What is involved in building a series? Be it novels, comics, short stories, whatever, there are certain elements that are critical when building a series.

The need for planning…

I know people hate to read this. Everything would be easier if we could simply sit down and type, hoping for gold to spew from our fingertips. It might happen for you…

It might not.

I’ve been putting notes down on a number of projects. Far too many, if I’m being honest, as it is unlikely to go any further with my current schedule. But it is fun when the idea strikes.

That first moment of creativity when everything sounds so fresh and vital, where the concept has limitless potential.

Then you try to fit it into a mold and watch it crumble.

There are a couple things to do when it does. Give up, be grateful for the thought of a new project and then put it away for another day OR realize why certain elements slip through your fingers and what you can do to short them up.

That’s where planning comes into play.

Critical elements for building a series:

Characters –

Names are nice. So are foibles to express on the written page, however, you have to go further than the moment to make a character work. Histories are vital. Where they came from, how they stood up or fell in certain situations.

Every important moment in their story could potentially strengthen their motivation, their resolve for the narrative you are building.

Setting – 

I never put much thought in locales in the beginning. In the Greystone Saga, Portents was just a place at first. It grew to be more, almost another character, by the end of the first novel.

Using location, building each image in the mind of the reader, also assists in solidifying theme, tone and so many other elements being conveyed to readers.

Tone – 

Is your story a serious drama? Is it farcical? Is it somewhere in between? Knowing ahead of time what tone your story should take helps when it comes time to build each scene. It can also assist when creating your characters. Are they sarcastic? Maybe they never crack a smile? How does it fit with the story you’re trying to tell?

Arc – 

This to me has become the most important element of a successful project. Not only for the main character but for the supporting cast as well.

Going from point A to point B. The growth of a character, the failure of others, both play to the strength of the narrative. What challenges exist to bridge the gap from start to finish. Where are these players going and why? What is their motivation?

Know your critical elements…

Each critical element explored works in tandem with the rest. They grow together and through them your story comes to light.

Wouldn’t it be easier to explore these as you write? Maybe…

Or you’ll meander until you discover what that arc should be. What that great choice carrying the character from one obstacle to the next was meant to be all along.

That means more editing on the back end. Which might work for you.

But to me, planning ahead – knowing each character like they are standing over your shoulder as you write – takes a simple concept from pure imagination to words on the page.

And that’s what we’re all after, isn’t it?