Prequels

[lc69hunter]

I am in Chapter 4 of a series I am writing, and something important in it refers back an important episode involving the main character prior to when this series started, and it can't be adequately explained in the chapter, and it is critical to the story.

Question: When and where should I publish the prequel? I am leaning toward between the third and fourth chapters, but would like some advice.

Thanks

 

[Euphony]

Feels like you would know where it fits narratively best (you've only given us generics)

Readers will surprises you just how much they can hold on to and for how long (to both the good and the bad )

Place it where it is not disruptive but doesn't feel like tacked in to cover the next events. Between works well if you write it fairly stand alone and not as a pseudo extension of 4

 

[MelissaBaby]

I am in Chapter 4 of a series I am writing, and something important in it refers back an important episode involving the main character prior to when this series started, and it can't be adequately explained in the chapter, and it is critical to the story.

Question: When and where should I publish the prequel? I am leaning toward between the third and fourth chapters, but would like some advice.

Thanks

If you have not yet published the first chapter, you might consider writing this particular section as a prologue.

I have used flashbacks on a number of occasions, and usually just incorporated them into the story, ofter juxtaposing them to "current events". For example, in one chapter, my MC was delivering a boat, and as he sailed it to his destination, reminisced about a similar trip in his youth that was extremely significant to the plot. By juxtaposing the two journeys, I was attempting to create a resonance between them. I think it worked pretty well, but, ya know, I'm biased.

 

[gunhilltrain]

If you have not yet published the first chapter, you might consider writing this particular section as a prologue.

I have used flashbacks on a number of occasions, and usually just incorporated them into the story, ofter juxtaposing them to "current events". For example, in one chapter, my MC was delivering a boat, and as he sailed it to his destination, reminisced about a similar trip in his youth that was extremely significant to the plot. By juxtaposing the two journeys, I was attempting to create a resonance between them. I think it worked pretty well, but, ya know, I'm biased.

Yes, it depends on whether you've actually posted Chapter 4, assuming the prequel goes before it. I don't think you can change the numbering system after the chapters are published. I've done things like that, and the unplanned prequel had to be, in effect, a stand-alone story. If you alert the readers in a disclaimer at the top of the prequel (saying where it fits), my experience is that the readers will accept it.

 

[Britva415]

I posted a "Chapter 00" in my series. It's explicitly marked as a backstory.

I published it first in chronological order of publishing date, but it's an idea which could work even if it's published at a later date than the chapters which take place later in-universe.

 

[BobbyBrandt]

It doesn't appear that you have submitted any parts of the story yet, so I think the best option is to place the prequel at the beginning, likely as Melissa suggested as a prologue. If you feel it is too long for a prologue, consider making it your first chapter and renumber those that follow.

I am finishing a story that will be a prequel to my first story published in 2014. It isn't required for the subsequent stories in the universe, but it does elevate some of the minor characters that appear in later stories and provides some backstory that I hope readers find interesting.

 

[Britva415]

If the "prequel" isn't at the beginning of the intended reading order, consider whether it's really a "flashback."

 

[SimonDoom]

I'm going to take a different approach from that of some other commenters here. I think it's important to start a story strong. So before putting the "prequel" or "prologue" or whatever you want to call it as the first chapter, consider whether it's strong enough to do that. I see nothing with inserting a prologue later in the story. There are plenty of examples of this. In the Godfather, for example, the story starts in the present, and well into the novel it flashes back to an extended section about Vito Corleone's early life. The story is much more effective this way.

A good place to put a prologue chapter is immediately after a chapter that finishes where the main character is about to make a major decision. The prologue can help explain how the character got to that point. It also may heighten tension and expectation because the reader wants to know what the next step is.

It's hard to answer these things in the abstract. It all depends on the needs of the specific story, and only you know that.

 

[lc69hunter]

I'm going to take a different approach from that of some other commenters here. I think it's important to start a story strong. So before putting the "prequel" or "prologue" or whatever you want to call it as the first chapter, consider whether it's strong enough to do that. I see nothing with inserting a prologue later in the story. There are plenty of examples of this. In the Godfather, for example, the story starts in the present, and well into the novel it flashes back to an extended section about Vito Corleone's early life. The story is much more effective this way.

A good place to put a prologue chapter is immediately after a chapter that finishes where the main character is about to make a major decision. The prologue can help explain how the character got to that point. It also may heighten tension and expectation because the reader wants to know what the next step is.

It's hard to answer these things in the abstract. It all depends on the needs of the specific story, and only you know that.

Thanks. It is what I was thinking.. I haven't submitted for publishing yet, as I want to have at least 4 chapters ready to submit. This story has been rattling around in my head for a long time, and I am finally writing it. I think that one chapter will be suitable for the Woman Centric contest.

 

[stickygirl]

If it's in a series, then you can reorder them ( but not change the titles ) May help? To change titles you have to ask very nicely when you submit the next story and make the new order clear.