Prologue and Epilogue—Do They Have a Use? By Connie Vines RR# 12/17/16

Victoria Chatham suggested this topic: Prologue and Epilogue. Do they have a use? Should they be used? Can you have one without the other? This topic was suggested by one of our group, Victoria Chatham. Be sure to check out her blog.  

pro·logue ˈprōˌlôɡ/
noun
1.     a separate introductory section of a literary or musical work.
"this idea is outlined in the prologue"

It’s an interesting topic. While critique partners and other authors seem to ponder the pros and cons, frequently.  I’ve used both in my historical and romantic suspense novels.  While my contemporary romance novels have an epilogue so that my readers know it truly is a happily-ever-after story.
My prologues are short and to the point.  I have an action event that sets the tone of my romantic suspense novel.  I find this effective because it doesn’t leave ‘dead time’ so to speak.  I can hop into the action/ skip ahead in time/ or open my story the a different POV.

However, a writer must be selective, I believe.  You need to make certain that your story still opens with an inciting moment, perhaps for the hero (Brede, Rodeo Romance, Book 2).  Or to set a historical tone for a novel (Whisper upon the Water).  Does the prologue change the story?  I use my prologue to intensify the emotional connect between my character(s) and my readers.

ep·i·logueˈepəˌlôɡ,ˈepəˌläɡ/
noun
1. a section or speech at the end of a book or play that serves as a comment on or a conclusion to what has happened.


Epilogues tie up all the loose ends.   I like to jump forward and show a wedding or have a toddler in the picture.  The reader is satisfied, knowing all is well in.  Isn’t that what stories are all about?
I also make use of diaries; which, in my experience, editors seem to love or hate.  Though in a contemporary novel, I suppose, I would make use of email, twitter, and blog/snapchat.
So, I am pro epilogue, pro prologue.  And, I am also, pro Oxford comma!

Happy Holidays!


Connie Vines

Please Blog Hop and see what these participants have to say:

Margaret Fieland http://margaretfieland.wordpress.com
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Dr. Bob Rich http://wp.me/p3Xihq-QS
Marci Baun  http://www.marcibaun.com/blog/
A.J. Maguire  http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/http://ajmaguire.wordpress.com/
Victoria Chatham http://victoriachatham.blogspot.ca
Anne Stenhouse  http://annestenhousenovelist.wordpress.com/
Helena Fairfax http://www.helenafairfax.com
Beverley Bateman http://beverleybateman.blogspot.ca/
Rachael Kosinski http://rachaelkosinski.weebly.com/
Kay Sisk http://kaysisk.blogspot.com
Rhobin Courtright http://www.rhobinleecourtright.com

Sunday Snippets 5/1/2016

This week's snippet is taken from chapter 3 from "Here Today, Zombie Tomorrow". (Kindle Unlimited this month!).

Summary:  Meredith's soon-to-be ex-husband stays with her during a financial crunch (his not hers).
Meredith frowned.  Something wasn't right.  Viktor was tidy, almost to the point of psychotic; ritualistic in his routine.  The scent of pine and snow were heavy on the air.  He smelled as if he'd spent the entire night tromping through the woods.  The cold had seeped into the pores of his skin, and his cheeks were wind burned.  Viktor was not an outdoors  man, he was a scholar.  Wasn't he?

Six months ago, she would have thought so with absolute certainty.  Now, who knew?  Viktor was different.  Less distant. . .more human.  She knew that didn't make any sense.  Of course, he was human!  He seemed vulnerable--yes, that was it--and less self-assured.

All of which is none of your concern, Meredith reminded herself.  Reaching for the paper filter and can of dark roast Yuban, she readied the coffee maker.  It was her day to make breakfast; she didn't need to concern herself with anything else.

Still, something about Viktor was different.  Meredith tried to push aside the feeling, but it continued to nag at her.  She'd noticed the change in Viktor the night he'd arrived.

Don't go there.

He was pale (toothpaste white was a more accurate description), his angular face shadowed with exhaustion.  He looked. . .dead, well--she should know; almost dead anyway.

(Please click on my buy links if you'd like to read my story.  

Please stop by and visit these wonderful authors and enjoy the snippets they are sharing.

Happy Reading!

Connie

http://yesterrdayrevisitedhere.blogspot.com/

http://mizging.blogspot.com/

http://triciamg.blogspot.com/

Here Today, Zombie Tomorrow--is Free! Happy Halloween!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OA25GJY/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_JPJsub0NKWDVC

Free On Amazon!  Get into the Halloween Spirit!  Zombie romance that is Sassy and Fun!

Outlander Series aka Men Wearing Kilts

For those who turned "Outlander" into an international bestseller, seeing the characters brought to life, with Scotland as the backdrop,  will be a 'must, watch. For me, the resulting series a snooze -- beautiful Scottish country side, but and too flaccid to make hearts go pitter-pat. 

"People disappear all the time," says Claire (Caitriona Balfe), a British army nurse introduced at the end of World War II delivering a novel-esque voiceover that runs throughout. Weary of bloodshed, she seeks to reconnect with her husband, Frank (Tobias Menzies), as the two embark on a scholarly search (think Ancestory.com) through the countryside.

Developed by "Battlestar Galactica's" Ronald D. Moore from Diana Gabaldon's book, the premiere certainly takes its time before getting to the main event -- namely, Claire being inexplicably whisked back in time, where she finds herself under the protection of the brutish MacKenzie clan. (It's not till the second episode that we learn the date is 1743.)

Claire's keepers include the imperious war chief Dougal (Graham McTavish), who's only one of the bearded ruffians who think about raping her; and Jamie (Sam Heughan), a clean-cut Adonis who endeavors to protect Claire's honor when he isn't exchanging meaningful glances with her. Menzies also lingers in a dual role as Frank's ancestor, a sadistic British officer who has a yen for the ladies.

Still, "Outlander" meanders along so slowly that it needs to immerse viewers in its atmosphere and rhythms -- something that might appeal to ardent fans of the book, but my the attention span and patience was sorely tested.

The principals are perfectly fine, and the period touches have been assembled with care (and filmed in Scotland), the long speeches in un-translated Gaelic have a way of yielding diminishing returns.  I may sit through an episode or two, but I won't be a fan of the series.  Sorry Starz.  I'll be viewing reruns of Longmire, with the beautiful backdrop of Wyoming. The scrips are rather uneven, and a bit sketchy at times, but the story moves along and the heroes are a Bonny match for the men of the Scottish Highlands.

Round Robin Blog Fest--Book Giveaways and Contests

1 

     #Round Robin Blog Fest

I would like to thank Rhobin Courtright for the invitation to participate in this month's blog fest.  The topic: book giveaways and contests.

    

    

  How effective do you think book giveaways or contests are?

The key: forethought (know your audience). Careful planning, media blitzing, and a gimmick are the elements of a very successful contest. By gimmick, I mean a creative approach, one that is not a usual contest pitch.  Am I going to give you any never fail rule/a road map to success?

No--I wish it was only that easy.

You can Google names of media savvy authors.  Or Google my name and look at my website (novelsbyconnievines.com) read my interviews, my archived contest info (the links are still on Google/ Bing, some are available on my web site).  This is not a do-what-you-see-others-do, it more of fact gathering tour.  You know your story/series, and you are the best judge of what will appeal to your fan base. 

After all, what is a successfully contest for me, may not spell success for you. If you write historical novels featuring a lineage page (I do enjoy researching genealogy but. . .) your readers would probably adore winning a book of Sonnets.  While my fan base (me included) are happy with a Starbucks gift card and an autographed copy of my latest eBook.

Be creative. Have fun.  If you don’t enjoy your contest, no one else will either.

    Do you think all the free books through Amazon and the library offered to prime members affect your efforts?

I believe the free reads and lending through Amazon (for prime members) has a positive effect on my efforts in promotion.  I’m willing to try a new author or genre because of the free read offers.  I have purchase 6 books this month as of this Amazon feature.  Amazon distributes a large list of books that are free, the lending library allows Prime users to read one book of their choice monthly at no additional cost to their membership 

However, on the down side, giving way books seems to brink out "rather vicious" reviews.  Which really puzzles me, especially when it's apparent the reviewer didn't finish the book/or read more than a page or two.  We all have our preferences.  Please be mindful of cyber manners--there is no reason post a hateful review.  Everyone that's pride in his/her work.  And every writer is mindful of our readership.  

Ginger goes into more depth on her blog post. You man wish to stop by her site also.

In order to compete with freebies, my publisher. Books We Love Ltd., lowered the prices of our books to try to be more competitive.  

And more good news: Jude Pittman, president, of Books We Love Ltd., with whom I'm published, released this statement as part of a press release:

Of course, any great author would be oppressed without an extensive distribution network for their work. To that end, Books We Love Ltd. has just signed a deal to distribute their books in print in the USA, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. Red Tuque will also be handling a portion of the distribution in Canada, with both distributors releasing a combined twenty-five titles this coming fall.

 “This print distribution is a big step for our authors, returning their work to its original format. Of course, we’ve not forgotten about eBooks and currently have over four-hundred titles exclusively available through Amazon Kindle. With each book priced at $4.99 or under, getting some of literature’s forgotten heroes into your hands has never been cheaper,” Pittman adds.

Exciting times. . . and great adventures! 

 What are the best promotions you've participated in?

I find that interviews generate the most exposure for me. Contests run as a group (with your publisher, online reader/writer group etc.) is second. Guest blogging (see I’m here!), and all of my combined online presence, is third.  I am visible in my community. I judge local and national writing contests, offer workshops and guest speaking engagement.  As for book signings—in the past this was a wonderful way to ‘meet and greet’ readers.  Signing 75 books during a 3-hour event was the norm, now author appearances aren't always sure-fired way to draw readers.  The Internet has replaced monthly newsletters that were sent via USPS. While downloadable bookmarks, e-authorgraphs, and facebook and google+ stream (the new fan club base) are all part of author branding.

The online shopping experience, or read a book at your local library and purchase it for your book shelf, seems to be the new norm. I believe to survive in this very competitive field, contests, giveaways, and series readership is a must. 

After all, a loyal readership is the key to success.  Write that ‘must read’ story that your readers will love and keep your name out there! 

Next on your Round Robin tour: Diane Bator at http://dbator.blogspot.ca

Happy Reading, 

Connie

Participating in July’s Round Robin event: Ginger Simpson at http://mizging.blogspot.com Margaret Fieland at http://margaretfieland.com/my_blog Connie Vines at http://connievines.blogspot.com/ Diane Bator at http://dbator.blogspot.ca Rhobin Courtright at http://rhobinleecourtright.com