movie, bad as it was, I tore through the book at warp speed, even though I didn't understand it all. To this day, I still don't understand some of Frank Herbert's musings in God Emperor of Dune.

Quote Post 2