I've been thinking a lot recently about how interesting prequels as a medium to tell a story. They're more than just stories that happen before other stories; taking the suspense of not knowing how the story ends out of the equation creates a unique challenge of having to build tension in other ways. Additionally, they usually serve a very narrow purpose of expanding the backstory and inner life of specific characters, or aspects of the worldbuilding that didn’t get their time to shine in the original work. I find that fascinating! Who are the people writers feel are misunderstood throughout the journey of the original book(s)? What worldbuilding details didn’t they manage to weave into their main story, but find cool enough to create an entirely new book/novella around them? How did we get here, wherever „here“ is at the beginning of the first book?

Also, please tell me whether you agree that the storytelling in prequels is fundamentally different than in non-prequels! And what your favorite prequel is. And whether you have a definitive answer to the „chronological or publication“ debate. Basically, feel encouraged to discuss the concept of prequels with me, it’s my literary obsession of the week and I love yapping.