1. What is a fiction series?
A fiction series is a collection of books (or stories) that share a common thread, characters, or storyline. Each book normally expands on the previous one and creates a much larger, complex narrative arc.
2. How do I get an idea for a fiction series?
Start by identifying the core concept or world you want to explore. Think about themes, genres, and characters that excite you. For example:
A unique setting (a futuristic world, a magical realm, etc.)
A compelling conflict (a hero’s journey, an ongoing mystery)
Characters with evolving story arcs
Once you have a starting point, brainstorm potential plotlines that can expand over several books.
3. How do I plan a fiction series?
Planning is a necessity to achieve consistency and pacing throughout a series. Consider the following steps:
Overarching plot: What is the end goal or resolution of the series?
Books individually: Every book should contribute to the larger story but have its own structure and conflict.
Character development: How do your characters evolve over the course of the series?.
Pacing: How does tension build across books? Don’t get stuck or rush towards the climax too quickly.
4. Do I need to write the whole series before I send off the first book?
This isn’t a hard-and-fast requirement, but at least a loose plan or overall strategy for the series as a whole helps ensure continuity and avoids ending up way off course with the story. Others prefer to complete the first book and gauge reception before completing any of the remainder of the series.
5. How long should each book in a series be?
The number of words for each book varies based on the genre and the age range of the target audience. For instance:
Young adult fantasy: 60,000 to 90,000 words
Epic fantasy: 100,000 to 150,000 words (or more)
Mystery or thriller: 70,000 to 90,000 words
Each book should have a satisfying end, even though it’s part of an overall story.
6. How do I keep readers interested in multiple books?
Ensure that you keep them interested by:
Character development: Characters should change with each book, growing, struggling, and facing new challenges.
Story arcs: Each book should have its own conflict or story while contributing to a larger narrative.
Foreshadowing: Drop hints or unanswered questions that will be explored in future books.
Pacing: Ensure there’s always something new and exciting in each book.
7. How can I create compelling characters for a series?
Compelling characters have depth, flaws, and clear motivations. To build strong characters for a series:
Develop backstories: Know where your characters come from and what drives them.
Create complex relationships: Relationships with other characters should evolve and change over time.
Allow for growth: Over the course of the series, allow your characters to grow, face challenges, and overcome personal hurdles.
8. How do I ensure continuity in my series?
Continuity is crucial to maintain immersion. To maintain continuity:
Create a timeline: Keep track of the important events, ages of characters, and other world-building details.
Maintain a series bible: This is a document where you write down character details, plot points, and setting elements.
Check earlier books: Always double-check facts or details from previous books to avoid contradictions.
9. Should I start a new plot with each book or keep the same plot in all?
You can have both. A good fiction series will have the following:
Overall plot: Central conflict or theme that runs the entire series
Individual plots per book: subplots or conflicts that are solved within each book, which also relate to the overall story.
This balance helps keep the series fresh while continuing long-term development of the story.
10. What do I do with cliffhangers in a series?
Cliffhangers are effective for keeping readers hooked, but they must be done carefully:
Make sure it’s meaningful: A cliffhanger should raise the stakes or leave a critical question unanswered.
Avoid overuse: Don’t rely solely on cliffhangers to drive the plot—there should be a resolution or payoff in each book.
Provide closure: Each book should have its own arc, with some questions answered, even if new ones are posed for the next installment.
11. How do I introduce new characters without overwhelming the reader?
How to introduce new characters smoothly:
Give them purpose: Each new character should contribute to the plot or character development.
Introduce gradually: Don’t overwhelm the reader with too many characters at once. Introduce them as the plot naturally requires.
Provide development: Develop new characters over several books, allowing readers to build an emotional connection with them.
12. How do I balance multiple viewpoints within a series?
Multiple viewpoints may add depth, but they must be balanced:
Focus on the story: Too many viewpoints can be confusing. There’s a limit to how many narrators you’ll want to work with-to 3-4 (or less)-to avoid losing the focus of the story.
Keep them consistent: Each viewpoint needs to have a distinct voice and perspective in its own right.
Connect the perspectives: Each point of view should be moving the plot or character development forward in some meaningful way.
13. How do I pace a multi-book series?
Pacing should change book to book, but there should always be forward momentum:
Open with a bang: The first book should hook the reader and introduce key elements.
Escalate the conflict: The stakes should be raised, but the tension needs to be paced so it doesn’t burn out.
Keep balance: Include moments of calm or reflection to give readers a break from constant action.
14. How do I write a satisfying ending for a series?
The ending of a series should provide resolution for the main conflict and character arcs:
Tie up major plot points: Ensure that the central questions or mysteries are answered.
Character growth: Your main characters should have completed their arcs by the end.
Leave space for reflection: Let the reader reflect on the journey even if the plot is resolved.
15. How do I avoid writer’s block in a series?
Writer’s block will come, but you can fight it with:
Writing out of order: If you are stuck on one part jump ahead to a section you might be excited to write for.
Freewriting: Set your timer to 10-15 minutes and write anything about your series, not caring about its quality.
Changing your environment: A change of scenery can help stimulate creativity.
16. How do I balance world-building with character development?
World-building is crucial for a fiction series, but it shouldn’t overshadow character development:
Integrate world-building naturally: Reveal aspects of your world through character interactions and experiences.
Focus on personal stakes: Keep the focus on how the world impacts your characters and their personal journey.
Don’t over-explain: Avoid lengthy exposition dumps. Show the world through action and dialogue.
17. How can I make my series unique in a crowded genre?
To stand out:
Subvert genre conventions: Take familiar tropes and give them a twist, or break away from typical storytelling patterns.
Develop complex characters: Readers are drawn to authentic, flawed, and evolving characters.
Add depth to your world: Develop a distinctive setting, culture, or conflict that hasn’t been well represented in your genre.
18. How do I keep track of multiple plot threads across books?
Use organizational tools:
Plot outlines: Create an outline for each book and how its events play into the overall series arc.
Series bible: Maintain a document containing all characters, settings, timelines, and important plot points.
Spreadsheet or database: Track major events and details like character motivations, alliances, and conflicts.
19. How do I write believable dialogue in a series?
To make dialogue authentic:
Know your characters: Understand how each character speaks based on their background and personality.
Avoid info dumps: Don’t have characters explain the plot in long monologues. Let the dialogue be natural and meaningful.
Use subtext: Sometimes, what a character doesn’t say is just as important as what they do.
20. How do I deal with criticism of my series?
Stay open: Criticism can help you grow as a writer. Consider feedback with an open mind.
Don’t take it personally: Not every reader will connect with your work, and that’s okay.
Use constructive criticism: Focus on specific suggestions for improvement rather than general complaints.
21. How do I know whether to extend my series or end it?
If you are unsure whether to continue your series:
Look at character arcs: Are your characters’ stories still evolving?
Is there a meaningful plot left to tell?: If the story still has unresolved conflict or growth potential, keep going.
Consider the reader’s experience: Will the series be satisfying if it ends here, or will you risk dragging it on too long?
22. How do I start the first book of my series strong?
A good opening:
Grips the reader: This could be some event, a mystery, or character reveal that piques interest.
Sets the tone: Provides an atmosphere and feel for the whole series.
Introduces essential elements: Let readers have a feel of the world, main conflict, and protagonist.
23. Am I obligated to make it all about the romance in the series?
Romance can be a compelling part of a series but shouldn’t overshadow the central plot unless that’s your focus. If you include romance, make sure it develops naturally and contributes to character growth or plot progression.
24. How do I handle writing filler content in a series?
Avoid filler content. That is writing that doesn’t move the plot forward or develop a character. Any chapter or scene should have some purpose, whether that’s advancing plot, deepening relationships between your characters, or expanding the world.
25. How do I write a series that appeals to a wide audience?
Appeal to a wide audience:
Create relatable characters. Your characters have universal emotions and challenges.
Balance accessibility with complexity: Engage the casual reader but hold depth for the more invested.
Universal themes included are love, loss, self-discovery, and ambition-resound with many readers.
26. How do I keep track of different timelines in my series?
Make a timeline: You record the major events in chronological order.
Make use of software: With tools such as Trello or Scrivener, you can map out timelines pictorially.
Annotation: Ensure that you elaborate each event or timeline in your series bible.
27. How can I create tension in a series?
Escalate stakes: The stakes must be raised step by step, episode after episode.
New challenges: Continuously present the characters with new challenges that build up in complexity.
Reveal: Gradually reveal new information or mystery to keep the tension on.
28. How do I create a good antagonist for a series?
A compelling villain is one with motivations, flaws, and goals:
Give them depth: A villain isn’t evil for the sake of it—they have reasons for their actions.
Make them complex: They should challenge the protagonist in meaningful ways, perhaps even causing moral dilemmas.
Allow for growth: A villain who changes over time can add layers to the story.
29. When do I know it is time to end my series?
If the core conflict of the story is resolved and character arcs are over, it might be time to put a bow around the series, or at least leave it feeling satisfactorily done. Ask if there is truly more to write or if this feels like that’s all she wrote.
30. What do I do after book one?
So you’ve ended book one.
Get feedback from beta readers/editors.
Start planning the next book: Use any feedback to improve the following installments.
Focus on marketing: Begin building an audience and establishing your brand, even before the series is complete.
Conclusion:
Writing a fiction series is a commitment, but it can be well done with the right planning, pacing, and character development. In fact, these FAQs will give you a few things to consider as you create your series and help you not be too rigid in your approach. Most of all, though, have fun bringing your world and characters to life!
