Writing Sequels
Guest Post by SR Johannes
Sequels are hard to write. Authors stress out about them. Are they as good as the first? Will the readers like it?
Sequels don’t get the blank slate in a reader the way the first book does so the reader comes into the second book with expectations and high hopes.
There are a few things to keep in mind when you are writing a sequel:
- Readers remember everything so be thorough.
- Make sure you keep your facts and small details straight.
- Weave in important elements from the first book to get the reader back up to speed but not in an obvious info. dump.
- Allow your character to grow from book to book or your readers will feel cheated.
- Introduce new characters and relationships, but be sure to keep threads from the other books to remind the reader.
- Trust your readers.
- Raise the stakes for your character.
- The story must stand on it’s own, separate of a series.
- Sub plots can be seeds for another.
- Create an overarching plot that connects the books together.
Be sure to check out Uncontrollable, the sequel to Untraceable by SR Johannes. Leave a comment and win the ebook!