When I wrote my first YA/Suspense PULSE, I didn't expect to write a sequel. Today, having finished three volumes in The Pulse Effex Series, I'm grateful for many readers who wanted more and thus spurred me on.
I didn't plan from the beginning to write a trilogy. But when I stayed in the world of the story, it developed.
A similar thing happened after I wrote my first novel, Before the Season Ends. In this case, it was the world of Regency England I was immersed in. Again, I had no idea of writing a trilogy but that's what happened.
When Harvest House Publishers asked me if I could write a sequel, I did. When they offered a contract for a third book, suddenly I had ideas for it.
Takeaway: Our brains are capable of producing way more than we expect or give ourselves credit for.
If you're starting a book and want to write a series, don't feel that you need to know the end from the beginning. Even though you are the author, you're not God. You'll learn and grow on the way, just like the characters in your stories. And those characters, if you've developed them into real people, will lead you into the drama and conflict that is necessary to sustain a novel—or three, or however long your series may be.
The key is to keep writing. Explore the lives of your characters until you locate their hot spots and areas of conflict—and make the most of both.
I'm sure there's much to be said for planning a series before you write book one, but my experience is that it's not strictly necessary. (Are you a panster and not a plotter? This is good news!)
It may not be a viable option for some novels, but in many cases an author can take a stand-alone novel and expand it into a series. You can find, as I did, that when you keep writing and stay in the world of the story, the saga develops.
To Your Success and God's Glory!
I didn't plan from the beginning to write a trilogy. But when I stayed in the world of the story, it developed.
A similar thing happened after I wrote my first novel, Before the Season Ends. In this case, it was the world of Regency England I was immersed in. Again, I had no idea of writing a trilogy but that's what happened.
When Harvest House Publishers asked me if I could write a sequel, I did. When they offered a contract for a third book, suddenly I had ideas for it.
Takeaway: Our brains are capable of producing way more than we expect or give ourselves credit for.
If you're starting a book and want to write a series, don't feel that you need to know the end from the beginning. Even though you are the author, you're not God. You'll learn and grow on the way, just like the characters in your stories. And those characters, if you've developed them into real people, will lead you into the drama and conflict that is necessary to sustain a novel—or three, or however long your series may be.
The key is to keep writing. Explore the lives of your characters until you locate their hot spots and areas of conflict—and make the most of both.
I'm sure there's much to be said for planning a series before you write book one, but my experience is that it's not strictly necessary. (Are you a panster and not a plotter? This is good news!)
It may not be a viable option for some novels, but in many cases an author can take a stand-alone novel and expand it into a series. You can find, as I did, that when you keep writing and stay in the world of the story, the saga develops.
To Your Success and God's Glory!
Linore
Article adapted from Linore's monthly newsletter. For more writing tips, book news, giveaways and inspiration, join her list! Sign up at http://www.LinoreBurkard.com or http://www.LRBurkard.com.
Article adapted from Linore's monthly newsletter. For more writing tips, book news, giveaways and inspiration, join her list! Sign up at http://www.LinoreBurkard.com or http://www.LRBurkard.com.
TWEETABLES
Your brain is capable of producing more than you think.~ Linore Rose Burkard (Click to Tweet)
Often an author can take a stand-alone novel and expand it into a series. ~ Linore Rose Burkard (Click to Tweet)
"Ms. Burkard is to be commended for her amazing storytelling - and for portraying how God gives hope in the darkest hour. In Defiance, the riveting story continues with even greater urgency." ANGELA L. WALSH, Publisher and Editor, Christian Library Journal
Foreign soldiers and fellow Americans gone rogue are just the beginning of what Andrea, Lexie and Sarah face in this third installment of The Pulse Effex Series. Beneath the threat of nuclear strikes and guerrilla armies, the girls long for a free country in which to live—and love. Survival means resistance must give way to defiance. But can ordinary teens and their families withstand powerful forces and keep hope alive?
So true, Linore! I've written 4 full length novels in my Chapel Springs series. The 4th releases next month. I thought I was done. Then my publisher asked for more. And guess what? Ideas began to percolate. 😊
ReplyDeleteThat happened to me. The Little White Church on the Bluff is becoming a series and that makes the message stronger, the characters more time to develop, and so on as each adds to that written before. Now my characters want to write a side 'short' of their own. Good grief, can't a guy have some rest...
ReplyDeleteLinore, when you were editing my first novel, more than once you suggested it could be made into a series. Now that it is being published in January, I am going to heed your suggestion and write the sequel. As always your godly guidance has helped me to grow along my writing journey. Thank you for that! And since you helped make the book what it is, I'd be honored if you'd consider writing the Foreword and an endorsement. You are linked to the book in my heart, so I'd love to have your name on the hard copy! Love, hugs, and blessings! - Tammi Ector Fisse, MLC
ReplyDelete