I want to begin my story with a very short scene from the middle - a sort of teaser. It's just one small paragraph (57 words).

Anyone got any ideas of how to set that out? It's not really a prologue or a chapter in its own right and it's so small it would look silly on a page all on its own.

Thanks

PC

You could set it in italics, and/or then leave more than the usual space - or a centred asterisk - before the main text starts.

Emma

I’d try avoiding prologues if I were you, they’re one of my pet hates and never read one these days.

The urge to write a prologue may be a symptom of you starting your story in the wrong place…

Of course, that’s just my opinion

Grinder

I like prologues. TWH has a short one (about 500 words) and it sets the theme for the entire novel. Without it, I would have to shoehorn in too much exposition to make the story work.

In another long abandoned novel – which I hope to resurrect one of these days – I have a single paragraph prologue which I've put in italics, a different font and in a box. Have to say, it looks pretty good. Might be bollocks, but it looks good

Nice to see you, Grinder. How’s things?

Dee

I'd go with italics too, as an intro to the first chapter. At that size you can treat it more like a quote than a prologue.


- NaomiM

Thanks folks. I think I'll go with the italics

PC

I love 'em when they have 'em in crime fiction. A little italicised glimpse of the crime being committed, but never with enough of a clear view to let you know what was really happening - until it dawns on you in about chapter 27. And then we cut back to chapter one, which begins in the detective chief inspector's office on Monday morning...

It can be gimmicky, but in its place it works a treat!

Rosy

I'm a big fan of prologues. I can't imagine writing anything without a prologue. I have a prologue or two in my archive.
Alternatively as suggested, put that piece in italics followed by an asterisk.

I think prologues can work, but I think they need interrogating fiercely as to why they're there. I've read (or rather, stopped reading) far too many novels where it's the lazy writer's solution to creating dramatic tension, without having to make page one (and two and three...) of the main story really compelling in the teeth of all the necessary setting-up and backstory.

Emma

Of course, if the agents are only spending 20secs on a submission then a cracking (& short) prologue might make all the difference.

- NaomiM