Island Hopping: Plotting a series
When I set out to write about the Caribbean, I never dreamt that I would be embarking on such a major project. I initially wanted to showcase a single novel about traveling through various islands and, in the process, experiencing Carnival. My research work was fantastic! I even had the idea of presenting it in 1st-person point of view. This idea…this project has developed into something greater than I’ve ever imagined possible.
The Island Hopping Series will reflect on 7 different locations: Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique, Antigua and Guyana. Since there was so much that I initially wanted to cover, I realized there was no possible way to do justice to each location by cramming them all into a single book. The Island Hopping Series tells the story of Sakkara Riley, an adopted child, as she goes on a journey through the Caribbean. When her adopted parents, Edward and Pearl Riley, find her abandoned parcel in an alleyway there is so much more than an infant child to bargain with. There are various clues and artifacts included to assist Sakkara, if she ever decided to locate her real family.
In an attempt to introduce the Island Hopping Series, I’ve constructed a pre-release novella – Jumping Ship. This introductory work presents the underlying storyline; giving only what is needed to begin the journey. I thought this was a fascinating idea to structure the series in such a manner. If the background story could potentially hinder the overall storyline or further complicate the direction of the series, certain choices needed to be made. And rather than provide an extensive prologue, I had to present pertinent information aside from the main books.
The series itself chronicles Sakkara’s endeavor to connect with her family, but I needed to show why – what specifically got her to this stage of the game. Jumping Ship is broken down into three different sections. After plotting out what I needed to occur in the series, I made a list of events that had to take place before the journey could commence. At the end of each of the three section, there is a new beginning for the characters. Here are some key points:
Edward & Pearl’s discovery of baby Sakkara – this section is truly a backstory. The older couple was facing a difficult time, in coming to terms with their lack of a child. Readers are offered a brief oversight on their pace and demeanor, when suddenly the gloom that once surrounded them change in an instant. Something that they’ve wanted all along is presented to them and life becomes worth living once more.
Petrina(Pet) & Michael(Mikey) – the backstory between Sakkara’s parents is the very basis for her existence. Pet’s desires, wants, need and vulnerabilities are provided is this portion. I had to be very selective in the information that I shared because this couple’s story is a mystery that will allow their daughter to piece together what really occurred.
A grown-up Sakkara embarking on this journey leads readers right into the Island Hopping series. She’s received sufficient details that will direct her towards her ultimate goal. This section set the stage for the choice of islands and provided a sample of what to expect as Sakkara travels in search of her heritage.
When plotting a series, there has to be a method to the madness. In the case of the Island Hopping series, the mystery of Petrina and Micheal’s disappearance is significant because although readers know a little bit more than Sakkara, no one knows what exactly happened between the time that the couple left Guyana and arrived in New York. Additional questions to consider: Where did the artifacts come from? What is the connection with each of the countries? What is Michael’s story? Plotting out a series can be a fascinating thing, especially when you are able to intertwine factual events and settings with fiction. I’ve been able to showcase an intriguing region into a storyline that promises mystery, romance and rich culture.
Originally posted on my blog: jgrwriter.wordpress.com
The Island Hopping Series will reflect on 7 different locations: Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique, Antigua and Guyana. Since there was so much that I initially wanted to cover, I realized there was no possible way to do justice to each location by cramming them all into a single book. The Island Hopping Series tells the story of Sakkara Riley, an adopted child, as she goes on a journey through the Caribbean. When her adopted parents, Edward and Pearl Riley, find her abandoned parcel in an alleyway there is so much more than an infant child to bargain with. There are various clues and artifacts included to assist Sakkara, if she ever decided to locate her real family.
In an attempt to introduce the Island Hopping Series, I’ve constructed a pre-release novella – Jumping Ship. This introductory work presents the underlying storyline; giving only what is needed to begin the journey. I thought this was a fascinating idea to structure the series in such a manner. If the background story could potentially hinder the overall storyline or further complicate the direction of the series, certain choices needed to be made. And rather than provide an extensive prologue, I had to present pertinent information aside from the main books.
The series itself chronicles Sakkara’s endeavor to connect with her family, but I needed to show why – what specifically got her to this stage of the game. Jumping Ship is broken down into three different sections. After plotting out what I needed to occur in the series, I made a list of events that had to take place before the journey could commence. At the end of each of the three section, there is a new beginning for the characters. Here are some key points:
Edward & Pearl’s discovery of baby Sakkara – this section is truly a backstory. The older couple was facing a difficult time, in coming to terms with their lack of a child. Readers are offered a brief oversight on their pace and demeanor, when suddenly the gloom that once surrounded them change in an instant. Something that they’ve wanted all along is presented to them and life becomes worth living once more.
Petrina(Pet) & Michael(Mikey) – the backstory between Sakkara’s parents is the very basis for her existence. Pet’s desires, wants, need and vulnerabilities are provided is this portion. I had to be very selective in the information that I shared because this couple’s story is a mystery that will allow their daughter to piece together what really occurred.
A grown-up Sakkara embarking on this journey leads readers right into the Island Hopping series. She’s received sufficient details that will direct her towards her ultimate goal. This section set the stage for the choice of islands and provided a sample of what to expect as Sakkara travels in search of her heritage.
When plotting a series, there has to be a method to the madness. In the case of the Island Hopping series, the mystery of Petrina and Micheal’s disappearance is significant because although readers know a little bit more than Sakkara, no one knows what exactly happened between the time that the couple left Guyana and arrived in New York. Additional questions to consider: Where did the artifacts come from? What is the connection with each of the countries? What is Michael’s story? Plotting out a series can be a fascinating thing, especially when you are able to intertwine factual events and settings with fiction. I’ve been able to showcase an intriguing region into a storyline that promises mystery, romance and rich culture.
Originally posted on my blog: jgrwriter.wordpress.com
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