Today I am delighted to welcome, children’s author, Lexi Rees to my blog.
Lexi is the creator of a wonderful children’s adventure series (The Relic Hunters) and more recently published a book that introduces children to the pleasures of creative writing.
When I first spoke to Lexi, she couldn’t decide on what type of article to write that wasn’t purely ‘kids related.’
So she instead opted for something a little different; something that would open up an interesting debate for all authors and that topic is whether or not to include a prologue in your book.
So without further preamble, it is over to you Lexi.
Prologues are controversial for authors, dividing people as firmly as a Marmite/ Vegemite debate. Personally, I find them helpful to get me into a story quickly, if they are only a page or two. After all, if you were there, in the author’s world, you would have a vague idea of the context/ background/ scene before the story itself unfolds. But I do agree, a prologue that is really a chapter in itself, is probably not doing its job.
Anyway, conscious of the polarised views, my early drafts of Eternal Seas did not have a prologue in them.
The problem was, I then found myself writing in a lot of back story. Beta reader feedback on the back story was as brutal as only an eight-year-old can be, so I ripped it all out and wrote a short prologue. I can’t describe how hugely relieved I felt after I did that. All the clunky back story bits had gone and a weight was lifted from me, and also from the plot.
The whole story just ran so much more smoothly, and helped the pace throughout the book. So here it is …
Prologue
Defeated by the Earth Lords during the Last War, the other clans were forced deep into hiding, locking away their powers in mysterious relics.
As the centuries passed, people forgot these powers ever existed. They faded into myths and legends, bedtime stories for children about magical people who could control the waves and walk amongst the clouds.
Today we go about our daily lives, unaware of how ordinary we have become.
But not everyone forgot.
The guardians, who protect the relics, did not forget.
The clan elders, who wait patiently, did not forget.
And Sir Waldred, the ruthless leader of the Earth Lords, will never forget. He will not stop until the relics are found … and destroyed. Only then will his reign be unchallenged. Forever.
We didn’t know it that morning, but our lives were about to become much less ordinary, and a lot more dangerous.
What do you think? Are you a prologue fan or not
Thanks, Lexi. I personally think that is a fabulous prologue, as it gives a flavour of some mystery about to be unravelled. The best prologues for me contain gripping scenes like this, that reel you in. It could be scene from the past or something that is yet to transpire, but fills me with a hankering to know more. How do others feel?
Giveaway
To celebrate the publication of Wild Sky on 28th November, Lexi is running a competition to win The Relic Hunters series.
You can enter here https://kingsumo.com/g/dpaovz/the-relic-hunters-giveaway
Buying links
http://viewbook.at/CreativeWritingSkills
http://viewbook.at/EternalSeas
About Lexi
Lexi Rees was born in Scotland but now lives down south. She writes action-packed adventures and workbooks for children.
The Relic Hunters #1, Eternal Seas, was awarded a “loved by” badge from LoveReading4Kids and is currently long-listed for a Chanticleer award. The sequel, Wild Sky, is out on the 28th November.
She’s passionate about developing a love of reading and writing in children and, as well as her Creative Writing Skills workbook, she has an active programme of school visits and other events, is a Book PenPal for three primary schools, and runs a free online #kidsclub and newsletter which includes book recommendations and creative writing activities.
In her spare time, she’s a keen crafter and spends a considerable amount of time trying not to fall off horses or boats.
You can follow Lexi via her social media links:
Website https://lexirees.co.uk/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LexiAuthor/
Twitter https://twitter.com/lexi_rees
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lexi.rees/
Thanks, Lexi, for opening up a most interesting discussion. This series sounds like it could be right up my street (even at my age!) but a great choice for kids who like a bit of adventure. Best of luck with the new book!
Same Face Different Place 