To Prologue or Not to Prologue?

Kristina McMorris was the keynote speaker at the conference this year. First off, wow! Now, she is a wonderful example of a master plotter. She talked about her process, her research, and her writing style as she explained helpful tips. 

I honestly gobbled it up as I quickly scribbled down the tidbits and took photos of the slides that I couldn't jot down in time. Thank the Lord for today's technology! 

Anyways, she started to talk about prologues and author's notes and how she uses them in her own stories. She stated that she would use a prologue for stories that had a slow start. Within it, she'd plant a hook. That one little tidbit of information was a big answer for me. 

A little door cracked open for me. 

I had been holding off on the backstory because I didn't know if the reader would want to know it or if they would prefer only the happy healing process part. 

I think part of this conundrum was the fact that I had thrown myself into this manuscript to help find some relief and heal from the loss of my brother. But the more I studied writing, the more I found out that the reader ultimately wants to relate to the main character. 

But... I wanted to write my character overcoming her past... I mean... at least at a high percentage. 

Writing a prologue could help me resolve that portion of the problem! I'm supposed to be taking a break before attacking the second draft of my manuscript right now. The advice given states to either listen to or read other authors' work. Study them, compare their skills, see how they demonstrate “show, don't tell,” build characters, and create scenes with humor or other emotions. 

The point? 

So I will have no problem tearing up my own work to make it better. 

I'm doing just that by going to the conference and nearing the completion of two more books... Yes, I read multiple books at a time. 

I haven't started the second-draft editing process... But... I may have started... the prologue! 

Honestly, it feels so good to still be finding solutions. Though it may seem small, it is a big step toward completion. 

Writing friend, I really would love to hear your thoughts on prologues, epilogues, and author's notes. Have you either used them yourself or read any books where they complemented the story?