While working on my debut fantasy, the questions I've had are: "Do I have enough story for more than one book?" And, "Do I think I can hang out with these characters for a long period of time?"
@@Cladestinecandle Honesty, that's what I'm going with. Current main character takes a step back for one of the current secondaries so she gets a turn.
A concept that I really like for complex worlds (like fantasy and scifi) is stories that while they can work just fine as stand alones they are part of a bigger and complex world. That approach is, in my opinion, a great alternative for those of us that are avid world builders, more so if we like to share every little detail. This way we can avoid unnecessary exposition since we can just explain certain things in their respective stories. It also allows us to write stories that take place in locations that are far apart from one another and in different points of time without much issues unlike series which need to take place one after the other and with the same characters. Of course since it's still the same world you can still use your favorite/more popular characters in multiple stories as a publicity of sorts, you can also show them at different moments of their life to show just how much they have grown as a person. This method is also at its best when your stories aren't just limited to literature but also other types of media like comics, short stories or even a simple video game if you're interested in that kind of thing (like me).
I often take a similar approach. In a book that i start with, I often write it as a standalone, but sculpt it in a way that would let me extrapolate it into a multi-book series. I'll leave in easter eggs that mean nothing on their own (and that are not easter eggs at all) until i decide to add them in to tie multiple stories together. I'm an avid worldbuilder and conlanger, its my absolute jam, and i can not suggest this (mine and OP's) method of writing enough. It really opens you up for so many opportunities Edit: also, if it flops, you can leave it as a standalone
I was thinking about this method when she mentioned episodic series. It works on a similar framework, multiple separate stories with a connection, that connection being the world they’re in. In my process of trying to get my novel off the ground, I’ve got a whole separate document with ideas that pop into my head as I’m messing with the world that wouldn’t apply to the story. I even have a short story of one of them typed up
That's kind of what I'm planning on doing. I have three seperate stories planned in the same world that don't really affect eachother at first, but as the series goes on, characters from one story start appearing in the other, until in the final story, they all come together.
"When you're just starting out, it's best to go with a standalone" would have been great advice before I decided to do a 10-book series XD I was not prepared for how hard I would have to work to complete it. But I do tend to work better when I go overboard XD
Have you completed any books so far?? I also decided to do a series for my first story, just because it wouldn’t have worked with one book. But I’m just going with two books lol.
I'm also writing a 10 book series. 😬 but I've thought about others, and have tried condensing. And the idea literally doesn't fit into anything smaller.
@@Storyteller2078 The whole series is complete :) and while I am glad I did it (I learned a ton! And my writing grew so much thought it), I wouldn't recommend it. Good luck with yours!!
@@Kabluey2011 it's hard but not impossible. I probably could have combined books because each of mine are only about 60-70k, BUT that would have made it so there were two arcs per book and since they're on KU, I figured it a risk I was willing to take.
I'd say the best way to write a seties is to make at least the first book capable of standing on its own, and even better if all books can stand on their own. Will say each book should lead into the one next and/or reflect the book prior. Resolve main plot points but leave enough open to have intrigue to read the next installment. The last book should resolve almost every plot point large or small.
I concur. I set out to have each installment be its own story, like a serial rather part of a bigger story. It allowed each book to stand on its own, with very basic continuity between them.
I think you have the right idea. Star Wars seems like a great example of this. The first movie could stand on its own, introducing the world and characters that were easily expanded into a larger story.
Tip 9:"Write the story you want to read" is the exact reason I'm writing my series. There was similar things to it, but nothing scratched the itch so. I sat down and started to writing.. many rough drafts and lots of writing learning later I'm on version 1.0 of the copy I strive to publish
@@bjrg832 It's a coming of age story with a morally grey character who is trying to figure out why they've been blamed for an event they unintentionally caused and is also trying to find out what happened with their parents and why a corrupt medical corporation is really insistent on them becoming the next leader.
When I first started creating my fantasy world, I went a bit overboard and planned on writing a series of at least 5 beefy books, I wanted to be the next Christopher Paolini. But a couple years ago I backed down. I'm trying to tell too much in very little time and every single draft I made had lots of infodump sprinkled here and there. So I made a decision. To keep my main series on hold and start with an episodic series; one for each planet, the connecting theme being the relative time where they're happening. That way I can explore thoroughly my planets without infodumping and try different genres and POVs.
I'm writing crime fiction, so it's pretty much a given that I'm doing an episodic series. But so far all my crime fiction stories are set in the same universe, so I have sometimes secondary characters that become the MC of a short story, or background characters in one that I develop as the main character in a prequel, things like that. It's nothing new: Ed McBain did the same, so do George Pelecanos and Deon Meyer.
How about: Stand alone with enough of a cliffhanger/plot hole for a follow up if desired? Or pull a Brandon Sanderson and build a world to produce books (standalone and series) from?
that's what I do, actually. beta readers have said they appreciate how the problems and plots are all solved by the end of my books, but there is _potential_ for something else because, oh, idk, one of the three villains are missing, or there's a tiny bit of tension between character c and character f. idk. I think readers like the potential for a follow up without needing it :)
After my first series, I wanted to write a standalone, but realized about halfway through drafting that there was WAY too much story for it to be one book. So, now I'm writing a trilogy...again. I really love my characters and world, though, so I guess it all works out :) I'm starting edits on Book 1 next week!
Personally, I enjoy writing a series because I love long and complex stories. Plus a series gives the writer more time to flesh out the characters and get the readers emotionally attached.
About ten years ago, I was talking to a... publisher? Literary agent? I can't remember at this point. But they gave me the advice that when you're writing inquiry letters, you can say that you've "written a standalone novel with series potential." I mean, obviously only say this if it's true. But I could see how that would appeal to publishers, for the same reasons Jenna mentioned--that they don't have to risk investing in a whole series, but the potential's there if the first book does well. :)
Something I like about Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series is that every book stands on its own. The first one in the whole series is called "Fantasy Lover" starring Julian of Macedonia and Grace Alexander. The first one I read was halfway through the series and was called "Dark Side of the Moon" starring Ravyn Kontis and Susan Michaels. Same world. Same people. Many are recurring. You can literally pick it up at any point in the series, and it makes no difference.
I’m in the middle of my first novel. I’m envisioning a trilogy and perhaps other stories in the same universe, but I’m making sure this one works as a stand alone. If it doesn’t take off, the story will have an ending that makes everything feel complete. But if it does take off, I know how to use said ending as a launching pad.
Since I'm writing for fun, I'm planning an episodic series so that I can keep working in the universe I created while allowing me to make the first instalment standalone in case I decide to publish and it doesn't work out.
in the planningish phase of my first book. i have two planned in the series, and would be open to a third prequel but likely not because that would centre around a dead character and i personally struggle to connect with a character whose fate i know because nothing that happens in the prequel matters. the issue is i enjoy and am good at building lore, but - as much i think i’m a good writer - i’m autistic, and my attention span makes it difficult to actually write. i think the first one might fall through, yet i still want to write two. maybe more if i thought of a good enough reason. but i also keep having ideas for totally separate ips that i have to try not to give in to.
I have a 2 book thing planned, but the first story has it's own satisfying conclusion so it's okay even if I don't get the second one done. I can do it literally just whenever
It also depends on the mood. I'm writing a fantasy duology, and I swear the next thing I write will be a standalone 😅 The lack of motivation when you realize you have to do it all over again if you want the story to be finished is terrible
As I understand it, the short of it is this: I should have the first standalone/series done and the second well under way before I publish the first, so there is a nice steady pace to stay in the mind of the readers. Is that correct?
Yeah, so basically if you're writing a series, write the second (and be working any more if it's a longer series) before publishing the first book :D I think you've got it
That's the thing, even if you start with a standalone, you could have too many ideas to cram into it. Note them down and leave room in the standalone to continue a character's story. This is something many animated sequels do wrong. The end of the first movie is more or less ignored so they can make a sequel. But it's not only them. Take a supernatural setting for example. Suddenly there is a new supernatural species everyone should know about, but it hasn't been mentioned in any earlier books. Stuff like that pulls people out of the story. "Wait, wait, we have dragons?" So, if you have too many ideas? Planning for another standalone isn't too difficult and usually people love that kind of preparation if it isn't done too bluntly. Book 1: "My friend from the FBI couldn't tell me anything." That's all you need in preparation to have a friend from the FBI show up in Book 2. If there isn't a book 2. you've wasted only 1 line. The point is, if you start with a standalone, leave some room for a sequel, but keep it subtle. And never say 'there won't be a sequel'. Because your publisher, your fans, movie rigths and bills have ways to change your mind.
The book I'm considering making my debut is kind of both standalone and part of a series. Like the events of the book lead into the events of the sequel series. Example, the protagonist of the 'standalone' is the stepfather of the protagonist of the sequel series but the stepfather still has a major role in his stepson's story. My plan for my main fantasy world is to have the majority of the history of that world be told through the books. Some history can remain vague/mysterious but I have so many ideas to keep me going when my career (hopefully) takes off.
I am too in the process of writing a debut novel which is a paranormal suspense romance drama, I intend to make it at least 3 to 6 books series from my debut novel, but I am also in the process of writing a second novel which is a contemporary romantic suspense drama with at least 5 to 7 book series like they say I got the writing bug, and I am on the role lol, it's really amazing to experience how many stories for new novels pop into your head when you are writing.
I’m trying to write my first novel and ideas for a sequel and a third book keep coming. I can’t think of anything else other than those ideas. It’s a mystery thriller so I think episodic novels would work, but I’m worried I’m going to waste my time.
I'm writing a fantasy series that starts episodic but slowly builds up a larger plot, so the final books will deal with it. Some characters are carried over from book to book, but each has a different setting and main plot. The idea is that if someone stumbles on, say, book #3, they can understand it without reading the previous 2, and, if they like it, I have a backlist of books they can get and enjoy. I'm currently writing book 3. (I'd love to talk more about them, but books 1 and 2 are available only in brazilian portuguese for now. Reviews have been pretty good, but sales are still low and I haven't reached the main public yet.)
My first book was an experiment and I was glad I didn’t expand on it. I was glad I didn’t give up on my dream after it flopped and kept chasing my voice.
Forgot one major point, decode before you start and stick to it. My debut out soon and decided to tidy up a character with her own book found myself wishing I'd planned for it.. oh well time to find out if I'm actually any good at this
Series require a really good background from which one can generate a variety of stories, I think this can be pretty difficult given the degree to which you must keep overall consistency. This is why I think that if you do go series you need to especially zero in on your background to make sure it is both consistent and open to many possible stories.
I have a story idea: set in 2002 and it’s about a main character who’s a drunk now fighting for his life against himself. This dark world of doppelgängers I created could be expanded but I’m not sure, and it will be my first book so I’m definitely not sure.
I have so many story ideas, that I’ve put them all into one omniverse/multiverse because infinite worlds, infinite stories. So technically all my stories are a series, even if the characters change. I leave cameos and references.
i looked when this video was uploaded and i was like omg, bc im used to ur videos from years ago[im writing a book called supernaturals in decies and im so exicited]
As someone working on a series and has finished two manuscripts, I'd offer this bit of advice, have a side project to work on. The number of times you have to reread a manuscript before it's polished enough to publish can be exhausting. It can be doubly so when the book has the same characters and/or setting as the one before it.
Now series does this applies to Trilogies? I thought it was a good idea to make the first seem complete yet leave questions (not plot holes) to leave an open the door for revisiting the world that was created.
One thing I feel is really cool about your videos is that most of them and the advice you give isn’t exclusive to writing books. Most subjects you discuss and give tips for can apply to nearly any storytelling medium. Even though graphic novels and video games are the mediums I’d use, your videos are still extremely helpful, and I thank you for that.
i know that for my story there will be some unanswered plot holes that the reader will question if it's just in one book. i'm not sure if i'm ever going to publish them since i write for fun, but i would definitely 100% go with a series for my debut novel.
I have, in the past, planned on writing a three part series. Then ended up writing three stories that had minor connections. The good part, they could be read alone without the rest. Yet were connected enough to be able to read as a series. I have noticed it was like a few romance stories I had read. Each story followed different characters, with a connecting side character. The side character ended up being the main character in the next story. What I learned from this? Make sure you can write a long enough story for the first set of characters before you decide to try to write a series. On a side note, I wish people that write a standalone story would leave it as a standalone. I see too many try to stretch out their story and ruin it.
I am working on a 3 seasons/12 arc series book. Been working on it since 2016. Re working on my characters, changing the story ideas from beginning to end and holding old ideas for my next story.
WHEEE, this'll be fun. I already know mine HAS to be a series, because of a time-lapse of, like...five years, and because of enormous amounts of character progression, and because the first one just on its own is already a f*cking tome, but let's do this thing anyway. 1. This will not TECHNICALLY be my first novel. My first novel is an unpublishable mess called "The Speaker", which is kind of a modern reworking of "1984"...because i was psycho enough at the time to want to write like one of the greats. I spent a lot of time on it, and only realized halfway in that my gaping plot holes were totally irreconcilable. So, take two, realistic fiction, and my characters are actually PEOPLE, not robots. Yay! Feels much more organic, too, because I'm writing in my own voice, not a cheap rip-off of Orwell's. Write your own thing, kids. 2. I'm aware of that, but...ugh, I HATE that I'm doing this, but when Rowling (ew...sorry) walked in with "Philosopher's stone"...you get what I'm saying here? Or hell, even worse, Meyer with "Twilight". I'm not saying my book is BTTR, though I hope to be able to clear the "Twilight" benchmark, at least in terms of story quality and character likeability, but what I AM saying is that walking in with the first of an intended series is nothing new, if you get me. 3. I'm trying to make a point. A point which cannot be made with only one book, because this entire series is a panoply of Leftist philosophy cloaked as a relatively simple story surrounding a bunch of teenagers. They're all young adults by the end of the series, yes, but at least at first. 4. Yep. For all the reasons I mentioned before even getting into my usual "break Jenna's points down" format. 5. WAAAAAAAAAAY too much content for one book, though it's realistic fiction. Seriously, I asked this last time, but is 'realistic fiction" a genre? I'm still not sure. It's really only the first book that's a romance, which a CRAPLOAD of other stuff going on around that central plot. 6. None of this is episodic. My story might span years and years, but it all follows up on stuff that came before. Between "On Eagle's Wings" and "Salt of the Earth" (books 1 and 2), I have a time-lapse of December 25 to December 312, counting down to midnight, and I'm not sure what the lapses will be like with the other book-to-book transitions, but I don't imagine anything too wild, because, at the end of the series, my Victoria is a young, and I mean young as in age, and young as in brand new, mother. That's main-series, though: I'm also going to write a semi-spinoff about the mother's life. Initially, I wanted to make it a diary kind of thing, but no, I'm thinking that each chapter, or every few chapters, will cover a year in her life. And my poor Lauren: she's had a hard life right from the word "Go". Woman deserves a redemption arc, which she gets main-series, but also deserves to have my readers understand how she turned out the way she did. 7. Backlist good, but only once it exists, yes? NEXT! 8. No ide whether people will like it yet. But I like it, and I hope to God I have good taste. 9. And THIIIIIIIIIIIS is why I'm writing the series I'm writing. WHEEEEEE! 10. The bottom line is whatever Stone Cold says it is. No. Really, the bottom line is that I'm trying to make a point that can't be made in the space of one book.
wow I can't believe you'd spoil "Princess Buttercup and the Case of the Missing Sock" like that 😰 Great video, as always. And very pertinent to my current predicament lol.
This is a topic I’ve not seen covered before, glad you did. A lot of people get caught up in wether it’s a stands alone or a series and at the end of the day just ask other people if you’re not entirely sure. If you have good beta readers they could potentially tell you if they feel there’s more to come or if they feel it’s a standalone. It’s up to you but getting feedback from your target audience and beta readers won’t hurt you.
I'm wanting to write a books series, comic book series for those who want to see the artwork, and a show series because I've always wanted to have a show of my own.
Jenna, thank you for mentioning traditional publishing in this video along with self pub. I wish to potentially go hybrid, but I want to start off with traditional to help me ease into the authorverse and I feel so many self published authors only mention self pub when giving advice videos like this.
I've literally not written a single word of a story idea I stupidly decided to connect to other stories I want to write. now it seems like a massive undertaking. ugh.
Very helpful! I was just thinking about this earlier wondering if I should debut with the first book in a series or a standalone. So this is just the info I needed! Thank you!
Thank you for point #9! I started writing a story idea a few years ago... it's somehow become a three-book and growing series. But, as an unpublished writer, I've been fretting about how to stuff it into one book jacket for salability.
What if I do both? The books can be read alone, but they're in the same universe. Characters from the past are mentioned or met. I want to connect the stand alone's without it coming off as a series. Can you do something like that? If anyone else did this, can you give me tips on how to do something like this?
I feel that would work, though take it with a grain of salt since I’m not experienced in the slightest. Been kinda wanting to something similar, connecting with a single character/“god”.
@@paramoirai3501 I was planning on connecting the stories with a fantasy world of my creation. It's characters make a reference to the world, some characters are actually from it, or they come from or go to it(which means that I can do some worldbuilding). I have one story where I can worldbuild without it being overbearing. A princess from the world talks to a prince from this world about the other world in a way where they get to know eachother and I can lore dump. I also allowed the princess to learn more about the prince's world so it doesn't feel like a dump, but like an actual conversation. Sorry that this is really long. I just feel so passionate about my stories.
Thanks for another awesome video, yo. I really appreciate you going over this stuff. I think I'll start with a stand-alone if only to polish my skills, but I've already got my series planned out in theory (as in, dozens of index cards of minor events and 24 full pages I've written out). Just gotta organize them, connect them, edit it a few times, and polish up with some professional edits.
I'm finding myself creating episodic series. I form a concept with a single book first and if I can come up with additional stories in that world it becomes a series.
it's funny, i actually _didn't_ want to write a series, but as i was loosely planning it all out (a vague outline, as i'm partially a pantser) i realized it was going to be waaaay too long for one book alone. i'm talking roughly 7k words per chapter, and there's probably going to be around 15-20 chapters in book one alone, which literally only covers one third of everything i have planned. it just isn't a story that could be finished in one go, since it follows my character as she grows up, form eleven years old to early twenties. it's a little scary, but i want to stay true to the story i'm telling, and in order to do that it's going to have to be a series. i'm mostly a hobby writer, but i do plan on _maybve_ self publishing one day, if i'm happy with how it all turns out.
This video was very helpful for me, especially point #5. I'm writing a romance, but I wrote a lot of pages: 340 pages (Word). I though that I could split the story in two, but it will be better if the story is in one book. I'm working on making the story shorter and publish this year. "But Jenna".....Thanks a lot👏🏾😊
I think what should be a series or not be series should honestly be on ya'lls part, your decision. Follow your gut instinct and be honest with yourself if the story is doable to be more than just a standalone story. It's okay if the story you have been working was thought to be series isn't working out. You might have to take the loss, but don't fret over it too much though as various other ideas will come and go. I'll strongly suggest if there are any stories you have saved and unfinished years ago (your old writings is going to be terrible, but just laugh at it and you'll find how interesting your mind was back at that time, but also a piece of your past/memory), don't throw them away or delete it. Try to find ways to recycle your very old stories and maybe somehow incorporating to a story you're writing, whatever that is. Or you can take a step back or some sort, rethink the story overall if you have to, and then you make the decision of what is best to serve your characters, serve the story, and more importantly to yourself. You're going to feel the various emotions (the unknown you can say) of planning/writing a series and even with standalones, but that's normal though. You're going to feel tired, excited, happy, scared, angry, and so much when it comes to writing stories in general.
The plot and structure with which I’ve tinkered for the past few years is most definitely only possible in series format (unless there’s a way to compress an estimated near-7,000-page story into a single volume), much like the content I’ve posted online since 2013, as well as my favourite works growing up, including several by the sublime Emily Rodda (Deltora Quest in particular). Basically, my imagination and creativity are far too broad in scope to accommodate a single volume. Perhaps it’s risky to make my professional début with a series, but it’s what I’m best at creating; like many of my juxtapose traits, one-shots are less intuitive for me as a writer, and are best suited as a creative challenge once my toes are dipped.
This is something I've been struggling with. I'm writing my debut novel right now and something I've learned about myself is man do I over word things. I mean, that in itself isn't a huge issue since that's what the editing stage is for, but there's so much stuff. I'm at like 15 thousand words and I'm only half way through the 3rd chapter and even though I'm sticking to an outline as best I can, it just keeps going. So idk honestly. Part of me is like, just make it two books but I've planned it as one long story....kinda. But if I just keep it as one book, it's either gonna be like ten million words...or I'm gonna have to cut some of it down. I guess I could write this one book and then like write another one with different characters but in the same world... But then I'd have to like, intend that from the start and I really only have this one story in mind RN.
I'm writing a trilogy (the main story, a prequel, and a sequel). they can also be standalones but are connected in a way. anyways, would you suggest publishing that trilogy first, or a different standalone instead?
How do you feel about multipart memoirs? I think I need to just make it one book but it’s still in the back of my mind because it is pretty extensive. I actually thought about writing a children’s book staring my dog and her adventures. Like Princess Butters!
My epic fantasy series I've planned would follow 6 main characters and has the complexity of mixing the French Revolution with Napoleonic Wars on a global scale. Therefore, I've come to the conclusion that series is simply above my current writing skill level. That's why I decided to start with a zombie apocalypse series instead, and follow just one POV character for the first book the planned 6 book series. I've spent months designing my own kind of zombie that is more unique and varied from everything I've come across in that genre so far. I think it was a good choice to go to a simpler story and tighter POV focus because my writing started taking off immediately. I'm horrifying myself and making myself cry, so I think that's a good sign. I'm going to stick with my zombie series as my debut novels, especially since the first 4 books in the series cover the main outbreak period, precisely the period most zombie authors glaze over or skip entirely. I have confidence it could do well.
For a second I thought this was about writing a TV series and I got REALLY excited because I love your channel but I'm an animator so I've only ever written scripts and screenplays...
The second I thought up my main character and villain I knew it had to be a series. Originally a trio but as I started writing I understood it had to be more than 3 lol. It’s fine I love to make myself suffer.
I wasn't intending for my first book to be the beginning of a series, but sales decided otherwise. Now the third book comes out this Summer and it's too late to turn back 0_0
@@Otterwriter245 No, just making a point that certain other factors can influence whether you write a series or not. I'd write series of anything if it'd just sell.
@@Otterwriter245 what genre are you working in? And how many books have you written? Most of being a writer is going to festivals and conventions, which really only works for genre material.
After you've spent a whole novel in the company of a cast of characters, you'll know whether you ever want to be cooped up between the pages with the buggers ever again.
I wrote a fanfic. I know,I know... They're frown upon, but whatever. At first while writing it, I thought it was going to be a 1nDone story but nope... I finished it and left it open for a Part 2.... Then a 3rd.... Then finally a proper ending. 150k words in total written.
![Blox Fruits Dragon Rework Update [Full Stream]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EqDAp8udhm0/mqdefault.jpg)
While working on my debut fantasy, the questions I've had are: "Do I have enough story for more than one book?" And, "Do I think I can hang out with these characters for a long period of time?"
Great questions to ask yourself.
Have the same question as the first. And 'How do I structure the plot, that I have, so they flow smoothly?'
What if you dont use the same character?
@@Cladestinecandle Honesty, that's what I'm going with. Current main character takes a step back for one of the current secondaries so she gets a turn.
Sooooo my book should be a series got it
"Write the story you want to to read" I love that
A concept that I really like for complex worlds (like fantasy and scifi) is stories that while they can work just fine as stand alones they are part of a bigger and complex world.
That approach is, in my opinion, a great alternative for those of us that are avid world builders, more so if we like to share every little detail. This way we can avoid unnecessary exposition since we can just explain certain things in their respective stories. It also allows us to write stories that take place in locations that are far apart from one another and in different points of time without much issues unlike series which need to take place one after the other and with the same characters.
Of course since it's still the same world you can still use your favorite/more popular characters in multiple stories as a publicity of sorts, you can also show them at different moments of their life to show just how much they have grown as a person.
This method is also at its best when your stories aren't just limited to literature but also other types of media like comics, short stories or even a simple video game if you're interested in that kind of thing (like me).
I often take a similar approach.
In a book that i start with, I often write it as a standalone, but sculpt it in a way that would let me extrapolate it into a multi-book series. I'll leave in easter eggs that mean nothing on their own (and that are not easter eggs at all) until i decide to add them in to tie multiple stories together.
I'm an avid worldbuilder and conlanger, its my absolute jam, and i can not suggest this (mine and OP's) method of writing enough. It really opens you up for so many opportunities
Edit: also, if it flops, you can leave it as a standalone
The best series I've ever read had each installment working as its own standalone.
I was thinking about this method when she mentioned episodic series. It works on a similar framework, multiple separate stories with a connection, that connection being the world they’re in. In my process of trying to get my novel off the ground, I’ve got a whole separate document with ideas that pop into my head as I’m messing with the world that wouldn’t apply to the story. I even have a short story of one of them typed up
That's kind of what I'm planning on doing. I have three seperate stories planned in the same world that don't really affect eachother at first, but as the series goes on, characters from one story start appearing in the other, until in the final story, they all come together.
"When you're just starting out, it's best to go with a standalone" would have been great advice before I decided to do a 10-book series XD I was not prepared for how hard I would have to work to complete it. But I do tend to work better when I go overboard XD
Have you completed any books so far??
I also decided to do a series for my first story, just because it wouldn’t have worked with one book. But I’m just going with two books lol.
I'm also writing a 10 book series. 😬 but I've thought about others, and have tried condensing. And the idea literally doesn't fit into anything smaller.
I used to do that when I write Fanfiction 😂 good times
@@Storyteller2078 The whole series is complete :) and while I am glad I did it (I learned a ton! And my writing grew so much thought it), I wouldn't recommend it. Good luck with yours!!
@@Kabluey2011 it's hard but not impossible. I probably could have combined books because each of mine are only about 60-70k, BUT that would have made it so there were two arcs per book and since they're on KU, I figured it a risk I was willing to take.
I'd say the best way to write a seties is to make at least the first book capable of standing on its own, and even better if all books can stand on their own. Will say each book should lead into the one next and/or reflect the book prior. Resolve main plot points but leave enough open to have intrigue to read the next installment. The last book should resolve almost every plot point large or small.
I concur. I set out to have each installment be its own story, like a serial rather part of a bigger story. It allowed each book to stand on its own, with very basic continuity between them.
I think you have the right idea. Star Wars seems like a great example of this. The first movie could stand on its own, introducing the world and characters that were easily expanded into a larger story.
Tip 9:"Write the story you want to read" is the exact reason I'm writing my series. There was similar things to it, but nothing scratched the itch so. I sat down and started to writing.. many rough drafts and lots of writing learning later I'm on version 1.0 of the copy I strive to publish
Yay! You go!👏🏼👏🏼🥳 What genre are you writting in?
@@bjrg832 Sci-fi with psychological horror.
@@bjrg832 also, thank you!!!
@@Kabluey2011 How interesting! Not a genre I usually pick up - What’s your trope? 😃
@@bjrg832 It's a coming of age story with a morally grey character who is trying to figure out why they've been blamed for an event they unintentionally caused and is also trying to find out what happened with their parents and why a corrupt medical corporation is really insistent on them becoming the next leader.
When I first started creating my fantasy world, I went a bit overboard and planned on writing a series of at least 5 beefy books, I wanted to be the next Christopher Paolini.
But a couple years ago I backed down. I'm trying to tell too much in very little time and every single draft I made had lots of infodump sprinkled here and there. So I made a decision. To keep my main series on hold and start with an episodic series; one for each planet, the connecting theme being the relative time where they're happening. That way I can explore thoroughly my planets without infodumping and try different genres and POVs.
How dare you post the exact video I needed right when I needed it.
I'm writing crime fiction, so it's pretty much a given that I'm doing an episodic series. But so far all my crime fiction stories are set in the same universe, so I have sometimes secondary characters that become the MC of a short story, or background characters in one that I develop as the main character in a prequel, things like that. It's nothing new: Ed McBain did the same, so do George Pelecanos and Deon Meyer.
How about: Stand alone with enough of a cliffhanger/plot hole for a follow up if desired? Or pull a Brandon Sanderson and build a world to produce books (standalone and series) from?
that's what I do, actually. beta readers have said they appreciate how the problems and plots are all solved by the end of my books, but there is _potential_ for something else because, oh, idk, one of the three villains are missing, or there's a tiny bit of tension between character c and character f. idk. I think readers like the potential for a follow up without needing it :)
or locations and potential storylines that readers thought they might read about in that first book, but didn't
After my first series, I wanted to write a standalone, but realized about halfway through drafting that there was WAY too much story for it to be one book. So, now I'm writing a trilogy...again. I really love my characters and world, though, so I guess it all works out :) I'm starting edits on Book 1 next week!
Personally, I enjoy writing a series because I love long and complex stories. Plus a series gives the writer more time to flesh out the characters and get the readers emotionally attached.
Ayyyy, notification squad! I hope you, Cliff, and Princess Butters are doing well, Jenna! Sending you so much love💜
About ten years ago, I was talking to a... publisher? Literary agent? I can't remember at this point. But they gave me the advice that when you're writing inquiry letters, you can say that you've "written a standalone novel with series potential." I mean, obviously only say this if it's true. But I could see how that would appeal to publishers, for the same reasons Jenna mentioned--that they don't have to risk investing in a whole series, but the potential's there if the first book does well. :)
A tip I saw from a comment about writing sequels:
"If you are going to write a sequel, make sure you have it planned when making the first one."
Detective Buttercuuuup aaah yes! ♥♥♥
Who took that sock? WHOOOOO?
T'was Butters the whole time O_o
Also mind reader Jenna Moreci for the win 🫠
Something I like about Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series is that every book stands on its own. The first one in the whole series is called "Fantasy Lover" starring Julian of Macedonia and Grace Alexander. The first one I read was halfway through the series and was called "Dark Side of the Moon" starring Ravyn Kontis and Susan Michaels. Same world. Same people. Many are recurring. You can literally pick it up at any point in the series, and it makes no difference.
We love Jenna!! !!!!
I’m in the middle of my first novel. I’m envisioning a trilogy and perhaps other stories in the same universe, but I’m making sure this one works as a stand alone. If it doesn’t take off, the story will have an ending that makes everything feel complete. But if it does take off, I know how to use said ending as a launching pad.
Since I'm writing for fun, I'm planning an episodic series so that I can keep working in the universe I created while allowing me to make the first instalment standalone in case I decide to publish and it doesn't work out.
in the planningish phase of my first book. i have two planned in the series, and would be open to a third prequel but likely not because that would centre around a dead character and i personally struggle to connect with a character whose fate i know because nothing that happens in the prequel matters. the issue is i enjoy and am good at building lore, but - as much i think i’m a good writer - i’m autistic, and my attention span makes it difficult to actually write. i think the first one might fall through, yet i still want to write two. maybe more if i thought of a good enough reason. but i also keep having ideas for totally separate ips that i have to try not to give in to.
Video begins at 2:09
You're welcome
I have a 2 book thing planned, but the first story has it's own satisfying conclusion so it's okay even if I don't get the second one done. I can do it literally just whenever
My main story was actually planned out as a series. My other two I’m still working out how they will work, though I’m leaning toward series as well.
It also depends on the mood. I'm writing a fantasy duology, and I swear the next thing I write will be a standalone 😅 The lack of motivation when you realize you have to do it all over again if you want the story to be finished is terrible
As I understand it, the short of it is this:
I should have the first standalone/series done and the second well under way before I publish the first, so there is a nice steady pace to stay in the mind of the readers.
Is that correct?
Yeah, so basically if you're writing a series, write the second (and be working any more if it's a longer series) before publishing the first book :D
I think you've got it
That's the thing, even if you start with a standalone, you could have too many ideas to cram into it. Note them down and leave room in the standalone to continue a character's story.
This is something many animated sequels do wrong. The end of the first movie is more or less ignored so they can make a sequel. But it's not only them. Take a supernatural setting for example. Suddenly there is a new supernatural species everyone should know about, but it hasn't been mentioned in any earlier books. Stuff like that pulls people out of the story.
"Wait, wait, we have dragons?"
So, if you have too many ideas? Planning for another standalone isn't too difficult and usually people love that kind of preparation if it isn't done too bluntly.
Book 1: "My friend from the FBI couldn't tell me anything."
That's all you need in preparation to have a friend from the FBI show up in Book 2. If there isn't a book 2. you've wasted only 1 line.
The point is, if you start with a standalone, leave some room for a sequel, but keep it subtle. And never say 'there won't be a sequel'. Because your publisher, your fans, movie rigths and bills have ways to change your mind.
Thank you for all of the great videos. Your work is inspiration and in your face. I love the grit!
The book I'm considering making my debut is kind of both standalone and part of a series.
Like the events of the book lead into the events of the sequel series.
Example, the protagonist of the 'standalone' is the stepfather of the protagonist of the sequel series but the stepfather still has a major role in his stepson's story.
My plan for my main fantasy world is to have the majority of the history of that world be told through the books. Some history can remain vague/mysterious but I have so many ideas to keep me going when my career (hopefully) takes off.
I am too in the process of writing a debut novel which is a paranormal suspense romance drama, I intend to make it at least 3 to 6 books series from my debut novel, but I am also in the process of writing a second novel which is a contemporary romantic suspense drama with at least 5 to 7 book series like they say I got the writing bug, and I am on the role lol, it's really amazing to experience how many stories for new novels pop into your head when you are writing.
I’m trying to write my first novel and ideas for a sequel and a third book keep coming. I can’t think of anything else other than those ideas. It’s a mystery thriller so I think episodic novels would work, but I’m worried I’m going to waste my time.
Doesn't sound like a waste of time, sounds like a cool idea for a mystery that's multi-layered. Cool name, btw.
Ahaha how does she always know what we need 😌
I'm writing a fantasy series that starts episodic but slowly builds up a larger plot, so the final books will deal with it. Some characters are carried over from book to book, but each has a different setting and main plot. The idea is that if someone stumbles on, say, book #3, they can understand it without reading the previous 2, and, if they like it, I have a backlist of books they can get and enjoy. I'm currently writing book 3.
(I'd love to talk more about them, but books 1 and 2 are available only in brazilian portuguese for now. Reviews have been pretty good, but sales are still low and I haven't reached the main public yet.)
I was thinking about writing a story in universe, that could stay a stand alone, but if it works out, I could make it a prequel.
My first book was an experiment and I was glad I didn’t expand on it. I was glad I didn’t give up on my dream after it flopped and kept chasing my voice.
There is also a difference between a series and a serial. Worth looking into for a future videos.
RUclips stop notifying me of your uploads, glad to see you are still uploading you are like one of my first RUclipsrs i subscribed too
Forgot one major point, decode before you start and stick to it. My debut out soon and decided to tidy up a character with her own book found myself wishing I'd planned for it.. oh well time to find out if I'm actually any good at this
Series require a really good background from which one can generate a variety of stories, I think this can be pretty difficult given the degree to which you must keep overall consistency. This is why I think that if you do go series you need to especially zero in on your background to make sure it is both consistent and open to many possible stories.
I have a story idea: set in 2002 and it’s about a main character who’s a drunk now fighting for his life against himself. This dark world of doppelgängers I created could be expanded but I’m not sure, and it will be my first book so I’m definitely not sure.
I have so many story ideas, that I’ve put them all into one omniverse/multiverse because infinite worlds, infinite stories. So technically all my stories are a series, even if the characters change. I leave cameos and references.
Love that👏🏼
i looked when this video was uploaded and i was like omg, bc im used to ur videos from years ago[im writing a book called supernaturals in decies and im so exicited]
My heart wants to do a science-fantasy series (duology more likely than not) I’ve been truing to perfect for years, but it’d also be my debut novel 😅😔
Thank you this is awesome I now understand that my story is an episodic series taking place in the town
As someone working on a series and has finished two manuscripts, I'd offer this bit of advice, have a side project to work on. The number of times you have to reread a manuscript before it's polished enough to publish can be exhausting. It can be doubly so when the book has the same characters and/or setting as the one before it.
Love and appreciate your advice 🙏🏾
Now series does this applies to Trilogies? I thought it was a good idea to make the first seem complete yet leave questions (not plot holes) to leave an open the door for revisiting the world that was created.
One thing I feel is really cool about your videos is that most of them and the advice you give isn’t exclusive to writing books. Most subjects you discuss and give tips for can apply to nearly any storytelling medium. Even though graphic novels and video games are the mediums I’d use, your videos are still extremely helpful, and I thank you for that.
i know that for my story there will be some unanswered plot holes that the reader will question if it's just in one book. i'm not sure if i'm ever going to publish them since i write for fun, but i would definitely 100% go with a series for my debut novel.
Okay, I need that Detective Buttercup series 😆😜
I'm not a pro, but I say look at the first book, and see if there is anymore story to tell. They should have left the Mateix at movie.
I have, in the past, planned on writing a three part series. Then ended up writing three stories that had minor connections.
The good part, they could be read alone without the rest. Yet were connected enough to be able to read as a series.
I have noticed it was like a few romance stories I had read.
Each story followed different characters, with a connecting side character. The side character ended up being the main character in the next story.
What I learned from this? Make sure you can write a long enough story for the first set of characters before you decide to try to write a series.
On a side note, I wish people that write a standalone story would leave it as a standalone. I see too many try to stretch out their story and ruin it.
I am working on a 3 seasons/12 arc series book. Been working on it since 2016. Re working on my characters, changing the story ideas from beginning to end and holding old ideas for my next story.
WHEEE, this'll be fun. I already know mine HAS to be a series, because of a time-lapse of, like...five years, and because of enormous amounts of character progression, and because the first one just on its own is already a f*cking tome, but let's do this thing anyway.
1. This will not TECHNICALLY be my first novel. My first novel is an unpublishable mess called "The Speaker", which is kind of a modern reworking of "1984"...because i was psycho enough at the time to want to write like one of the greats. I spent a lot of time on it, and only realized halfway in that my gaping plot holes were totally irreconcilable. So, take two, realistic fiction, and my characters are actually PEOPLE, not robots. Yay! Feels much more organic, too, because I'm writing in my own voice, not a cheap rip-off of Orwell's. Write your own thing, kids.
2. I'm aware of that, but...ugh, I HATE that I'm doing this, but when Rowling (ew...sorry) walked in with "Philosopher's stone"...you get what I'm saying here? Or hell, even worse, Meyer with "Twilight". I'm not saying my book is BTTR, though I hope to be able to clear the "Twilight" benchmark, at least in terms of story quality and character likeability, but what I AM saying is that walking in with the first of an intended series is nothing new, if you get me.
3. I'm trying to make a point. A point which cannot be made with only one book, because this entire series is a panoply of Leftist philosophy cloaked as a relatively simple story surrounding a bunch of teenagers. They're all young adults by the end of the series, yes, but at least at first.
4. Yep. For all the reasons I mentioned before even getting into my usual "break Jenna's points down" format.
5. WAAAAAAAAAAY too much content for one book, though it's realistic fiction. Seriously, I asked this last time, but is 'realistic fiction" a genre? I'm still not sure. It's really only the first book that's a romance, which a CRAPLOAD of other stuff going on around that central plot.
6. None of this is episodic. My story might span years and years, but it all follows up on stuff that came before. Between "On Eagle's Wings" and "Salt of the Earth" (books 1 and 2), I have a time-lapse of December 25 to December 312, counting down to midnight, and I'm not sure what the lapses will be like with the other book-to-book transitions, but I don't imagine anything too wild, because, at the end of the series, my Victoria is a young, and I mean young as in age, and young as in brand new, mother. That's main-series, though: I'm also going to write a semi-spinoff about the mother's life. Initially, I wanted to make it a diary kind of thing, but no, I'm thinking that each chapter, or every few chapters, will cover a year in her life. And my poor Lauren: she's had a hard life right from the word "Go". Woman deserves a redemption arc, which she gets main-series, but also deserves to have my readers understand how she turned out the way she did.
7. Backlist good, but only once it exists, yes? NEXT!
8. No ide whether people will like it yet. But I like it, and I hope to God I have good taste.
9. And THIIIIIIIIIIIS is why I'm writing the series I'm writing. WHEEEEEE!
10. The bottom line is whatever Stone Cold says it is. No. Really, the bottom line is that I'm trying to make a point that can't be made in the space of one book.
I wanna read that
@@davidmauriciogutierrezespi5244, gimme a bit. Or be a beta reader. Your pick.
@@ActiveAdvocate1 I've only beta some one shot fanfics but I could give it a try
@@davidmauriciogutierrezespi5244, hmm...now how would I get you my stuff, that's the question.
@@ActiveAdvocate1 uuuh, email? google drive? you can set documents to only acceots commentaries con google drive
wow I can't believe you'd spoil "Princess Buttercup and the Case of the Missing Sock" like that 😰 Great video, as always. And very pertinent to my current predicament lol.
This is a topic I’ve not seen covered before, glad you did.
A lot of people get caught up in wether it’s a stands alone or a series and at the end of the day just ask other people if you’re not entirely sure. If you have good beta readers they could potentially tell you if they feel there’s more to come or if they feel it’s a standalone. It’s up to you but getting feedback from your target audience and beta readers won’t hurt you.
I'm wanting to write a books series, comic book series for those who want to see the artwork, and a show series because I've always wanted to have a show of my own.
Jenna, thank you for mentioning traditional publishing in this video along with self pub. I wish to potentially go hybrid, but I want to start off with traditional to help me ease into the authorverse and I feel so many self published authors only mention self pub when giving advice videos like this.
I've literally not written a single word of a story idea I stupidly decided to connect to other stories I want to write. now it seems like a massive undertaking. ugh.
I'm thinking a series of inter-related stand-alones might be the way to go. Balzac, for instance. *w*
Very helpful! I was just thinking about this earlier wondering if I should debut with the first book in a series or a standalone. So this is just the info I needed! Thank you!
Thank you for point #9! I started writing a story idea a few years ago... it's somehow become a three-book and growing series. But, as an unpublished writer, I've been fretting about how to stuff it into one book jacket for salability.
What if I do both?
The books can be read alone, but they're in the same universe. Characters from the past are mentioned or met. I want to connect the stand alone's without it coming off as a series. Can you do something like that? If anyone else did this, can you give me tips on how to do something like this?
I feel that would work, though take it with a grain of salt since I’m not experienced in the slightest. Been kinda wanting to something similar, connecting with a single character/“god”.
@@paramoirai3501 I was planning on connecting the stories with a fantasy world of my creation. It's characters make a reference to the world, some characters are actually from it, or they come from or go to it(which means that I can do some worldbuilding). I have one story where I can worldbuild without it being overbearing. A princess from the world talks to a prince from this world about the other world in a way where they get to know eachother and I can lore dump. I also allowed the princess to learn more about the prince's world so it doesn't feel like a dump, but like an actual conversation. Sorry that this is really long. I just feel so passionate about my stories.
@@lizamoonblooded4196 don’t feel sorry for being excited about your story! You Got me All curious about your story now😄
@@bjrg832 Thanks! I have some stories on Wattpad, but I have no readers.
@@lizamoonblooded4196 I don’t have wattpad, But it’s my understanding there’s so many stories on there, that it’s hard to stand out?
Omg I’m literally considering this concept for one of my stories, Jenna you are magical
Thanks for another awesome video, yo. I really appreciate you going over this stuff. I think I'll start with a stand-alone if only to polish my skills, but I've already got my series planned out in theory (as in, dozens of index cards of minor events and 24 full pages I've written out). Just gotta organize them, connect them, edit it a few times, and polish up with some professional edits.
7:49 wait okay but i wanna write that now
I'm finding myself creating episodic series. I form a concept with a single book first and if I can come up with additional stories in that world it becomes a series.
it's funny, i actually _didn't_ want to write a series, but as i was loosely planning it all out (a vague outline, as i'm partially a pantser) i realized it was going to be waaaay too long for one book alone. i'm talking roughly 7k words per chapter, and there's probably going to be around 15-20 chapters in book one alone, which literally only covers one third of everything i have planned. it just isn't a story that could be finished in one go, since it follows my character as she grows up, form eleven years old to early twenties. it's a little scary, but i want to stay true to the story i'm telling, and in order to do that it's going to have to be a series. i'm mostly a hobby writer, but i do plan on _maybve_ self publishing one day, if i'm happy with how it all turns out.
Hey Jenna will there ever be a kindle or audiobook version of eve the awakening? I liked that book will there ever be a sequel?
This video was very helpful for me, especially point #5.
I'm writing a romance, but I wrote a lot of pages: 340 pages (Word). I though that I could split the story in two, but it will be better if the story is in one book.
I'm working on making the story shorter and publish this year.
"But Jenna".....Thanks a lot👏🏾😊
P.S. THE SAVIORS SISTER AUDIOBOOK IS FUCKING FANTASTIC!!!!
I think what should be a series or not be series should honestly be on ya'lls part, your decision. Follow your gut instinct and be honest with yourself if the story is doable to be more than just a standalone story. It's okay if the story you have been working was thought to be series isn't working out. You might have to take the loss, but don't fret over it too much though as various other ideas will come and go. I'll strongly suggest if there are any stories you have saved and unfinished years ago (your old writings is going to be terrible, but just laugh at it and you'll find how interesting your mind was back at that time, but also a piece of your past/memory), don't throw them away or delete it. Try to find ways to recycle your very old stories and maybe somehow incorporating to a story you're writing, whatever that is. Or you can take a step back or some sort, rethink the story overall if you have to, and then you make the decision of what is best to serve your characters, serve the story, and more importantly to yourself. You're going to feel the various emotions (the unknown you can say) of planning/writing a series and even with standalones, but that's normal though. You're going to feel tired, excited, happy, scared, angry, and so much when it comes to writing stories in general.
The plot and structure with which I’ve tinkered for the past few years is most definitely only possible in series format (unless there’s a way to compress an estimated near-7,000-page story into a single volume), much like the content I’ve posted online since 2013, as well as my favourite works growing up, including several by the sublime Emily Rodda (Deltora Quest in particular).
Basically, my imagination and creativity are far too broad in scope to accommodate a single volume. Perhaps it’s risky to make my professional début with a series, but it’s what I’m best at creating; like many of my juxtapose traits, one-shots are less intuitive for me as a writer, and are best suited as a creative challenge once my toes are dipped.
This is something I've been struggling with. I'm writing my debut novel right now and something I've learned about myself is man do I over word things. I mean, that in itself isn't a huge issue since that's what the editing stage is for, but there's so much stuff. I'm at like 15 thousand words and I'm only half way through the 3rd chapter and even though I'm sticking to an outline as best I can, it just keeps going.
So idk honestly. Part of me is like, just make it two books but I've planned it as one long story....kinda. But if I just keep it as one book, it's either gonna be like ten million words...or I'm gonna have to cut some of it down.
I guess I could write this one book and then like write another one with different characters but in the same world...
But then I'd have to like, intend that from the start and I really only have this one story in mind RN.
I'm writing a trilogy (the main story, a prequel, and a sequel). they can also be standalones but are connected in a way. anyways, would you suggest publishing that trilogy first, or a different standalone instead?
I just want to know how to introduce characters to a novel
Okay, but when is Detective Buttercup dropping? I need a princess investigating the everyday mysteries that arise in the palace, thank you. 🥰
Early gang!!
How do you feel about multipart memoirs? I think I need to just make it one book but it’s still in the back of my mind because it is pretty extensive. I actually thought about writing a children’s book staring my dog and her adventures. Like Princess Butters!
My planned debut novel is the first of a series. I love the book I wrote, but I have a bad feeling that it won't sell.
My epic fantasy series I've planned would follow 6 main characters and has the complexity of mixing the French Revolution with Napoleonic Wars on a global scale. Therefore, I've come to the conclusion that series is simply above my current writing skill level. That's why I decided to start with a zombie apocalypse series instead, and follow just one POV character for the first book the planned 6 book series. I've spent months designing my own kind of zombie that is more unique and varied from everything I've come across in that genre so far. I think it was a good choice to go to a simpler story and tighter POV focus because my writing started taking off immediately. I'm horrifying myself and making myself cry, so I think that's a good sign. I'm going to stick with my zombie series as my debut novels, especially since the first 4 books in the series cover the main outbreak period, precisely the period most zombie authors glaze over or skip entirely. I have confidence it could do well.
For a second I thought this was about writing a TV series and I got REALLY excited because I love your channel but I'm an animator so I've only ever written scripts and screenplays...
Do I have enough story for a stand alone?
Can someone PLEASE tell me where I can find people to read my boo to see if it’s any good before I publish it.
Thx..
I stand alone..
The second I thought up my main character and villain I knew it had to be a series. Originally a trio but as I started writing I understood it had to be more than 3 lol. It’s fine I love to make myself suffer.
I wasn't intending for my first book to be the beginning of a series, but sales decided otherwise. Now the third book comes out this Summer and it's too late to turn back 0_0
Are you complaining about good sales 😂
@@Otterwriter245 No, just making a point that certain other factors can influence whether you write a series or not. I'd write series of anything if it'd just sell.
@@thoughtfuldevil6069 Same, I wish I could say that my book sold more than 2 copies though 😭
@@Otterwriter245 what genre are you working in? And how many books have you written? Most of being a writer is going to festivals and conventions, which really only works for genre material.
@@thoughtfuldevil6069 I write young adult fantasy, and I’ve published 2 novels. I’m working on a humorous middle grade right now, though.
I want to write a long series Like Trese and Hellboy. I'm just worried that overtime the quality would go down.
Where can I find a copy of "Buttercup, and the Mystery of the Clone in the Shiny Thing?"
Write whatever you want to write.
AYYYY EARLY GANG🎉
After you've spent a whole novel in the company of a cast of characters, you'll know whether you ever want to be cooped up between the pages with the buggers ever again.
Is there any middle ground, like can i make 3 standalone books into a series
PS: Butters is a good little thief with all the fuzz-fuzz-fuzz.
I prefer to write a series as I don’t feel like I can squeeze the story into one book
Can you write a stand-alone book and then decide AFTER it's out that you want to turn it into a. Series
I wrote a fanfic. I know,I know... They're frown upon, but whatever. At first while writing it, I thought it was going to be a 1nDone story but nope... I finished it and left it open for a Part 2.... Then a 3rd.... Then finally a proper ending. 150k words in total written.
That's amazing. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
With me, my type of writing will also be subtle to a fault and my imagination is just so big it can never fit in one book.
Can standalone book turning into a series
Video starts at 2:10