Eva and the Grobug Audiobook – Story Over Everything
Questions
Do you plan to write a series?
Do you like reading series?
When is a series not the right format for a story?
On Writing Series
A series of books can be financially successful, but is that the only reason to write a series? What about sinking your time into a failed series?
To answer the question should you write a series, I think it would be good to look at the matter from two perspectives, both reader and writer.
What are the pros and cons of reading a series?
PROS
Character development: A series of fiction books allows for in-depth character development over time, allowing readers to become more invested in the characters and their stories.
Familiarity: As readers progress through a series, they become more familiar with the world and the characters, making subsequent books easier to read and more engaging.
Deeper plotlines: A series can allow for more complex plotlines and overarching story arcs that are not possible in standalone novels.
More content: A series provides more content and can keep readers entertained for a longer period of time.
CONS
Risk of burnout: Reading multiple books in a series can become repetitive and boring if the plot or characters become stagnant or if the series goes on for too long.
Dependent on previous books: A series can be difficult to follow if the reader has not read the previous books in the series, making it less accessible to new readers.
Quality may decline: As a series goes on, the quality of the writing or storytelling may decline as the author struggles to keep the story fresh and interesting.
Long wait times: If a series is ongoing and not yet completed, readers may have to wait years for the next installment, which can be frustrating.
What are the pros and cons of writing a series?
PROS
More opportunities for character development: Writing a series of books allows for in-depth character development over time, which can create more complex and interesting characters that readers become invested in.
Increased readership: If readers enjoy the first book in a series, they are more likely to continue reading subsequent books, which can increase the author’s readership and fan base.
Established world-building: Creating a series allows the author to establish a rich and detailed world that can be explored in depth over multiple books.
More revenue potential: A successful series can generate more revenue for the author and publisher than standalone novels, as readers will often buy the entire series.
CONS
Pressure to maintain quality: Writing a series can be challenging, as the author must maintain the quality of the writing and storytelling throughout multiple books, which can be difficult to sustain over time.
Risk of burnout: Writing a series can be a long and tiring process, and authors may risk burnout or losing interest in the story or characters.
Limited audience: While a successful series can attract more readers, it can also be less accessible to new readers who may not want to commit to a lengthy series.
Expectations of readers: Readers may have certain expectations for the series and its characters, which can limit the author’s creativity and freedom in the writing process.
Serial VS. Episodic Series
Can a book series be episodic or serial?
Yes, a book series can be either episodic or serial, or a combination of both.
An episodic series is one in which each book can stand alone and tells a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end, but the books are connected by recurring characters, settings, or themes. Examples of episodic book series include the Nancy Drew series, Goosebumps, and The Chronicles of Narnia.
On the other hand, a serial series is one in which the story arc extends across multiple books, and the books are not designed to be read as standalone stories. Instead, each book ends on a cliffhanger or unresolved plot point that is picked up in the next book. Examples of serial book series include Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and A Song of Ice and Fire.
It’s also possible for a book series to be a combination of both episodic and serial. For example, some book series may have standalone books that are part of a larger story arc, or some books may be more standalone than others within the same series.
Mentioned
The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings
Chronicles of Narnia
The Chronicles of Prydain
Arsenal: Full Metal Superhero
Nancy Drew
Goosebumps
Harry Potter
The Hunger Games
A Song of Ice and Fire
MJ Muñoz 