Writing a prequel can be a tricky endeavor. You want to create a separate story that enhances the original while being interesting in its own right. Balancing past and future can be tough, but it’s not insurmountable. So, how do you write a prequel that engages readers while still fitting seamlessly into the established narrative?
Answer: To craft a successful prequel, start with a deep understanding of the original work, build compelling backstory elements, and ensure that the prequel stands on its own. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigating your way through this literary task:
- Understand the Original Work
- Identify Key Themes and Characters
- Develop a Unique Storyline
- Create Tension and Conflict
- Connect to the Original Narrative
- Seek Feedback and Revise
Table of Contents
1. Understand the Original Work
The first step is to dive deep into the original story. This doesn’t mean just skimming the surface; you need to grasp the underlying themes, character arcs, and major events.
Actionable Tip:
Re-read the original material and take notes on pivotal moments and character traits. Ask questions: What drives the protagonist? What are their fears and motivations?
Example:
If you’re writing a prequel to a fantasy novel, take note of the world-building elements, such as the history of conflicts or magic systems, that could enrich your prequel’s narrative.
2. Identify Key Themes and Characters
Once you understand the original work, pinpoint the key themes and characters that you wish to explore in the prequel.
Actionable Tip:
List the main characters from the original story and write down their backstories as far as known. What might have shaped their decisions or changed their paths?
Example:
For a prequel about a notorious villain from a series, consider what drove them to their life of crime. Perhaps your research reveals a tragic love story that shapes their motives, adding depth to both the prequel and the original work.
3. Develop a Unique Storyline
Your prequel should be more than just “what happened before.” It needs a unique storyline that captures readers’ attention from page one.
Actionable Tip:
Draft a synopsis of your prequel, focusing on introducing new challenges and stakes. Use a simple structure: establish a situation, introduce conflict, and resolve the conflict without overshadowing the existing story.
Example:
If the original story is set in a post-apocalyptic world, your prequel could explore how society collapsed, featuring a group of survivors who struggle with each other and their changing environment. Their struggles can set the stage for characters found later.
4. Create Tension and Conflict
Conflict is the heart of any good story. For your prequel, craft conflicts that are relatable yet distinct from the original narrative. Introduce tension to hook your readers.
Actionable Tip:
Incorporate both external and internal conflicts. External conflicts could include facing enemies or natural disasters, while internal conflicts could involve character dilemmas or moral choices.
Example:
In a story featuring a hero trying to assemble a team, you could introduce conflict by having a potential team member who is against the hero due to a past betrayal. This can create compelling dynamics while explaining why future alliances are crucial.
5. Connect to the Original Narrative
While your prequel should stand on its own, it should still connect to the existing story. Link character traits, settings, or events to build continuity.
Actionable Tip:
Incorporate recognizable elements and foreshadow events that will occur in the original story. This could be iconic locations, phrases, or unresolved issues that will appear in the later narrative.
Example:
If there’s a legendary sword in the original story, explore its history in your prequel. Perhaps it was forged during a significant battle that the readers will hear about later, providing a rich backstory that enhances its value in the original narrative.
6. Seek Feedback and Revise
No writer is an island. After crafting your manuscript, gather feedback from trusted peers or beta readers. Initial drafts might lack clarity or character depth, so this step is essential.
Actionable Tip:
Critique groups or writing forums can provide helpful insights. Use tools like Google Docs for collaborative editing or apps like Scribophile to exchange manuscripts with others.
Example:
If your critique partner points out that a character in your prequel feels flat, consider expanding their backstories or experiences to allow them to resonate better within the established universe.
Pros and Cons of Writing a Prequel
Pros
- Expanded Story Universe: A prequel can enrich the original story’s world, providing more depth and context.
- Character Development: Readers get to see more of the characters’ backgrounds, making them feel more relatable.
- Engagement Opportunity: If readers love the original story, they are more likely to read a prequel, improving visibility and sales.
Cons
- Filling Gaps: You may face challenges in altering certain backstories without contradicting the original narrative.
- Maintaining Interest: If the prequel does not possess an impactful storyline, readers may lose interest.
- Fan Expectations: Existing fans might have set ideas about characters and plots, adding pressure to meet those expectations while crafting new narratives.
Best Practices for Writing a Prequel
- Balance Story and Backstory: While backstory is essential, keep the pacing engaging. Avoid long exposition and instead weave relevant backstory into the narrative.
- Keep the Tone Consistent: Ensure that the tone and style of the prequel match the original work. Sudden shifts can confuse or alienate readers.
- Explore Uncharted Territory: Utilize the prequel format to explore areas not covered in the original work. This could include supporting characters or entirely new characters that link to the main story.
Potential Pitfalls in Writing a Prequel
- Over-Reliance on the Original: While referencing the original narrative, avoid leaning too heavily on it. Your story must stand alone.
- Ignoring Character Development: Characters should grow and experience transformations in the prequel, not just repeat the same behaviors seen in the original.
- Neglecting New Audience: While prequels often attract readers from the original work, remember that new readers could also be unfamiliar with your prior story. Ensure the writing is clean enough for everyone.
Writing a prequel can be an exciting challenge that allows you to explore your characters and their worlds further. Following these steps will help you navigate the art of prequel creation so you can engage your audience and expand your storytelling universe. Happy writing!
When writing a prequel, issues can arise that may derail your writing process. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them.
1. Inconsistent Characterization:
If your prequel features characters with traits that don’t match their established personalities, it can confuse readers. To troubleshoot this, revisit the main story and take meticulous notes on each character’s attributes, motivations, and backstory. Identify key moments that shaped them. Ensure that your prequel character development aligns with these established traits. It might help to create a character arc that leads smoothly into the main story.
2. Plot Holes:
Missing connections between your prequel’s plot and the main story often lead to confusion. Prevent this by crafting a detailed timeline of events for both the prequel and the original story. Identify how events in the prequel contribute to the main plot. If you find gaps, adjust the prequel’s events to provide the necessary context or background. This strengthens the bridge between stories.
3. Anachronisms:
Placing modern elements in a historical setting can break immersion. Double-check the time period of your main story and research to ensure that the technology, language, and social norms of your prequel align. If you’re working within a fantasy realm, clarify the limits of your world’s technology and magic systems to keep everything consistent.
4. Pacing Problems:
Your prequel may feel slow or rushed compared to the original story. If the pacing is off, review the structure. Ensure that the key plot points build tension and maintain reader engagement. Consider breaking the story into chapters or sections that mirror the pacing of the main story, balancing moments of action with character development.
5. Over-explanation:
Prequels often struggle with the urge to over-explain everything. Avoid lengthy expository passages. Instead, weave in background information naturally through dialogue or action. For instance, let characters reference events that aren’t fully explained right away. This technique keeps the story dynamic while still providing necessary context.
6. Reader Expectations:
Your readers may enter the prequel with certain expectations based on the original story. If you lead them astray, it can result in dissatisfaction. Communicate with your audience before writing by looking at feedback or reviews of the main story. This understanding enables you to assess what readers anticipate in the prequel, allowing you to fulfill expectations while incorporating your unique perspective.
Tackling these common issues early on helps to create a prequel that feels cohesive and engaging, enhancing the overall experience for readers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to How To Write A Prequel
Q. What is a prequel?
A. A prequel is a work that takes place before the events of an existing story. It explores characters, events, or themes that lead up to the original narrative.
Q. Why should I write a prequel?
A. Writing a prequel can deepen readers’ understanding of your main story, expand character backstories, and explore themes that may not have been fully addressed in the original work.
Q. How do I decide what part of the story to focus on in a prequel?
A. Focus on significant events or character developments that impact the original story. Consider gaps in the backstory or unanswered questions that might enhance the reader’s experience.
Q. Can I introduce new characters in a prequel?
A. Absolutely! Introducing new characters can enhance the story’s depth and complexity. Just ensure they connect logically to the original characters and plot.
Q. Should a prequel have the same tone as the original story?
A. It’s ideal for the prequel to match the tone of the original work. This creates a seamless experience for readers as they transition from the prequel to the main story.
Q. How do I keep a prequel engaging?
A. Develop conflict, tension, and intriguing plotlines to keep readers interested. Ensure that the events are crucial to the overarching narrative of the original story.
Q. Can I reveal major plot twists in a prequel?
A. Be cautious with major plot twists. Revealing too much can spoil the original story. Focus instead on subtle hints or character motivations that lead up to those twists.
Q. How long should a prequel be?
A. The length of a prequel can vary, but ensure it’s proportionate to the original work. A novella can suffice, while a full-length novel might be necessary for a deeper exploration.
Q. Should I write a prequel from the same point of view as the original story?
A. Using the same point of view can create consistency. However, exploring different characters’ perspectives can provide fresh insights and add depth to the narrative.
Q. How can I ensure my prequel connects well with the original story?
A. Plan your prequel with the original plot and character arcs in mind. Refer back to key events in the original story and create a timeline to maintain consistency.
Conclusion
Writing a prequel can be a rewarding journey that adds depth to your existing story. By understanding your characters’ backstories, ensuring consistency in the plot, and introducing new elements that enhance the original work, you can craft a compelling narrative that captivates your readers. Remember to keep the essence of your original story while providing fresh insights. Now, it’s time to put your ideas on paper and give your readers an exciting glimpse into what came before!
