What happens when you write a book and either people like the characters so much they ask you to continue writing about them, or the story’s too big for just one book and it turns into more than one? Well that, my friend, is what’s called a series.
Writing a series is a good way for a writer to establish him or herself in the heart and mind of a reader. If readers like the first book, then they’re more apt to purchase the second and so on. Plus, the writer begins to know and understand the main character (or characters) and is able to delve further into what makes them tick, bringing a depth to them that wouldn’t be possible in the length of one book.
Which brings us to the concept of character arc. In fiction, readers expect the character to change in some way by the end of the book. Change in protagonist = character arc. For example, if the protagonist starts out shy and insecure, then by the end of the story they should have at least given that character more confidence. But how do you handle character arc across an entire series?
That’s a bit tricky. Continue reading “Character Arcs — Or, Where Were You Going With That Series?”
It’s that special day of the week: time for Indies Unlimited readers to choose the next Flash Fiction Star. Remember, all our winners will be included in the next edition of the IU Flash Fiction Anthology. So, support your fellow writers and participate in this week’s voting, then spread the word, bang the drums, and share the link to let everyone know the vote is on.
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As Kristine Kathryn Rusch is fond of pointing out, writing is a business. At least it is if you hope to make more than a handful of spare change from your endeavors. All the activities involved after you’ve written your book until it is in the hands of the reader are the business side of publishing. If you don’t give it attention you might as well be one hand clapping in the forest (or something like that).