Writing a series can be a great way to create a lasting and beloved literary world. Not only do series provide an opportunity for readers to become deeply invested in characters and storylines, but they can also generate a loyal fan base. But for writers, the process of creating a series can be daunting.
Here are five tips for writing a series that can help make the process smoother:
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Start with a Strong Concept: Before you begin writing a series, it is important to come up with a concept that is engaging and original. You should ask yourself questions such as: What will make this series stand out from other books in the same genre? What is the central conflict that will drive the story? How will the characters develop over time? By having a solid concept in place, you will have a better understanding of the direction you want to take the series forward.
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Create a Series Bible: A series bible is a comprehensive document that outlines all the important details of your series. This should include character bios, plot summaries, world-building information, and any other important details that you want to keep track of. Having a series bible will help you keep track of your characters and plot points throughout the series and ensure that your stories and characters remain consistent.
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Know Your Audience: It is important to know who your target audience is when writing a series. Knowing your audience can help you determine the tone, pacing, and themes that will best engage them. Understanding your readers will also help you create storylines that will captivate and surprise them.
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Map Out the Story Arcs: When writing a series, it is important to have an overall plan for how the story will progress. You should map out each character’s story arc, as well as the main plot points that will occur throughout the series. This will help you stay organized and ensure that your story is cohesive and engaging.
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Take Breaks Between Books: Writing a series can be a huge undertaking, so it is important to take breaks between books. Taking time away from the series will help you re-energize and come back with fresh ideas and perspectives. It can also help prevent you from getting too bogged down in the details and allow you to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.
By following these tips, you can make the process of writing a series smoother and more enjoyable. With a strong concept, a comprehensive series bible, an understanding of your target audience, and a plan for the story arcs, you can create an engaging and captivating world and series for your readers to enjoy.