Young Writers Society

Welcome to Squills, the official news bulletin of the Young Writers Society!

What will you find here? Tons of interesting news about YWS, including but not limited to: articles about writing, art, and the world of humanities; interviews with YWS members; shameless plugs; link round-ups; and opinionated columns.

And where will all of this come from? Take a look at our fantastic creative staff!





Of course, our content can’t come only from our staff. We also depend on you to help keep Squills successful. You’re all a part of a writing community, after all. If you’re interested in submitting to Squills, pop on over to the Reader’s Corner to find out how you can get involved by contributing an article or participating in other Squills activities.

Well, that’s all I have for now. So, what are you waiting for? Enjoy!

1. ADVENTURES IN WRITING
2. FIVE FAIL-SAFE WAYS TO BECOME A WRITER: A MOMENT WITH POMPADOUR
3. THE VALENTINE'S DAY GIVEAWAY RESULTS
4. SOCIETY PAGES
5. THE HIGHWAYMAN
6. COW SAYS
7. CLUBS INSIDER
8. NEW ARRIVALS
9. LINK ROUNDUP
10. SHAMELESS PLUGS
11. SUBSCRIBERS

ADVENTURES IN WRITINGwritten by BlueAfrica < PM: >

To prologue or not to prologue? That is the question.

Actually, it’s rarely the question for me—not for long, at least. I’m pretty anti-prologue, so when this is the question, I pull an Edna Mode and move on to the next one.



However, I don’t hate prologues for the sake of hating prologues. I will even read them when I come upon them in published books, if only because I have too much pride in myself as a bookworm to skip the dull parts of a book. The way I see it, there are two reasons for including a prologue in your novel.

1. Prologue as backstory.
2. Prologue as a hook.

I’m going to split Reason 2 into two subspecies in a minute, but let’s look at Reason 1 first.

Prologue as backstory. Sometimes writers use prologues to convey backstory, because including a bunch of backstory right at the beginning of the book, in its own chapter, is a lot easier than weaving it into the story.

I’ll come right out and say it. This type of prologue, to me, is a definite no.

Why, you ask?

There are two kinds of backstory: a) information the reader must know to understand the events of the story and b) surplus information that helps characterization and world-building but isn’t essential to the plot. If your prologue contains the first type and this information is so immediately important that the reader cannot start the story without knowing it, then by all means include it. However, if this is the case, you should consider starting your story earlier so that the backstory becomes part of the main story.

But Blue (you say), I only have one important event that takes place ten years in the past, and the rest of the story is set in the present. I can’t start my story ten years ago only to jump ahead a decade in the next chapter.

Au contraire, my young apprentices. Take a gander at Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone. Chapter one:






And chapter two:






A perfect example of how to do one scene of backstory without designating it a prologue. Notice also that this particular first chapter, though it gives us some backstory, keeps us reading by leaving an air of mystery. Why are there so many oddly-dressed people about? What is so special about this boy and his scar? Who exactly are Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall? This opening chapter does what most backstory prologues do not—gives us enough to go on with, without revealing everything.

If the reader needs to know the backstory at some point but not immediately, or if the backstory isn’t essential to the plot, weave it into the story instead. This is more artful. Information-dump prologues are often the sign of an amateur and should be avoided whenever possible.

Prologue as a hook. I’ll get to our subspecies of prologue-as-hook soon, but first let me say this. If you feel your first chapter isn’t gripping enough to hook a reader, you should revise that chapter rather than adding a prologue.

I repeat: If you feel your chapter isn’t gripping enough to hook a reader, you should revise that chapter rather than adding a prologue.

Why? Because readers feel cheated when they find an exciting prologue followed by a dull first chapter. Because editors are more impressed by strong first chapters than strong prologues. Because some readers are so anti-prologue that they’ll skip your action-packed prologue, find the first chapter too boring, and put your book back on the shelf in favor of something else.

Plus, it’s a cop-out. Revision is hard work, but guess what? You’re going to have to do a lot of it. How are you going to revise an entire manuscript if you can’t even revise the opening lines of your first chapter?

The subspecies of Prologue hookis are scenicus and villanius: prologues that use an exciting later scene of the book to drawn readers in (scenicus) and prologues that introduce the antagonist (villanius).

P. hookis scenicus can be found wandering the wilds of television, where it frequents the openings of action-packed series. The show opens with Our Hero hanging from a rooftop by his fingertips. Just as he’s about to fall, the camera cuts to a different scene and the screen flashes “thirty-two hours earlier,” letting us know that we’re about to find out how Our Hero got into this predicament.

This type of prologue, I grant you, often works in television. Why? Two reasons. First of all, it shows characters we already know and love stuck in apparently inescapable situations, and second of all, it’s short. I don’t suggest this kind of prologue for the beginning of a series or a stand-alone book—sure, it could hook readers with action, but plopping us in the middle of action with no explanation can be confusing and we don’t yet care enough about the characters for concern to carry us through the prologue. However, if you do go this route, then follow the example of television and keep it short.

For an example of what not to do, take a look at Leigh Ann’s Civil War by Ann Rinaldi. I could do an entire article on why it’s a terrible book, but I’ll restrict myself to the prologue. At first glance, it seems to work. It’s short, it’s interesting, and it leaves you wondering how Leigh Ann got here. But remember that this type of prologue opens with a scene from later in the book. Ann Rinaldi chose to open with her climax—and used so much of it in the prologue that, when you reach that point later in the book, she has one sentence replace the entire climax. The sentence essentially says, “And then that other thing happened, but I already told you about that.”

Do not do this. It leaves the reader frustrated because she’s been cheated out of a proper climax.

The main problem with our second subspecies, P. hookis villanius, is that it tends to be clichéd in the extreme. Fantasy, in particular, loves this subspecies of prologue. An army of evil creatures drills in the rain while the Villain looks on from his fortress, smiling maniacally to himself and rubbing his hands together in anticipation of Our Hero’s doom.

This sort of prologue has no point, except as a gimmicky hook. We’ll find out later that the Villain has been training his Legions of Darkness when said Legions attack. We rarely learn his motivation in this scene (beyond a general idea, i.e. “revenge”), and if we did it would still have to be mentioned later to clue the other characters in. In my experience, it’s purely a cheap hook in the form of an unnecessary scene. That’s not to say I’ll necessarily put down a book that includes P. hookis villanius, but I’ll roll my eyes throughout the prologue, and the book, purely by virtue of this subspecies, will stubbornly refuse to become a favorite.

(See: Ranger’s Apprentice series.)

My verdict is to avoid prologues, though I know by saying so I may have outraged some people. Even as you read this, committees are springing up, angry letters are being written, and societies for the preservation of prologues are being formed.

But I’m not here to give a final word on prologues—just to give my opinion and a reasoned argument against them. I want to know what your thoughts on prologues are. Is there a case in which you believe they’re necessary? Is there a book that you feel uses prologue well? Follow the link below to take the poll and join the discussion.

Poll: How do you feel about prologues?

FIVE FAIL-SAFE WAYS TO BECOME A WRITER: A MOMENT WITH POMPADOUR

written by Sapi < pm: >

The comical piece by @Pompadour , Five Fail-safe Ways to become a Writer – The Official Guide , has been on the Literary Spotlight for a few days now. I had a few questions to ask her about this wonderful article.



Pompadour: If I'm honest here, I actually don't know. I sat down at midnight before Review Day, and the idea just sprang to mind. I'd been to a book-store the day before, and I remember having a hysterical fit of laughter at some of the titles I saw on the shelves. There was this one guide called: "Hipster: sway them right," and "Twenty twisted ways to kill your boss"; ridiculous stuff like that.

So when I plopped myself down in front of my computer, I thought I'd try my hand at a humourous guide. A guide about writing! Throw in a bucket of nocturnal insanity and you've got it!



P: I feel ... surreal, I guess. It's this weird elated feeling, except that it's mingled with something much, much deeper. I can't really put my finger on it. When I first saw my work on the spotlight, I nearly rocketed into the roof. I'd posted this piece a week ago, actually, and I'd asked @Messenger to review it for me. It was like this trigger, and then it suddenly became popular. I sure owe him big time!



P: Tea. A bucket before writing, and a bucket right after too. Or maybe you'd like to stick to a cup? Oh, and chocolate. Chocolate is like my life-line. I might be exaggerating here, but chocolate with extra-cocoa just gets you pumped! Or you could go for coffee. I'm pretty sure that if I don't mention that, coffee-addicts like @TimmyJake will be after my blood.



P: I'm actually hesitant when it comes to writing more guides. I don't want to write a sequel based on how popular the first one was because it could be utter rubbish for all I know. If a good idea hits me, I might just do it. I want it to be original, and different. Right now, I have this vague idea brewing at the back of my mind concerning lies and deceit. Who knows? I might assume the character of "Sir William Haiperbowl" and write a guide by him. The guide writes itself. And here I quote: "If you has the hype, you has the hamburger."

Personally, I think one of the reasons this guide was popular was because it was about writing. And that topic is attractive to all aspiring young writers, so yeah.



P: Sadly, I must inform the world that they have been misinformed concerning the existence of unicorns. They're actually giant puppies with horns taped to their foreheads and painted bright pink. I mean, come on people! Unicorns?

Hmm, that's actually a pretty good idea. I can see it now: "Three Steps to Building Your Own Unicorn, a DIY Guide." You'd need spray-paint, golf balls and bubblegum...

THE VALENTINE'S DAY GIVEAWAY RESULTSwritten by Iggy< PM: >

First and foremost is an apology! These results are way beyond delayed. The beloved @SparkToFlame has a lot of personal things going on, and so she had to retire from YWS. I meant to get these in earlier, but was away at a camp for a week, and-

Hold up, this isn't Society Pages! Excuse me for rambling on. I will make this short and simple.

The winner of the Valentine's Day Giveaway Contest is none other than one of our beloved Squillians - @OliveDreams!

Congratulations, Olive! You should be receiving the 5000 points via SquillsBot within the hour.

Thanks to all of you who participated! I look forward to seeing all of you in the next contest and, most importantly, reading Squills and liking it regardless of points! <3

​SOCIETY PAGES written by ShadowVyper < PM: >

This, however, is Society Pages. @Demeter was quite excited to share news of the new Cinderella movie with @StellaThomas, and decided they'd wear glass slippers on Wednesdays. Speaking of adornments, @Snoink wants to know if you prefer pigs or religious items as decorations in your house. Go weigh in on her poll !

On an entirely unrelated note, @Auxiira woke up a full hour before she had to yesterday, and couldn't fall back asleep Poor Xiira! Maybe it wasn't so unrelated... Does she have pig in her room, I wonder? Speaking of wondering, I wonder if @Blues was able to get the suggested bananas to go with the peanut butter and honey pancakes he was bragging about. Just the thought of that makes me hungry!

For those who are hungry for an adventure more than food (yeah right), @AriaAdams just launched a Storybook, The Silver Wind Hotel . ​Ri's Storybooks are always interesting, but if you're looking for something a little different, you might want to know that @Shadowlight is planning "an uber amazing fantastical nautical SB", and wants to know who's interested.

Meanwhile, lots of literary excitement have been flying around. @Aquestioning has posted the prologue to his new story,The Last Bridge , and @567ajt just got his work featured! @AnnieBauthor wonders if anyone else has "noticed that in fairytales, all the single kings seek a wife, and the single queens are evil?" I couldn't agree more with her that these stereotypes need to be done away with.

@LemisaLeaZeor greeted March with a status update "Pinch, punch, first day of the month" while @RavenMoonStone forgot all about it, and had the awkward moment of being corrected on the date. Silly Raven, there is no February 29th this year! @SubtleSanity spent the morning of the new month looking at posts from 2010 and marveling about how much the site has changed since then.

Speaking of changes, our beloved @KnightTeen recently celebrated her 17th birthday! Be sure you wish her a happy birthday, if you haven't already. Our dearest EIC @Iggy also has had some excitement recently, just getting back from a (presumably) lovely week at camp.

@AdjiFlex bids the world hello with a recent status. I'm sure I'll be able to relate with him soon. My lab semester project just got under way, and it's slowly but surely stripping me of all my free time. My babies (the fruit flies) need a careful watch. @CowLogic weighed in on one of my statuses "Listen, if some guy wants a dress and makeup over someone who can do the Drosophilia lab, that's HIS problem, not yours."

How do you prioritize? How do you spend your free time? Take a minute to update your status to let everyone know. I'll be watching. *creepy grin*
​
xxx

Lady S

Hah, that works for me too

THE HIGHWAYMANwritten by Clarity < PM: >

When I was in Year Five we studied Alfred Noyes, and his poem The Highwayman. I can remember having to get into groups and do a small performance on the poem. It was quite fun to say, but I hated standing in front of a crowd, and we were nine and ten years old…






I remember not knowing much about this poem when I was younger. But, reading it again, I was pleasantly surprised with its quality. Despite the length and time it takes to get through it, it’s rather good.

This article is supposed to be some form of… poetry review. But honestly, with the amount of amazing poems out there, how am I supposed to pick on things?! So, I shall only have to praise where praise is due.

And this poem is due much praise.

Going back to the performance in Year Five, it must have given me some sort of influence on wanting to pursue writing. Thinking of it, there are plenty of poems, short stories, and novels that have influenced me tremendously.

As the audience of Squills, what poems have influenced you? Send a link of an influential poem to me through PM, and I’ll choose one to feature in my next article! I want to “broaden my horizons” and take a look at poetry that has an effect on someone other than me.

Also, I hope to see you guys participating in NaPoWriMo next month! Happy Writing!

COW SAYS MARCH 2nd, 2014

written by CowLogic < PM: >





In first world countries, there is a lot of contempt for the culinary industry. "The waiting person is never polite enough, the waiting person talks too much. The food is taking too long, fast food isn't healthy or fancy. The food is too expensive, the food is made with cheap ingredients. There isn't enough atmosphere, the bathroom is to obscure."

Yes, people are never happy with this industry. But when it all comes down to it, the people that complain the most are the most vehement customers of the industry, as they are the very same people who are too lazy or haughty to make their own, cheaper, healthier food.* So, you could almost say that the culinary industry exists to be nagged. It's dependent on the nagging to make a profit.

I have never conceived a better reason to uphold the sanctity of annoying people.

*This doesn't pertain to you, dear reader, since you have extraneous circumstances.

CLUBS INSIDERwritten by ShadowVyper < PM: >

Do you play a bouzouki? Can you play a mandolin? Do you love rocking out on your ukulele? Or maybe you have a love for the tamer side of strings, like cellos, guitars, and violins. If so, then there's a club for you. String Players is a club for people of all ages and abilities to come together and talk about their passions.





@NYCnightowl007




Does the clang of swords lull you to sleep? Does the scent of danger waft you off to a far away world? Do you live for the moments that you can capture the adrenaline of battle? Then there's a club for you! Writers in Armor is a place for medieval fantasy writers to come together to discuss their work. Prose writers can discuss their settings, characters, or names for people and places in the forum. Poetry writers are encouraged to submit their work in a new contest:



[b][i]

Write a medieval poem, of any sort, with at least 2 lines, and no more than 99. Message them to me before Monday March 10, and on the 10th I will post them here for voting. This is really just because medieval poetry is fun to write, and for everyone else to read, but there are some little rewards.

​





Do you love the thrill of capturing events real time? Do you envision potential shots at all moments throughout the day? Do you have a habit of viewing life through the screen of a camera? If so, then you should join the club designed for people just like you!





@HerBugaboo

NEW ARRIVALSwritten by OliveDreams < PM: >

WOOHOO! We've reached an amazing, 29,258 users! Take a moment to welcome this week’s newest members to the site!

@CarnivorousMoogle has exploded on to the YWS scene this week by diving into the writing activities forums! If you're into poetry or fantasy - check out her portfolio

@MyersRockin has already achieved his first gold review star! Perhaps you could return the favour on his poetry?

@liveandbreathewords has also reached her first gold review star and I can see why! Check out her amazing review on this piece of work!

THIS WEEK'S ROUNDUP - 3/2written by megsug < PM: >

For adventurous spirits only.


If you love the Lord of the Rings book and movies. If you can name all of the characters and five unique attributes of each. I’ve found the club for you! The wall is filled with quote like @ddman’s







We’re ready for your clever quote too!


Mission trips have a history for not only being the not so peaceful way of spreading religion and putting an end to some cultural traditions. @indieeloise has a few questions.







@Karzkin thinks mission trips have and are bad while @CowLogic thinks that they can be good if done correctly. Those seem to be the two different sides of the debate right now. What do you think?


@rhiasofia is asking for help from our talented poets out there. Here’s her problem:







Come bring your rhyming advice to a poet in need!


I found this great writing game that stretches your description skills! You’re given a word and five sentences to describe it in the best way you can. @CarnivorousMoogle does a great job with the word home.






You want a shot? The word right now is dirt. Use your five sentences wisely.

SHAMELESS PLUGS

written by SquillsBot < PM: >

We love to run articles and questions, but we also love to advertise for you. Let people know about your new blog, a poem or story you’re looking for reviews on, or a forum thread you’d like more traffic on through Squills’ Shameless Plugs. PM @SquillsBot with the exact formatting of your advertisement, contained in the following code.

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Place advertisement here. Make sure you include a title!

The ALM Reviewing Contest ends on the 8th of March and the first winner will receive two reviews of their choice and a chance to join the Analytical Literary Magazine!

Join this once in a long while opportunity to experiment with writing like the pros. Try your hand at a literary review that speak to an audience who isn't the writer. Be the critic, the editor, just for a new flavor, a single review.

Pick anything to review and simply submit the analytical review up in the contest forum linked above to apply.

That's all folks~ Now send us yours.

SUBSCRIBERS

written by SquillsBot < PM: >

Find enspoiler-ed a list of our subscribers!



Do you, too, want to be enspoiler-ed and receive a personal weekly notification when the Squills newsletter is posted? Shoot a PM over to SquillsBot to let him know, and you'll be pinged along with the next issue!