How to Write a Series, Simply Put
Do you have an idea for a series of novels?
I’m in the process of editing my latest book, and it’s the first in a new series. After writing two sequels and starting a third for my science fiction series, I had forgotten what it was like to write something altogether new with characters I didn’t know well and a setting that required research and study—things I hadn’t done a lot of since I’d “moved into” the Jovian Universe. But this is what is required when you write a stand-alone or Book 1 in a new series.
And what a challenge it has been . . .
Today I want to talk about series and the kind of thinking that can help you get started on writing one. Series are great for self-published authors because they help us build a fan base. The more books you publish in a series, the more readers you’ll potentially have, and the more attention you’ll shine on any new titles you release.
Writing something new is exciting and scary. It’s the freedom of knowing you can go wherever you want with whomever you want in whatever genre you want. (Well, you really should stick to your genre—but you’re a writer and no one can stop you from stretching your imaginative legs.) On top of all of this exciting new stuff, there is also the unknown. That’s the scary part. It’s even scarier when you consider that the something new you are writing will be a three- to twelve-book series.
Like anything else, getting started is usually the hardest part. Once you get the ball rolling, momentum will be on your side as you will have established the characters, the major conflicts you’ve inflicted on them, and the settings in which they dwell.
So, how does one get started?
Planning is always a good idea, and outlines are helpful planners. All of you who detest outlines, do not dismay. It’s not imperative that you write a super-detailed synopsis of the entire series. It can be more of a sketch than an outline. I work with something in between.
The series concept, at its most basic, is simple. In order to write a series, you’ll have one large overarching story (the series as a whole) that is made up of several smaller story units (novels). Each unit contributes to the larger story and moves it a step closer to its conclusion. Each will begin and end with a conflict that’s resolved, but the larger, overarching story will continue until the very last book in the series concludes.
To put it another way, the series story arc can be thought of as one long novel. Within that long novel, however, are shorter stories that come to their own satisfying conclusions along the way.
When I began The Jovian Universe series, I took a pantser’s mindset. That is, I did not create an outline for a series. I saw the story as a duology and didn’t think any farther than that. A natural path forward, however, presented itself within the second story. Readers wanted to know what happened to Evander. What was really going on with his family, the Jovians? I had not brought the bigger drama to its conclusion, and Evander’s story was an obvious next step, so I took it.
Since then, I have outlined the rest of the series. The setting has expanded with each book, and the fourth book heads into outer space, though there’s still plenty of action happening on Earth.
I don’t recommend winging a story arc that you know will be a series. Series are better “plotted” than “pantsed,” simply due to their vast scope. Although, I’m sure it can be done, if that’s your style and your novel lends itself to exploration. When possible, take the more-organized route by putting together an outline before you begin writing. It will guide you on a course as you move through the larger, overriding story arc.
PLANNING A SERIES
+ Each book must be able to stand alone. It must come to a satisfactory conclusion even though the overarching series story does not end. The main character and whatever their dilemma is in the current installment must be resolved. The main character must not be the same person they were at the start of the book. Each book solves its plot, but not the world’s.
+ Providing backstory in subsequent novels is one of the most difficult aspects of writing in series. We must provide enough to remind the reader what has happened prior to this novel but not so much that we bore them. It’s a fine line.
+ At the end of each installment, leave some loose ends that point to the next book in the series.
+ Be cautious of cliffhangers. Don’t leave your readers hanging at the end of the novel. They will not appreciate it. If you do, they’ll have to hold their breath until your next book comes out. That’s not fair. Instead, end the novel in a satisfying way, and let a subplot end on a cliffhanger. In this way you can have the best of both worlds.
+ Decide who will take the lead in each book. Then plot a course for the character. Who will live and who will die? Who will grow? Who will make it all the way to the end of the series?
+ Start a story bible. Open a new file and label it “Series Title” Bible. This is an organized method of keeping track of characters (and their descriptions) and other important details in your story world. Type in the name of every character you create and their description. Then type in a brief plot summary for the book and its setting details. Finally type in anything you want to be sure to remember before you write the next book. You can search this reference when naming new characters or jogging your memory when you can’t remember that important thing that happened in Book 2!
When writing a series, the challenge is to keep the story going while starting and ending each novel in the series in a satisfactory way. Using an outline and following a few best practices will keep you on track.
Kim Catanzarite is the author of the award-winning Jovian Universe sci-fi series. She is a freelance writer and editor for publishers and independent authors, and she teaches copyediting for Writer’s Digest University. Her Self-Publishing 101 blog discusses the ins and outs of indie life as well as all things writing craft. Kim lives on the east coast USA with her husband and daughter.
