My First Sequel
Right now, I’m attempting to write a large chunk of the sequel to TG. This is the first time I’ve tried writing a sequel, and I’m finding lots of interesting things that pop up.
For one, I need to layer in backstory from the first book so things make sense. You know, so someone can pick up the second book but still understand what’s going on. But on the other hand, I don’t want to bog things down with too much backstory. I’m not very far into it yet so I’m not quite sure how it’ll turn out, but it’s definitely something I’ve got to be careful about.
Another is consistency. I really, really, really want to make sure I’m not writing anything that doesn’t coincide with the rules and events of TG1. It’s a pet peeve of mine and why shows like Lost and Heroes irritate me at times.
Then, of course, there’s the plot threads. I’ve got to pick up where the ones from the first book left off, layer in the ones for the second book while bringing enough to a close but leaving enough open for the third book. It’s making my head spin a bit, but this is where my Virtual Post-Its program comes in handy. Yay for post-its!
It’s a lot of fun to be working on this one (I absolutely love the TG world), but at the same time, nerve-wracking. I really liked the first book. What if this one falls flat? What if it doesn’t measure up? I want it to keep the same tone as the first one, but it’s so much different. I put my poor character through the wringer, and now we both have to deal with the consequences.
Oh well. I’ll never find out if I can do it if I keep sitting here complaining about it. So, onward!
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Trying to find the backstory balance is one of the things that I dread struggling with myself. Granted, I won’t have to deal with it until I get past the first book, but I’m trying to plan ahead as much as possible.
How many TG books are you planning? So far, I envision my series as being 12 books. Ridiculously ambitious, I know, but it lets me break the whole thing up into a 3-act structure, where the first four books can be pretty stand-alone with just a few minor threads connecting them to the larger story.
I don’t think you need to worry about consistency. This is pretty much your show, and no one knows the TG world better than you. If they aren’t already, the rules will become second nature the more you write.
You make me laugh–“I put my poor character through the wringer, and now we both have to deal with the consequences.”
Something tells me you’ll do great. You seem to have a good handle on sequels–and you’ve barely started.
I dig the virtual post-its.
I’m just wrapping up four twelve-hour days of querying. Pretty intense…
I’m also looking for a job… I’m in FL right now but could end up anywhere.
hmmm, yes, this sounds like a recital of a hundred different conversations i’ve had with myself about the very same thing!
what I’m writing is more the old-style high fantasy where the events between books are very tightly integrated. I have already promised myself that my next series will not be this tightly wound!
keeping all of the details straight is a huge challenge. I find it helpful to keep files where I can stuff all the details about the world that needs to be consistent from one book to another. since the events of my book are not set on earth, I have files for everything from the planetary system to types of trees and bushes. then there’s all those files on magic systems, back story, yada yada yada!
ack! I’m stressed out just thinking about it! LOL! good thing i love it!
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