I notice in the comments that some people chose not to read your prologue now, saving it instead for when their copy arrives. And while that’s a lovely idea — it is not one I could manage! I mean, ohh my ohh my how hooked and intrigued I am. A magnificent lead in, Troy!
I’m waiting to read the prologue when my copy arrives, but I wanted to again champion your mindset toward writing and self-publishing. I read some ridicule toward extended acknowledgments later, and your piece reminded me that I get to decide what and how much I say there.
Some people seem to think they give out awards for the most snarky criticism, it's really kinda cringe. Something something about taking fewer muscles to encourage than to tear down... 😆 Thanks Michael! I hope you enjoy it.
I chose not to read your prologue here because I'm saving my it for when I get my book but wanted to drop in to say that I am a lover of prologues so am glad you kept it. Trends in book writing are fickle. I would say it's more important to listen to your heart and not change the trajectory of your writing by trying to weave the details from the prologue into the narrative.
Also, thank you for giving me an option other than my Kobo. I am still wanting to order the actual book to go with my Lamb copy but this is a great alternative.
Thanks Donna! I hope the paperback pre-order got sorted out - but either way, release day is just around the corner. And in reply to your other note: I hope you're having a splendid summer! We went to Stockholm for a long weekend, it was just gorgeous... Talk soon! 🩵🩵🩵
I enjoyed the prologue when I read it in the e-book. Sometimes it helps to set up the reader and that is what it did for me. I agree, one must not worry too much about the so many "dos and don't" that swirl around publishing a new book. Looking to have the printed book in my hands, already ordered, so I can put the bookplate in it. Fondly, Michael
Definitely planning on giving a review. Am about ½ way through the book. I am enjoying it, titilating, and reminicent of bygone days. I wonder if the current generation is celebrating life in the same ways? Fondly, Michael
I never minded prologues. They set my mind on a path and I'm ready for the "connective tissue" that will follow. After reading yours, I already know that I'll probably go back to it after finishing the book. There's an insane level of 'tease' in this! Well done.
Mr. Ford! You are such a winning wordsmith, such an amazing talent! "Waterspout" is a unique work in the Queer Literary Sphere--as everyone will soon discover. I'm so looking forward to having you back on the "WYATT!" podcast! Yaayyyyyyyyy!!!
As a long-time crime fiction reviewer and writer, I still see novels in this broad genre with prologues, prefaces, whatever we want to call them. They typically set up a dire situation and they often end with a murder. Sometimes they work for me as a hook, sometimes not, especially not if they're in the mind of the murder which is a cliché. The shorter the better, though. I've read Martin Cruz Smith's Stalin's Ghost at least three times, maybe four, and it has a gripping one-page, one-paragraph prologue that's a work of art. Totally sets the mood.
"but also so what?"
Exactly!
Personally, a love a good prologue. Case in point right here! ☺️🤗
Ohhhhhh, now I want to write a prologue… and read this immediately!
*whispers* Prologues are the new black, pass it on... :)
Thrilled to get this sneak peek at the new novel. And glad you went ahead with the prologue — if that's the vision, then you gotta stay true!
Thanks Jeff! I think you might like next Monday's post, inspired by you and Largehearted Boy - "The Music of Waterspout"... :)
That's awesome, looking forward to checking it out — always up for a book inspired playlist!
I notice in the comments that some people chose not to read your prologue now, saving it instead for when their copy arrives. And while that’s a lovely idea — it is not one I could manage! I mean, ohh my ohh my how hooked and intrigued I am. A magnificent lead in, Troy!
I can’t wait to read the whole thing :)
Yay! Thanks brother, glad it's piqued your interest - 11 days, but who's counting? 😂
Hehehe :)
Can’t wait!
The prologue whet my appetite for the story, Troy. So it worked!
Yay! A fortuitous misstep then... ;) Thanks Jeffrey!
I’m waiting to read the prologue when my copy arrives, but I wanted to again champion your mindset toward writing and self-publishing. I read some ridicule toward extended acknowledgments later, and your piece reminded me that I get to decide what and how much I say there.
I’m excited for Waterspout!
Some people seem to think they give out awards for the most snarky criticism, it's really kinda cringe. Something something about taking fewer muscles to encourage than to tear down... 😆 Thanks Michael! I hope you enjoy it.
I chose not to read your prologue here because I'm saving my it for when I get my book but wanted to drop in to say that I am a lover of prologues so am glad you kept it. Trends in book writing are fickle. I would say it's more important to listen to your heart and not change the trajectory of your writing by trying to weave the details from the prologue into the narrative.
Also, thank you for giving me an option other than my Kobo. I am still wanting to order the actual book to go with my Lamb copy but this is a great alternative.
Thanks Donna! I hope the paperback pre-order got sorted out - but either way, release day is just around the corner. And in reply to your other note: I hope you're having a splendid summer! We went to Stockholm for a long weekend, it was just gorgeous... Talk soon! 🩵🩵🩵
😘
Oh my god. I’m hooked! But of course.
And I love a good prologue—a category into which this one squarely falls!
Thanks Holly! I hope you like it 🩵
I used a prologue in one of my books to make it appear like the "academic" text it was being (falsely) presented as.
I enjoyed the prologue when I read it in the e-book. Sometimes it helps to set up the reader and that is what it did for me. I agree, one must not worry too much about the so many "dos and don't" that swirl around publishing a new book. Looking to have the printed book in my hands, already ordered, so I can put the bookplate in it. Fondly, Michael
I'm glad - will you have time to leave a Goodreads review, maybe? That would be super swell. 💙⭐🩵
Definitely planning on giving a review. Am about ½ way through the book. I am enjoying it, titilating, and reminicent of bygone days. I wonder if the current generation is celebrating life in the same ways? Fondly, Michael
I never minded prologues. They set my mind on a path and I'm ready for the "connective tissue" that will follow. After reading yours, I already know that I'll probably go back to it after finishing the book. There's an insane level of 'tease' in this! Well done.
So there you go - actual readers always win against the publishing cognoscenti... I took the "big hair" approach with the tease. 😆 Thanks Martine!
Mr. Ford! You are such a winning wordsmith, such an amazing talent! "Waterspout" is a unique work in the Queer Literary Sphere--as everyone will soon discover. I'm so looking forward to having you back on the "WYATT!" podcast! Yaayyyyyyyyy!!!
CAN'T WAIT!!! Thanks Wyatt! 🩵
As a long-time crime fiction reviewer and writer, I still see novels in this broad genre with prologues, prefaces, whatever we want to call them. They typically set up a dire situation and they often end with a murder. Sometimes they work for me as a hook, sometimes not, especially not if they're in the mind of the murder which is a cliché. The shorter the better, though. I've read Martin Cruz Smith's Stalin's Ghost at least three times, maybe four, and it has a gripping one-page, one-paragraph prologue that's a work of art. Totally sets the mood.