structuring my 5 book fantasy SERIES | The Meridian Maps 🏴‍☠️ writing vlog

[@elsiechanda]

Im always so impressed when people write fantasy series…writing a stand-alone is difficult but being able to craft the story into multiple stories is very cool! Hope all goes well, you’ve got this!🎉🙂

[@KateCavanaugh]

SAME SAME SAME. Definitely been trial and error for me, but super fun along the way. Thank you!! :)

[@fionahowellwrites5302]

I can't wait until you publish this pirate series! :D

[@KateCavanaugh]

ME TOO! 🩵🏴‍☠️

[@johntubbs6617]

@@KateCavanaugh Yeah,...." Making of a Story," by Alice LaPlante id pretty good (Lots of Libraries have it, I could be wrong, but it had something about series in it.

[@Ericaaaaaaaaaa]

My favorite pirate show is Our Flag Means Death! 🏴‍☠️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

[@alexor081]

I'm quite fond of structuring. I plotlined 7 books for a fantasy series and like 27 sequel books and 43 prequels. Kidding of course but I am writing the first.

[@LaceyOnHerWay]

Good luck with your series! Finally figuring out the fine details and it’s falling into place feels so nice! Can’t wait to hear more about the pirates!

[@KateCavanaugh]

SERIOUSLY THE BEST FEELING. If only I could bottle this up for those moments of doubt! Bahaha. Thank you!! :)

[@cjradenbaugh]

I just realized that I have my own stories that are, like, five years old just hanging out, unfinished. Lol! But sometimes it takes a while for a story to fully percolate. So excited for you!

[@NeverAskedtobeMade1390]

Our Flag Means Death is an absolute must for pirate shenanigans! And!! Season 2 is supposed to becoming out in October!

[@annahcreates]

I was so inspired by your semester of classes idea (I love how my college was structured and have felt a bit lost since graduating), and I started my own classes! I love that there is an end in mind rather than just working on your goals forever. There's a deadline. My classes are "Write that novel," "Deep cleaning my house," "Learning Japanese," and "Composition." I get to work on my goals again in a fun way. Thanks for the idea!!

[@courtneyburton2317]

I cannot say enough how much I love your enthusiasm and openness about setting healthy, reasonable goals! I set myself up for failure on projects and then wonder why I can't seem to write. This video = Beyond needed.

[@oigalena]

You inspired me to start writing more and now that you are aiming to a series.... girl, you're going to crush it (and I was already planning to write a series but never came up with a ideia to it (I am stuck 😭))

[@JessicaLynnHurt]

I preordered the book too because of your community post and seeing this video is making me excited to read it! Series have been a biiiiiiig struggle for me too and haven’t been able to find much guidance on it besides just “book 1 is act 1, book 2 is act 2, book 3 is act 3” kind of advice, which helps a bit but I need more guidance! Will definitely have to start reading it soon. As for pirate shows, I loved Our Flag Means Death

[@hanatelige]

i also recently had a breakthrough on my outlining process while working on a story i’ve been trying to write since 2016, and it feels so good. i’m really excited for you! can’t wait to hear more about this process as you go along ☺️

[@booksonherbrain7593]

Hi Kate! Watching your videos is always a highlight to my day. Thank you for sharing about the Meridian Maps! I am Super excited about the series. For a fun pirate romp, I highly suggest Muppets Treasure Island and Treasure Planet. The two best pirate movies ;) Have fun and good luck 🎉 Have fun and good luck!

[@ringsroses]

Pirate series haven't been my thing except One Piece (I've commented before 😅 on that, super excited for the Netflix adaptation). I was wondering what the new Save the Cat book would add beyond being YA specific. I'll have to get in line for a library copy and check it out, I'm intrigued now 😊 I've appreciated you sharing your journey with the Meridian Maps. Grats on making progress and getting reinvigorated about it!

[@Amira_Ke]

I don't usually watch authortube; you're the only authortube channel I watch.🎉 Best of luck with your series!

[@booksonherbrain7593]

Hi Kate! Watching your videos is always a highlight to my day. I love watching and supporting your channel. You are so impressive being vulnerable and showing your process and how your writing system has changed. Thank you for sharing about the Meridian Maps! Super excited about the series. For a fun pirate romp, I highly suggest Muppets Treasure Island and Treasure Planet. The two best pirate movies ;) Have fun and good luck!

[@marybelle6299]

I adore your videos!! Whenever I want some writing inspiration, I always watch your videos to get motivated!

[@annahcreates]

Congrats! This is so satisfying to watch you plot out and give tips about plotting a series. This is a big win for you!!

[@mageprometheus]

Loved it. Foreshadowing and payoff. My current opinion: The more pages between the foreshadowing and payoff, the more memorable the foreshadowing needs to be. If the payoff is in the next book of the series the foreshadowing must be highly memorable. If there are 1 or more books in between, there needs to be a reminder.

[@A_Bookish_Obsession]

A little late but I swear you always know when I'm about to write/ should be writing. But this is also so helpful because I'm currently trying to figure out how to outline a full series/ create a series bible.

[@bardw8792]

You're so charismatic, this is the first video made by you that i ever watched, and its absolutely amazing❤

[@exstntl]

This is incredibly niche but, my all-time favorite piece of pirate fantasy (besides the classic Pirates of the Caribbean, of course) is a fanfiction called The Songbird and The Sea. It's an entire series, but even just the first book as a standalone is so good. The author pulled it from ao3 to publish as an original fiction series, but I still go back to my trusty PDF every time I'm in the mood for a pirate fantasy. It's got such great fantasy elements, world-building, action sequences, good-old pirate banter and violence, and a diverse set of characters. It's one of my favorite stories! Glad you cracked the code to structuring a series - I've tried and failed to do so too many times LOL. Props to you! Yay for Meridian Maps, she lives to see her future over the sea's horizon 🥳❤ Congrats!

[@oigalena]

It's so good when you're satisfied in the end of planning a idea

[@haleyriker9726]

I was watching you in 2020 before getting into a writing rut. I'm so happy you're still posting videos! And it's so cool that you've learned enough over the years to tackle such a huge project 😄

[@tomaria100]

Wishing you well with this series, Kate! The Meridian Maps is an intriguing title!

[@wanderingjourneyarts852]

Oooh, watch Treasure Planet!! It's one of my favorite Disney movies, and it has pirates in space.

[@KateCavanaugh]

YESSSSSSS, love Treasure Planet!! Will totally add it to my list! :) Can't wait to binge watch.

[@hipsterypunkery]

Kate you absolutely must play the Monkey Island games...the second game in particular involves searching for parts of a map. Assassin's Creed IV is fun too and so is Sid Meier's Pirates. I am a pirate lover too lol. Also, read The Pyrates by George MacDonald Fraser, it's a writing masterclass.

[@Caroline_Creative]

Also for pirate books… the bloody Jack series which is lower ya

[@KateCavanaugh]

LOVE a lower YA!! I'll totally check that out, thank you!

[@NancyDrewsClueCrew]

Great pirate/sailor media: The Pirate and the Princess (webcomic), The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle(book), Pirates of the Caribbean and shanties. I love listening to shanties! My favorite is Roll the Old Chariot along.

[@SmallTownSpells]

I just wanted to say that I really love how you talk about what happens in your books in these vlogs, not only because it's super interesting and gets my brain thinking stories, but I also think its very smart as there's so much media to consume these days and I'm for sure a person that's more likely to read something that I already have an attachment to. (I'm also a person who'll read a wikipedia synopsis before watching a movie so maybe im just weird lol) Super excited for Meridian Maps tho 🩵💙🩵💙

[@artistarchives4747]

this is a really great informative video, such a gem!

[@AuthorJCCarpenter]

Omg I know I have to get this book now. I was on the fence about whether it would help me or not because if it was just going to be much like what Save the Cat tells me then I have that book, but this looks like there's so much more to it. And as I have a couple of series that I am planning out (only in my head at the moment lol) I think I need this in my life, or at least to check it out of the library (got to see if it's in the library yet- if not then I will make sure my library gets a copy). I absolutely can't wait for The Meridian Maps to be out in the world. Have been intrigued by this story idea since I found your channel. I love that you are ready to get back to it now and I know you're going to do an amazing job with it. Great video, as always! Take care Kate! ❤❤

[@Caroline_Creative]

So happy to hear more about project blue!!!

[@KateCavanaugh]

🩵🩵🩵🩵 Project Blue & Project Blue 2 finally having real titles is the best evolution lolol. (But they'll forever be that in my heart.)

[@pippa8414]

I can't wait till your published! AAAH!

[@wordcharm2649]

Please talk more about series writing, even a retrospective on what you've learend. It doesn't have to be a this is happening right now vlog. But those missing years, or maybe right when you quit (took a break) and realized things weren't working. I would just love more on that. I'm a series-writer and rarely find series vlogs. I completely forgot you were writing this series, btw. Used to watch your vlogs back when that was your main project and then mostly dropped off on youtube, reduced by youtube-watching to just a few channels so hadn't been here for 2-3 years. Anyway, I'm adding more channels back and was so happy to see all your updates on meridian maps and project death.

[@graysonsbookmark]

so happy for you Kate! it feels so good to have those goalposts, and i'm super excited for you to write it!

[@maureenp2248]

This is really cool! I haven't seen a video about structuring a whole series before. Also, off-topic, I'm obsessed with your nail polish color scheme in this video! :D

[@saralynn7308]

All the Captain Hook episodes in OUAT. He's my favorite pirate. The episode where he sings "Revenge"? Ooo, I fell in LOVE.

[@Words_from_the_Void]

Pirate stuffs I HIGHLY recommend: Black Sails. It's a TV show and it is SO good. It mixes historical events with elements of Treasure Island, basically creating the origin story of Long John Silver and the treasure part in Treasure Island.

[@aced_coffee]

Whenever someone asks for pirate-y recommendations I like to point them towards Steampunk music. Pirates (especially airship pirates) are a common theme in their songs, with one of the more famous bands being Abney Park. Also the videos by LuisHumanoide are such a vibe, especially the Steampunk and Fantasy Music Collection!

[@themusespeakstome4467]

Yay for a lot of progress! Write on, Kate! :-)

[@JulieBrg]

I totally recommend Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson for your "24 hours of pirates" day, but I have a feeling you probably have already read it! It's so good!!

[@froggyentity]

I second Treasure Planet. It' sooo good. Also you can't go wrong with Black Sails. It's a completely diffenrent vibe from Treasure Planet, but also amazing.

[@kbm9676]

I don't like pirates and black sails is still, probably, the best show (writing wise) that I ever saw. 10/10! Congratulations on your progress 🎉

[@Lara_Ameen]

I love ALL THE STARS AND TEETH and its sequel ALL THE TIDES OF FATE by Adalyn Grace. It’s a YA fantasy duology about pirates and the prose is absolutely gorgeous! One of my favorite duology series! Highly recommend it! Also love the TV series ONCE UPON A TIME. 🥰

[@countrygirl714]

I just want to say, I love watching your videos! ❤ They are relaxing and very inspiring to watch. I love watching them while I write my stories.. 😊 Keep up the good work!

[@nathaanatos]

I feel like it goes to show how much of an "instant watch" KZbinr you are for me when I clicked on this video not realizing it was uploaded a MINUTE AGO--- and got shocked when you referenced a recent video lol. Anyway-- Yay!! More Meridian Maps!!

[@JessicaLynnHurt]

Same!

[@KateCavanaugh]

Aww that makes me so happy! Thank you! :)

[@nildam.bonilla5849]

I'm so excited for your books, and I'm so happy to see your excitement in all the progress you are doing ❤ hugs

[@adihernandez8015]

Glad to hear you're getting back with the MM! I'm actually getting back into writing my series too after a couple of years for similar reasons. I feel more confident and your vid is helping me a lot~ thanks for being such an inspiration ❤

[@Phoenixfyre1097]

I so needed this because I'm attacking my urban fantasy/ horror series again and I need to work out the overall series beats. Also for pirate recommendations I really want to recommend Black Sails because it's literally the best-written show I've ever watched and its a Treasure Island prequel with some wonderful themes of exile, queerness, stories, and later race. The problem is that it starts off very good, but with some pretty severe Game of Thrones stink that takes about five episodes to get rid of. It also takes until about halfway through season three (out of four) to really address most of the race stuff. It's still an excellent show up until that happens but your mileage may vary. It's like a way better Game of Thrones.

[@thevampirelock]

Our Flag Means Death is fantastic as a pirate show

[@tatiana9718]

I love your videos, they are so helpful and inspiring! Can you make a video or talk about how you plot out your short stories?

[@jenniferraudenbush4946]

So happy for you! 🎉

[@AScreenwritersJourney]

Congratulations! It feels so great to finish structuring a story - and you've done a whole series! My favorite pirate book is one I finished just a few months ago: TREASURE ISLAND. I thought I knew the story, but turns out I didn't. It's wonderful!

[@snapdragona]

Omg pirates are my JAM I love them so much. I was obsessed with Pirates of the Carribbean as a kid (specifically the curse of the black pearl obv) I can quote it line for line and I was going to marry Capitain Jack Sparrow 😂 My favourite pirate show is Our Flag Means Death 😍 My favourite pirate book so far is The Adventures Of Amina Al Sirafi My favourite "pirate drink" is Malibu coconut rum and pineapple juice 👀 My favourite real life fact is all of Zheng Yi Sao's life 🤩 She took over her husband's piracy empire when he died and by 1805 she had about 50,000 pirates under her command. She even managed to swing retirement and avoid prosecution. A true pirate queen ♥️

[@taytortots6363]

You should watch Our Flag means Death! So good

[@lunakenton1722]

I attempted to write series before -- it never got anywhere xD Now I'm almost at the end of my main project and I realize that the investigation plot is ending but the character arcs aren't. It feels wrong to just cram them into the epilogue, so I guess I'll be writing a sequel, even though I didn't plan to. Plot structures can be good but they aren't for me. I just wing it and most of the time, it follows an established plot structure anyway. But deliberately planning to follow it doesn't work for me. (I'm weird like that.) Pirate movies -- I have to go with a classic, Pirates of the Caribbean 1. Although I've heard many good things about Our Flag Means Death and Black Sails. Favorite Fun Fact is that when they had the time, pirates would play out court dramas and try each other for piracy.

[@NanaXardone810]

black sails black sails black sails i love it so much and I am always looking for a chance to recommend it to others!

[@LAL7887]

I love you hairstyle in this video!!

[@chenoapatton5895]

Mount on the bounty is an old one with Eeryl Flynn is great... Theres also a youtuber that creates smashups of music and he has a couple that combine the Prirates of the Carribean music and Star wars which are just phenomenal!!! Samuel Kim Music is the youtuber...

[@estefizamora]

this video made me so happy because i'm also planning to write a fantasy pirate-ish novel ... and i'm excited with my story concept 😅🙈❤

[@athenasbibliotheca8099]

Good job!! I'm excited for whenever you finish the story. It sounds like it will be a very fun time to read!

[@MalissaWilson]

❤ I'm new here, but im excited for you and how well things are coming together! *Happy wiggles*

[@johntubbs6617]

"Shiver me timbers me hearties ! The lass wants to be a pirate writer now does she. Maybe she will strike some gold and find. Davy Jones' locker. Arrr. " As far as series goes it's just one big novel chopped up with a pirate's sword. Might make some pieces of eight doing that. Hoist the Jolly Roger, let the Skull and Bones fly.

[@authorcassandrastarling]

Good luck on your writing, Kate. I'm finally going back to writing my series too (forgive me that I am late with commenting!)

[@KateCavanaugh]

Ooooh thank you! How are you finding the series writing process??

[@authorcassandrastarling]

It is a very different beast than writing the one novel for sure. I e been working on this series for many years and I am determined to get it out there. I need that Save the Cat for the YA Novel book for sure. I loved the first one.

[@chesterdavis27]

The Biographics channel has some bios of pirates (including women) in case you want inspiration for characters or events. There is a contender for world's worst pirate on the list. I think he also covers a Chinese woman who rose from prostitute to commander of a pirate fleet.

[@keirac.1272]

Do you think save the cat writes a ya novel is worth buying if I'm writing a non-YA fantasy series?

[@liteatnite]

I wanted to recommend The Pirates. It’s a kdrama movie. Two in the series. Enjoy your videos. Thanks for making them.

[@PhoebeWritesFiction]

Aaa this is so exciting! Am I immediately going to spend today plotting my series? Yes. Am I also immediately buying STCWAYAN? Yes. Couldn’t be bothered to write that whole title though hahaha

[@Kelly-ib1hf]

Tress of the Emerald Sea, the new book by Brandon Sanderson, is a pirate book and it is INCREDIBLE.

[@atvicentex]

this is so on topic for me.... i'm currently writing part 1 of a 5 book series ahasdbfjasbdfusdh

[@povestilemele4480]

When will you publish them, or when will they be ready? 😮😊

[@DarrianChamblee]

Fable/Namesake/Saint by Adrienne Young is a really great option. I don’t think they’re technically pirates but a lot of the same vibes!

[@Niminstar]

I’ve seen your pirate series and I am actually also writing one!(might be a series I’m not sure yet) Can I get some tips please?

[@BonnieDragonKat]

Which class was this Kate? I seriously need to watch this! Thank You!

[@takeaminute2144]

Pirates of Penzance with Kevin Kline and Angela Landsberry

[@alisonf.haring3411]

One pirate book I've loved recently is Dark Water Daughter by H M Long, it was soooo good

[@KateCavanaugh]

Ooooh, I'll look that up! Thank you for the recommendation!!

[@oigalena]

I love your videos so fking much 😫💕

[@KateCavanaugh]

Awww thank youuuuu!

[@oigalena]

Kate, I'm really struggling to decide if I want to do college, but It's hard, demands too much of me, and it's stressing me out. I want to know if you have a major and how you managed to balance it with writing and if you have any regrets?

[@smartfunny15]

FOX EARRINGS?! I LOVE FOXES

[@chelsotheclown]

i'd like to think that in another reality, you threw the coffee onto the cushion too.

[@keepingupwiththejoneses746]

If you get this version of Save the Cat.. do you need the first one as well? I'm making a shopping list!!

[@KateCavanaugh]

I personally don't think so! I think this expands on the original while still containing all the goodness of the first. The only thing would be how familiar you are with YA vs. Adult examples (and how much that matters to you). Jessica Brody breaks down popular books across genres, so if you want to see more examples of Adult beat sheet breakdowns, then you might want the first. I find it helpful to have read the example books but absolutely not necessary.

[@keepingupwiththejoneses746]

@@KateCavanaugh I think YA is my jam. :) thanks!!

[@terencejohnson4502]

Personally I only write stand alone novels. But in terms of favorite pirate movies; has to be, Muppet Treasure Island. TBH: More to do with the Muppets than pirates.

[@mattywren]

Kate stop convincing me to buy writing craft books

[@adot9259]

I thought you already wrote all five????

[@Herbookologist]

How does one become a beta reader, I'm drooling at the thought of The Meridian Maps. What do I need to sell? My soul? My first born child? I AM READY.

[@jc3465]

One Piece

[@DreamingTruth.author]

Thank you Kate ❤❤❤