Just say no to prologues. Right? Well, usually, yes. But there's a reason a lot of the most famous fantasy novels of all time just so happen to have (you guessed it) prologues. Even though a prologue or prelude or "chapter 0" is most likely unnecessary and maybe even detrimental to your own novel, it's smart to understand how they can sometimes work well in the best case scenario.

So today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, I take a look at an advice prompt from an author with a rather unique story framing device at the beginning that we think needs a little work. I discuss prologues, of course, but also the importance of starting your novel in the right place and assuring the reader that you have the story under control when it comes to POV, exposition, and more.

Email your show feedback and/or advice prompts to fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or join our Discord. You can find the discussion prompt we referenced on the show right here.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is Jon Negroni, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options here.

Just say no to prologues. Right? Well, usually, yes. But there's a reason a lot of the most famous fantasy novels of all time just so happen to have (you guessed it) prologues. Even though a prologue or prelude or "chapter 0" is most likely unnecessary and maybe even detrimental to your own novel, it's smart to understand how they can sometimes work well in the best case scenario.
So today on Fantasy Writing for Barbarians, I take a look at an advice prompt from an author with a rather unique story framing device at the beginning that we think needs a little work. I discuss prologues, of course, but also the importance of starting your novel in the right place and assuring the reader that you have the story under control when it comes to POV, exposition, and more.
Email your show feedback and/or advice prompts to fantasywritingforbarbarians@gmail.com or <a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2">join our Discord</a>. You can find the discussion prompt we referenced on the show <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/fantasywriters/comments/1gk7mxm/prologuepreludechapter_0/">right here</a>.
Fantasy Writing for Barbarians‘ host is <a href="https://inbetweendrafts.com/author/jonnegroni/">Jon Negroni</a>, author of The Pixar Theory, Killerjoy, and more. Our producers are Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock. You can find all our episodes and various podcast app options <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/in-between-drafts/playlists/fantasy-writing-for-barbarians">here</a>.

Whether you're a beginner fantasy writer or maybe even a barbarian, Fantasy Writing for Barbarians can help take your story to some exciting new worlds. Hosted by Jon Negroni and produced by Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock.

Whether you're a beginner fantasy writer or maybe even a barbarian, Fantasy Writing for Barbarians can help take your story to some exciting new worlds. Hosted by Jon Negroni and produced by Natalia Emmons and Bridget Serdock.

Fantasy Writing for Barbarians

InBetweenDrafts is a new destination for the endlessly curious. Founded by the former editors at The Young Folks, we cover the latest news and entertainment across film, books, television, games, music, and more.

InBetweenDrafts is a new destination for the endlessly curious. Founded by the former editors at The Young Folks, we cover the latest news and entertainment across film, books, television, games, music, and more.

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