As authors, one of the first things we learned was to keep
writing and keep quality publications coming; an important tip for all authors
but particularly self-published authors. It’s a great way to get noticed and
establish a following. What better way to do that than with a series or sequel?
If a reader likes your first novel, they’re sure to like the sequel.
Having said that, there are caveats to keep in mind.
#1 – Just say NO to Repeat. The sequel’s plot must be just
as interesting as the first novel. It helps to know while writing the first
novel that there will be a sequel. As you’re writing it, you can keep notes on
plot ideas for book II. The first book should have a conclusion, while leaving
the door open to other possibilities at the same time.
#2 - While you don’t have to pick up where the first novel
left off, the sequel still involves the lives of the same characters. It can be
a bit tricky not to do a big info dump. Here’s a tip: release back story from book I through
dialogue, or no more than one to two lines at a time so it doesn’t bog down the
flow of the sequel and bore the reader.
#3 - Once you have a plot that will carry the sequel, it is all
about the “second date.” With the first book, the “first date,” you’ve had a
chance to put a few things out on the line, cause the reader to vest their
emotions in the characters and prospective outcomes. The sequel is the chance
to take things up a notch, remind the reader why it was worthwhile going on the
“second date” and leave them anxious and excited for the next reading
rendezvous.
Writing a sequel is an advantage when it comes to characters.
As writers, we already know them, what they might say and how they would react
in certain situations. For instance, in A
Guilty Ghost Surprised, the main character, Indigo Eady, would run her
bubble-butt off to get away from the soul collector. But in They All Fall Down, the main character,
Abby, would stand and fight using her magical gun tattoos that she calls upon
when in danger.
Characters should stay in character. HOWEVER, characters sometimes
change, or evolve. Showing this change is what causes readers to continue to
vest themselves in your characters. Remember, stagnation may cause
Reader-Run-Away-ation.. Don’t start out the sequel with an arbitrary character
trait change (unless it’s twenty years later and a lot of jading has been going
on. In which case, it must be explained).
The same with Abby--there was no chance of getting rid of
those tattoo-weapons in book II (which of course you wouldn’t want to anyway,
because she totally kicks bad-dude butt with those weapons). It wouldn’t be
right, and these types of changes could be distracting to the reader.
How do you feel about sequels?
Have you ever read a book where the character’s physical
characteristics or personality traits changed with no warning? If so, did you
get past it, or did you have to put the book down?
About A Guilty Ghost
Surprised: Indigo Eady and gang are back with a feather and a Chance
setting off another twisting-turning investigation to bring a cold case, and
loved ones, closure at last.
About They All Fall
Down: Free of their duties as Cleanser and Harvestor, Abby and Basil try to
move on with their lives. But some secrets remain. And what is done in the dark
won’t be good when it comes to light.
Hauntings are scary
but we love interaction:
And don’t forget
about the giveaway!
)
Sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary :)
DeleteThose are some great tips, although I think I'm guilty of breaking them all, LOL :-)
ReplyDeleteRules are made to be broken, LOL!
DeleteThanks so much for hosting us today, Meradeth! It's awesome to be here :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for joining me! :)
DeleteGreat suggestions for writing a sequel. In some ways a sequel can be much harder. There are so many expectations.
ReplyDeleteIt's a definite advantage when writing the same characters, but keeping it all straight can be tricky.
DeleteWhat an excellent post about sequels! I love thinking of them as a second date. :) Great idea! I tend to love sequels and series because I don't like to let my favorite characters go!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
~Jess
I love series and sequels for the same reason--both in reading and writing :)
DeleteThanks for stopping in, Gwen and Angela.
ReplyDeleteI like sequels, both reading and writing them. It's a good way to lay the groundwork in one book for something that might pay off in another book down the line, placing Easter eggs, if you will.
I always love finding those while reading :)
DeleteI love sequels, too, William. I have my favorite authors and wait for the next book, mostly because I'm attached to the characters.
DeleteSounds like a great read!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!
Thanks for dropping by!
DeleteThanks so much for having us here today, Meradeth. Sequels really are very interesting to write given so many things to consider when penning it.
ReplyDeleteIt's my pleasure to host you two!! :)
DeleteThanks for the giveaway. Both books sound great reads. Congrats to the ladies!
ReplyDeleteNas
Thanks for stopping by to join in! :)
DeleteInteresting post:)
ReplyDeleteI thought so! :)
DeleteYes, they are a second date.
ReplyDeleteI like sequels that are fresh and take the characters and plot to new territories, with some of the old flavor mixed in.
I like the "second date" concept--lots of good connotations there!
DeleteMeradeth, thanks for having Gwen and Angela here today. I loved their list. Wonderful points and absolutely spot on!
ReplyDelete(And hope you're doing well, Meradeth!!!)
Thanks, Morgan!! :)
DeleteGood tips!! I'm in the middle of my sequel rewrite now! :)
ReplyDeleteI haz chapters!! :)
Delete