Any suggestions for writing a book series? Do’s and Don’ts, etc.—Lyn South
Here we’re probably talking about genre, because it’s all but impossible to create a series without categorizing it in a genre so booksellers can point readers in the right direction when they come in looking for book two or three or four. Even The Lord of the Rings was genre fantasy.
1) The first thing I always recommend is that every book in a series be able to stand on its own two feet.
Why? Because you never know which one of your books is going to find its way to a reader first. And you must never, ever, ever antagonize your reader.
You know what antagonizes readers? Not being able to tell what the hell is going on.
2) The next thing is to have amazingly complex and fascinating protagonist(s).
Why? Because both you and your reader have to be completely besotted by them for not just one book, but an entire series of books. Completely besotted! That’s a whole lot of besotting.
3) And the next thing is to give your fascinating protagonist(s) and their nemesis(es) really huge, enormous, devastating needs. Because those needs have to last them a really, really, really long time. Those are not needs that are easily met. Those needs bring problems that are not easily overcome. Those needs bring problems they just can’t seem to get out from under.
4) Finally, know what you’re doing. Filler has no place in fiction. In order to write enough mesmerizing words to fill several books, you’re going to have to create a plethora of not only interesting characters, riveting details, striking character development, and an overall main plot you could build the Roman Forum on, but also a plethora of subplots you could build all the temples in Greece on, as well. All of those threads, all of those climaxes and resolutions, all of them always weaving back, back, back into the main plotline.
Does that sound daunting enough for you? Good. Because we’re also going to make a list out of this for the main blog. So if you’re not there yet, go there now.