The Power of Prologue

In writing circles there is a debate going on about prologues. And let me tell you, if you thought something as innocuous as prologues couldn't possibly be controversial or titalating, think again. There are very emotional arguments on both sides of the spectrum. Some people are in love with prologues and absolutely refuse to let go of them. On the flip side, others claim that a prologue is just a way to cheat when coming up with an opening hook. As for me, I'm somewhere in between, but leaning more toward the champions of the prologue.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that every book should have a prologue. In fact, I think a writer should consider carefully whether or not a prologue is really neccessary before writing it. I am brainstorming for a new book right now about a 1000 year old fairy woman who has been in isolation for hundreds of years until she meets a 19th century sexy scientist. I was tempted to start off with a prologue, but after considering it I realized that there was nothing I could say in a prologue that couldn't be incorporated as back story throughout the story. On the flip side, Savage Grace begins with the death of Evangeline's mother. While her mother technically dies before the story begins, how she dies is of vital importance to the story. Hence, I determined that her death scene would work best as a prologue.

So when is a prologue appropriate? When I am considering this in my writing I have several questions that I answer with brutal honesty before making a decision.

1. Is the prologue neccessary to set up the main story?

The purpose of a prologue is to relay essential backstory that cannot be done any other way. This is done in a different voice and POV than the rest of the novel, in order to set it apart. As with my example above, the information should occur in a diffent time and/or location than the rest of the novel. And allow me to stress again that this information must be neccessary to the rest of the story.

2. Does the prologue have an exceptionally compelling hook?

If you decide to write a prologue, keep in mind that it is essentially a false start to your story. I know many readers who simply skip prologues (I have been guilty of this at times). As such, you must make certain that you have an almost supernaturally compelling hook. Something that will tell the reader that it is worth their time to read the prologue (false start) before the first chapter (actual start).

3. Are you using an exciting prologue to cover up an unexciting opening chapter?

As a reader, there is nothing that annoys me more than a gripping, edge-of-my-seat prologue followed by a dross opening chapter. If the only reason you are using a prologue is because you have no effective hook in your opening chapter, then you are using it for the wrong reason. If you open with an entire chapter of info dumping and backstory, then you need to rewrite the opening and consider dropping the prologue. The opening chapter must be exciting and compelling, otherwise you'll just annoy your readers.

This is my opinion; what's yours? To prologue or not to prologue. That is my question.

Bodice-Ripper Defined

While writing and perfecting my first book, Savage Grace, I participated in several peer-review author websites as well as some local writers circles. While I was submitting it for peer-review, I received several comments along the lines of "be careful, this [insert section here] could make people think this is a bodice-ripper" (or some variation thereof).

It could be that I was born in the wrong generation, but I wasn't quite sure what defined a "bodice-ripper". I gathered from the comments I received that it was considered a bad thing. So I relied on my old friend google and came up with several definitions. Starting with:

"a romantic novel containing scenes in which the heroine is sexually violated"
wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

Okay, definitely not any of the books I have or every would write. Kind of offended that people would even think my books would be classified as such. Moving on to the next definition:

"The romance novel is a literary genre developed in Western culture, mainly in English-speaking countries. Novels in this genre place their primary focus on the relationship and romantic love between two people, and must have an "emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending. ..." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodice_ripper

This is a very good description of my books. I call it romance, but some apparently consider it a bodice-ripper. Let's move to the next:

"A sexually explicit romantic novel, usually in a historical setting, especially one involving the seduction of the heroine" en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Bodice-ripper

Sure, that one works for me as well.

Of these four definitions, the only one I take issue with is the first about the heroine being raped by the hero. After reading these, I must say I am a bit offended by the term "bodice-ripper". It seems to imply that romance books have less merit than pieces of literary fiction. If I enjoy writing and reading romance some people might think that I am something of a mindless drone. Just because I enjoy Eloisa James and Julie Garwood doesn't mean I can't enjoy W. Somerset Maugham or George Orwell (two of my absolute favourite authors, by the way).

Think of it this way. There are thousands of movies in existance. Some of them are very important movies. Schindler's List, The Last King of Scotland or Hotel Rwanda, to name a few. But I have no desire to only watch these serious, important (and sometimes downright depressing) movies. Sometimes I just want something that is fun and emotionally satisfying. Something like Never Been Kissed, The Proposal or Singing in the Rain.

There are many very talented, intelligent people who write romance. Julia Quinn is an ivy league graduate with a post-graduate degree on top of that. I enjoy philosophy, history, psychology and politics. I read the NY Times and the Wallstreet Journal cover-to-cover on a daily basis. I am a subscriber to the Economist. I watch Charlie Rose and C-Span. I also enjoy "chick-flicks" and, apparently, "bodice-rippers". Does that make me a mindless drone? If it does, then I am remarkably comfortable with that determination. The world would be a better place were there more such "mindless drones" in the world.

What Happens In London

Before yesterday I had never read a single book of Julia Quinn's. Then I was at the grocery store on Saturday night looking at the magazine ailse. I happened to see a book entitled What Happens In London. Now tell me, who wouldn't pick up a book with that title? It just demands to be read. And the fact that it is trade paperback and only cost me $7.99 was just icing on the cake. So while I almost always read my romances via e-book, I bought this one in hardcopy (if anyone wants to borrow it, let me know and I'll ship it to you).

Why do I love Julia Quinn? She is like a modern Jane Austen (honest to god). Her delightful asides and hilarious sub-plots and characters make it impossible to stop reading. I started it Sunday morning and finished it Sunday afternoon. It was unputdownable. The only disappointing part is that I have to wait until next year to read Seb's story. I loved Seb even more than I loved Harry. Of course, she has apparently published a dozen other books to keep me busy until then, so I'm not too disappointed.

Harry Valentine (yes, a slightly cheesy name, but don't hold it against him) is not your normal romantic hero. He is what the ton would have called a bluestocking (does this term apply to men and women both?). He works for the War Department (because what self-respecting Regency hero doesn't, really?). The catch is that he has a very boring desk job. He is a bit of a linguist and is in charge of translating documents from Russian to English. He doesn't like danger or espionage or subterfuge.

Olivia, who I would hate if she weren't so damn likeable, is the Original of the Season. Breathtakingly beautiful but seen as somewhat cold (not because she is cold, but because she is often distracted by her amusing mental tangents and forgets to listen when people are talking to her). She is hilarious (and if she weren't so clumsy, I really would hate her).

You will love the scene where Olivia and Harry read at risqué gothic novel while sitting on their respective window ledges. My heart is all atwitter just thinking about it.

In case you want a sneak peek, this is also an Avon book, so you can read the first 60-something pages here:

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Rumors and Gossip . . . The lifeblood of London

When Olivia Bevelstoke is told that her new neighbor may have killed his fiancée, she doesn't believe it for a second, but, still, how can she help spying on him, just to be sure? So she stakes out a spot near her bedroom window, cleverly concealed by curtains, watches, and waits . . . and discovers a most intriguing man, who is definitely up to something.

Sir Harry Valentine works for the boring branch of the War Office, translating documents vital to national security. He's not a spy, but he's had all the training, and when a gorgeous blonde begins to watch him from her window, he is instantly suspicious. But just when he decides that she's nothing more than an annoyingly nosy debutante, he discovers that she might be engaged to a foreign prince, who might be plotting against England. And when Harry is roped into spying on Olivia, he discovers that he might be falling for her himself . . .

Where Do Your Ideas Come From???

Today was a bad writing day. It was like carving the words into granite. Chip, chip, chip. Wow, I got half a letter T. Chip, chip, chip. And there's the rest of it. On and on it went all day long until I got all of two hundred words written. Awful words at that. I'm certain I'll scrap most, if not all of it tomorrow (technically today, as it is 3:20 in the morning).

So what's my point in revealing this to you? I'm so happy that you asked. Because after spending all day forcing the words out with a sledge hammer, I decided to call it a day and go to sleep. Unfortunately, as soon as my head touched the pillow my mind was suddenly full of ideas. Now I have two hours (if I'm lucky) until the wee one wakes up and I still can't turn off my mind. On the plus side, I've written four thousand words tonight plus outlined my next book.

My question today is this: Where do you get your ideas? And, perhaps more importantly, what do you do when the ideas stop flowing?

Three Books For The Price of One

I certainly can't be the only one who has a serious she-crush on Charlaine Harris. Imagine my delight at hearing that she was coming out with a new book (along with Maggie Shayne and Barbara Hambly). Granted, it isn't a new Sookie Stackhouse or Harper Connelly book, but still exciting. I haven't read it yet, but it is at the very top of my list to start...well...as soon as I have the time. I have no doubt that I'll love it. I'll let you know what I think, but here is the blurb from Harlequin's website:

Dancers in the Dark by New York Times bestselling author Charlaine Harris

Dancer Layla Rue Le May's childhood prepared her to handle just about anything, including her aloof partner, Sean McClendon, a three-hundred-year-old redheaded vampire. Even so, when she somehow acquires a stalker, Layla Rue is surprised to find that Sean is the only one she can trust….

Her Best Enemy by USA TODAY bestselling author Maggie Shayne

Kiley Brigham refuses to believe there's a ghost in her house, but when an unseen hand leaves a bloody message on her bathroom mirror, she's forced to turn to local psychic Jack McCain. As the two work to uncover a long-buried secret, Kiley finds that she's haunted not by spirits, but by thoughts of Jack….

Someone Else's Shadow by Locus Award–winning author Barbara Hambly

Maddie Laveau worries about her young roommate, Tessa, when she stays late to practice ballet in the old Glendower Building…and when Tessa goes missing, Maddie enlists mysterious tenant Phil Anderson to help. But is Phil the white knight she needs, or the predator she fears?

And in case you want to read an excerpt, you can find it here:

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And may I just say, that is one kick-ass cover.

Five on Friday

To the woman at the express checkout with fifty-two items

1. I have no problem with you using the 10 items or less lane when you have fifty-two items. Honest, I don't. But when the four people behind you who have abided by the 10 item or less rule have graciously allowed you to get away with having fifty-two items, please don't argue with the cashier for ten minutes over an expired coupon for twenty cents off your cereal.

2. I have a toddler, so I understand that they have minds of their own and sometimes will just behave badly. But please please PLEASE do not allow your toddler grab the candybar that my daughter has painstakingly spent twenty minutes picking out from her hand, bite her hand when she tries to get it back, then go running down the aisle screaming at the top of his lungs.

3. If your child does do this, please don't look at me with a little smile that says "kids will be kids". Unless your purpose is to seriously piss me off.

4. Also, please don't comment that "someone needs a nap" when my daughter is sobbing uncontrollably on my shoulder after your son bit her and ran off with her candybar.

5. For the love of God, make sure you have enough money to cover your bill. Dumping out the entire contents of your purse and rummaging through them to find the eighty-two cents that you still owe the cashier will just make the already irate customers behind you vow to create voodoo dolls of you and stick needles in them once they finally get through this hellish line!!!!

Id, Ego and Super Ego

Super Ego: C'mon, Jaime, get up. You should take a shower and get dressed, it's nearly noon.


Id: Naw, think of how much easier it is just to stay in your pjs all day


Ego: Id, you are genius, I tell ya. Pure genius




The End

Have you met my friend Dotty?

Dorthea Benton Frank is one of my all-time favourite authors. Imagine my surprise when I heard she was having a book published by Avon, my favourite publisher. The Land of the Mango Sunsets is a beautifully written journey of self-discovery that more than meets the high expectations set by Ms. Frank's previous books. It has been on my to-be-read list for over a year now, and I am so glad I finally took the time to read it.

Her love of the low country and her knack for expressing the unique color of the locals shines through in this latest book. With a protagonist who you can't help but empathize with (her husband not only traded her in for a younger model, but a lingerie model at that...really, who wouldn't feel for the poor woman?). As I watched her morph from the shrewishly uptight New York Miriam to the laidback, want-to-tell-her-all-your-secrets Mellie, I felt as if I was right there with her.

I loved how Ms. Frank melds the world of New York with the world of South Carolina. I fell in love with her characters and her descriptions. Some day I would love to sit down and have a glass of wine with Ms. Frank. She seems like my kind of people. Plus, we share a love of the low country. I just hope I bring it to life in my Savages series as effortlessly and beautifully as she does.

Oh, and in case you'd like to read a sample of the book (and purchase and download it when you fall in love and have to finish it), you can find it here:

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Why Are Revisions so Difficult?

Seriously? Writing the first draft is always easy. I can churn out an 90,000 word first draft in about three weeks. There is a certain measure of satisfaction I feel every time I write those two delightful words: The End. But really, it isn't the end. It is the begining of the dreaded revisions.

What's even worse about it is that I actually find revisions fun. Honest. I love reading through and making a novel as perfect as I can. But for some reason it takes an act of God to get me to start on them. Why? This is where I am now with my new book. I think that the reason I am finding it so hard to start the revisions (I finished the first draft on Sunday) is because part of my mind els the book should be finished as soon as I write the words "The End". I'll work through it, it just always takes a moment for my rebellions subconscious to get over it. Just a matter of kicking my own ass, I guess ;)





Time to stop procrastinating and get revising. Hopefully I'll have this new manuscript polished by the end of next week. Woohoo!!! Have a wonderful wednesday

Writing As a Hobby v. Writing As a Profession

What is the difference between writing as a past time and writing as a job? If you go into novel writing thinking that it is something you can do in your spare time between carting the kids to soccer, cleaning the house and catching spa appointments, you may as well quit right now. If that sounds harsh, I apologize. But no matter how much I love my job, I never forget that it is a job. A job that I absolutely adore, but a job nonetheless. I have to make the time to sit in front of my computer for five to eight hours a day, six days a week, rain or shine, and do nothing but write. Before I've gotten one book polished, I am well into the next one. But you know what? It's never boring. It's hard. But I can deal with hard when it is something I enjoy doing this much. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.

I'm not saying that you can't be a successful writer until you quit your day job and devote every waking moment to writing. In fact, I think that is an awful idea. You just have to be motivated. I know you've heard it before, but you have to set aside time everyday to write. Some days it comes easily, and those are really great days. But sometimes it is like trying to carve the words on the surface of a pond. Those days I'd like nothing better than to go enjoy the sunshine or take my daughter to the pool. But you have to write on the hard days as well as the easy days. It won't always be the next great American novel that you churn out, but it doesn't matter. Even if all you can use it for is toilet paper, you have to keep writing. You can fix a poorly written page. You can't fix a blank one.

Hero v. Villain

I always fall in love with my heroes. They are delightfully flawed and wonderfully heroic, even sometimes against their better judgment. But I tend to enjoy writing my villains a bit more. I enjoy exploring the depths of the villain's psyche and seeing what it is that made them cross that fine line between hero and villain.

/

The villain in Savage Grace has gone beyond villain into full-blown evil madman. But he didn't start out that way. He could have just as easily been the hero of the story, but for one fateful decision. Much of what I wrote about him didn't make it into the book (though some of it has leaked into my next free read, a short story that will be available on my website in the next couple of days). Still, it was fun exploring his past and seeing what pushed him into the devil's embrace. He's a fascinating character and one that is utterly unloveable, which ironically makes him loveable. A thrill to write and, I hope, to read.

So what makes a villain villaineous, or a hero heroic? A perfect hero is dull and a purely sociopathic villain is unrealistic. I don't believe there is much that separates the villain from the hero. Circumstances don't create a villain or hero. How they deal with their circumstances, however, does. And often it is just a matter of perception. For what villain truly believes that, at least on some level, he is not the hero?

Favourite Romance Author (and my review of A Duke of Her Own)

I'll be honest, my favourite romance author changes almost daily. Currently it is Eloisa James (http://www.eloisajames.com/). I've only read A Duke of Her Own, but I'm completely charmed and infatuated. Villiers is delightfully rakish, as any Regency romance duke ought to be, and Eleanor and Lisette (yes, there are TWO heroines in this tale) are both delightful. I must say I would hate to be in Villiers shoes, cause these women rock. Without giving anything away, I think he made the perfect choice in the end. I actually discovered about halfway through that this is book six in a series, but I had no problem reading this as a stand alone book.

You want to know the greatest thing about this book? It is published by Avon, a HarperCollins Imprint (http://www.harpercollins.com/imprints/avon/). Avon offers a free sample of most of their books. And I'm not just talking a couple of pages or chapters. They offer 60+ pages. Then if you like what you've read you can purchase the e-book and download it to read right then and there. (I read the first 67 pages yesterday, before it actually went on sale, and purchased the rest this morning) It looks something like this:

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It is what makes Avon my favourite romance website. I intend to browse through the rest of the books by Ms. James (and most likely purchase them, much to the disapproval of my pocketbook ;) ).

So tell me, who is your favourite author?

Why I Write

"The first duty in life is to assume a pose. What the second duty is no one yet has found out."
-Oscar Wilde

I was reminded of this quote by Oscar Wilde today when a friend asked me what the point was of writing paranormal romance. I am quite certain that there are many people who see it as a frivolous pursuit. Writing isn’t frivolous for me. It is as necessary as breathing. I think most people, myself included, create a mask that they show the world. From the clothes they wear to the way they speak, people present a mask of who they want to be. When I write that mask is stripped away and all that is left is me. For better or worse, my writing defines me.

Paranormal Romance for Teens

Have you seen Harlequin's new imprint for teens? In case you've been living in a hole, paranormal is HUGE in the young adult sector right now (can anyone say Stephanie Meyers?). Apparently Harlequin has decided to cash in on the phenomenon by creating HarlequinTEEN. Their website, http://www.harlequinteen.com/, just went live listing the three books that will launch the imprint. The first listed also has a free preview written by author Rachel Vincent. It is the prequel to her new Soul Screamers miniseries, entitled My Soul to Take. After reading the prequel I am not ashamed to admit that I am looking forward to reading the first installment. Rachel Vincent (who you might know from her truly remarkable Shifter series) looks to have a new hit with this Soul Screamers series.

Whatever your opinion on Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series, you have to admire her for inspiring so many teens to read. I truly hope that this new imprint takes that interest and fosters a life long love of reading in teens. I think that their first three books have the potential to do just that. I, for one, will be keeping an eye on this imprint. Good thing they have a convenient twitter page where I can do just that: www.twitter.com/HarlequinTEEN

The New Website

My new author website, http://www.jaimehamilton.com/, is up and running. I'm still working on adding content to the site, but I am very excited about it. I've uploaded my very first free read, a short story entitled Tempted by Fire. I'll warn you, though, that it is for readers 18 years old and older. It is the story of Olivia Forsythe and Connor Savage, two of the sub-characters in book two of The Savages series. I welcome any and all comments.

Happy Reading,

Jaime Hamilton