But What Happened Before . . . . Writing the Prequel

When we started writing the novella, I did a little research on blogs to see people’s opinions of the prequel, and novellas in general. What’s the main thing I discovered? That readers have a love/hate relationship with the novella/prequel. There are those readers out there who hate the prequel story because it’s not a complete story. Others who love prequels but hate that it’s billed as a novella when it’s an introduction to what’s already happened. Still others don’t care what it’s called as long as they can get their hands or e-reader on it.

What is the difference between a novella and a prequel? From what I’ve read, the novella is a short, complete story that provides the happily-ever-after that readers love. While the prequel is more of a teaser of the series that it’s related to, that’s designed to make the reader want more of the series. I must admit, this confused me a little. You see, I thought that all novellas, or prequels in novella form, or even prequels in full-length book form, were supposed to make the reader want more or to give them more of the series they've fallen in love with.

So, that brings me to Before The Fall. Is it a prequel or a novella?

First, the teaser:

Zach was once the Order of Ancients' most feared warrior, beating back the hounds of hell to protect the unsuspecting human race. But since he left the Order ten years ago, he'd been living as a mortal...until now. The gates of the underworld are breaking open, and Zach is needed once again in the fight. But before he can answer his summons, there's one person he refuses to leave behind. Shanna may think Zach has a screw loose, spouting all this "hounds of hell" nonsense, but he has to get her to safety. The journey to the Order's headquarters is a dangerous one, and even a warrior like Zach might not be strong enough to keep the darkness at bay.

Novella or Prequel?

Well, if you follow the definitions, it’s a prequel because the story comes before Ascension, the first in the Dark Breed Novels. However, it also gives you a happily-ever-after ending—at least where Zach and Shanna are concerned—so that makes it a novella, right? I don’t know, but I believe if you go by our definition—a story that makes you want more of a series you’ve fallen in love with—you’ll find Before The Fall everything you’re looking for no matter what you call it.

Now, my question to you: Do you call it a prequel or novella or even care as long as you don't have to wait too long for the chance to read it? One lucky commenter will win a signed cover flat of our December release, Bedeviled, book 2 in the Dark Breed Novels.