Ouch. Series writing involves planning.
This is not a piece on how to write a series. This is simply a sharing on things I'm learning about writing.
I just sent in my sample chapters from book two: Vampire in the Scrying Glass. In the process of writing this sequel I discovered the importance of continuity. Repeatedly I had to return to my first book: It's A Wonderful Undead Life to check names, places, and timelines. I tried to pick up any loose ends and tie them into a pretty bow. As I wrote I began to think of a third book and included some foreshadowing. One book ahead at a time, I thought. I can do that.
I was mistaken.
As I embark on the as yet unnamed book three. (From past experience I can already tell you that my editor and I will butt heads. You should have seen the flurry of e-mails and heard the phone conversations over the titles of the first 2 works. Who will prevail? Probably not me.)I have determined there will be 2 more books in this series about the vampire family, the Blautsaugers of Amber Heights, Missouri. Total 4 in all.
And here is where I learned the horrible truth. To connect books and yet have them be able to stand alone takes planning.
Yes, you say? This is not news. That is what a series is suppose to do. Well for someone like me that is harder than it sounds. Book three must keep the threads from one and two, stand on its own, and still logically lead you into book four. Mind boggling. To succeed, I must have a STRATEGY.
Ouch. Planning is not a word frequently found in my repertoire. It was hard enough thinking one book ahead let alone two. But I am trying to learn and for days now have carried around a notebook to jot down THE PLAN.
Okay, the main cast is set and the enemy clearly defined. The goals are laid out though the sequence is still haphazard. Happily ever after? That's a given.
Can I stay the course? Here is the rub. My characters often seem to have a mind of their own and ignore all hints and prodding. After all this is their lives unfolding. I am just the author.
In book two I had formed the barest bones of an outline in my head but my characters quickly skittered off target. They led me through twists and turns I never intended. After I got over my pique, I found they knew best. I liked the story all the better for it.
So will I be able to get my characters to cooperate and stick to the new outline? They're feisty and don't normally like to do as told.
Who shall prevail? Probably not me.
I just sent in my sample chapters from book two: Vampire in the Scrying Glass. In the process of writing this sequel I discovered the importance of continuity. Repeatedly I had to return to my first book: It's A Wonderful Undead Life to check names, places, and timelines. I tried to pick up any loose ends and tie them into a pretty bow. As I wrote I began to think of a third book and included some foreshadowing. One book ahead at a time, I thought. I can do that.
I was mistaken.
As I embark on the as yet unnamed book three. (From past experience I can already tell you that my editor and I will butt heads. You should have seen the flurry of e-mails and heard the phone conversations over the titles of the first 2 works. Who will prevail? Probably not me.)I have determined there will be 2 more books in this series about the vampire family, the Blautsaugers of Amber Heights, Missouri. Total 4 in all.
And here is where I learned the horrible truth. To connect books and yet have them be able to stand alone takes planning.
Yes, you say? This is not news. That is what a series is suppose to do. Well for someone like me that is harder than it sounds. Book three must keep the threads from one and two, stand on its own, and still logically lead you into book four. Mind boggling. To succeed, I must have a STRATEGY.
Ouch. Planning is not a word frequently found in my repertoire. It was hard enough thinking one book ahead let alone two. But I am trying to learn and for days now have carried around a notebook to jot down THE PLAN.
Okay, the main cast is set and the enemy clearly defined. The goals are laid out though the sequence is still haphazard. Happily ever after? That's a given.
Can I stay the course? Here is the rub. My characters often seem to have a mind of their own and ignore all hints and prodding. After all this is their lives unfolding. I am just the author.
In book two I had formed the barest bones of an outline in my head but my characters quickly skittered off target. They led me through twists and turns I never intended. After I got over my pique, I found they knew best. I liked the story all the better for it.
So will I be able to get my characters to cooperate and stick to the new outline? They're feisty and don't normally like to do as told.
Who shall prevail? Probably not me.
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