Writing A Series: 7 Continuation Issues To Avoid

[@mindfield3806]

I have a big battle at the end of the first book of a trilogy and a lot of the background characters die. I have a spreadsheet listing all of the background characters I named, any physical details I have mentioned, and whether or not I've killed them. Don't want to have accidental zombies in my series. :)

[@dadestarmysteries255]

Great video. I really like what you said about series look because I was wondering about how to make sure I have that in my series. I disagree slightly about readers jumping into the series later on. Certainly each story in my series will have a complete story on its own within the greater story of the series, but I feel if someone wants to start with Book 3 they certainly can, but if they want to know more background and history then they can go to the beginning of the series and learn it there.

[@henbane2247]

I think with thrillers and crime novels you can jump into the series whenever, but with fantasy it makes more sense to read it from the beginning

[@KennethLawsonAuthor]

I'm just finishing the second of my projected 4-5 book series. I'm already doing several of the things you mentioned. The concept cover art I designed is all very similar, font, a general layout of the title author etc, and at the bottom, listing 1, 2nd of the series et as I go. #3 I wrote out a separate doc, that is a timeline of the main character's life. especially early stuff that comes up in the first book. In the second book, I had a character do a dream/flashback, that told the background of the first story, from her POV. It also helped make sure I got the details right. The timeline of each individual book is very tight, Ie;1 day is a chapter, so some are longer than others. The space between each book is about a year give or take. I do make general references to earlier events from, the books before, but each book can stand on its own.

[@cheynneedmonston1974]

Great vid. I'm always looking for advice on writing a series really well and you've hit on some big points that certainly resonate. I'm currently editing Book 2 in my (hopefully) very ongoing series and tips like this are invaluable. Thanks Joanna.

[@thecreativepenn]

Glad it helped Cheynne!

[@MsSimonsunburst]

Great advice as always! I'm working on my series with these potential problems in mind! 😁

[@TikiriHerath]

This is great advice! And perfect timing as I start novel 3. Thanks so much.

[@ronain]

These are some wonderful points. Thanks for sharing ❤️

[@ZombieJohn]

Great stuff-as always!

[@chryscreates6151]

Several authors, including you, had cautioned about recording details about the world so I had started a Series Master in Scrivener which as all characters and world details including the research. One author said he hadn't recorded details and in the next book readers told him he had moved a business a block. With that in mind, I made a map of the world and character bios. The trick will be updating as changes. Fangirl: I watch the replay of your FB Q & A, have taken all your courses, listened to the podcasts, watched the KZbin videos to learn and improve. Thank you for introducing aspiring authors to authors we might not have known about and for all the helpfull stories and advice.

[@thecreativepenn]

Hi Chrysann, Thanks for your enthusiasm and support for what I do :) and I am thrilled to continue to help along your author journey. I still need to go through all my books and update the character files - but it's always more fun to write the next thing!

[@safielart]

Thank you for all your amazing videos

[@miguela.wilder6533]

Great info Joanna. Good stuff. Thanks

[@yapdog]

This is great advice, Joanna :^) I find myself having to buck on piece, though. My series books can't be standalone; one critical element introduced over the entirety of the first book would be difficult to succinctly explain. It would come off as "WTF?!" without the grander context. So, I would offer a caveat that writer's shouldn't try to force "jump-in-ability" on the individual books. And writers should make sure they inform potential readers which book in the series they're currently perusing. _(

[@thecreativepenn]

It is difficult to manage - but as you say, very important to make it clear that the books are part of a series - and maybe do a recap at the beginning if they HAVE to know what happens in previous books.

[@horacewilliamsjr-Author]

Joanna. I have a question. Can you write a series of non-fiction books? I have a book out on the power of prayer getting five-star reviews and awards. I want to do followup books on the power of Authentic faith in Jesus Christ and the Power of God's Amazing Grace. It will be my "power" series. Does this make any sense? Please advise. Thank you and have a great day!

[@thecreativepenn]

Yes, of course - check out my Books for Authors - you'll notice series branding in the design and you can link them on some stores www.thecreativepenn.com/books/

[@yapdog]

Oops... I've been watching your vids for years and just now realized that I hadn't subscribed. SUBSCRIBED ;^)

[@thecreativepenn]

Thanks :)