Neil Turner on Writing a Series Versus a Standalone Novel

Writing a Series Versus a Standalone Novel

Writers typically debate the deserves of writing a collection versus standalone novels. There are professionals and cons to both method. I’ll recap the controversy by focusing on three key components in any novel: characters, setting, and plot.

Characters. A collection negates the necessity to create a new solid for every novel. It additionally permits for longer character arcs. Many readers take pleasure in revisiting characters they related with, and the identical is true of writers. While I take pleasure in creating new characters, I discover it equally rewarding to plumb the depths of my characters in methods solely a collection can accommodate. On the draw back—particularly with thrillers—we sacrifice a component of suspense when main characters are positioned in peril. We could not know the way they’ll escape, however we’re fairly positive they are going to. Well, more often than not. 😉

Setting: Similar to the professionals and cons of characterization, I discover a recurring setting advantageous. The fictional Chicago suburb of Cedar Heights is well-established in my collection, and I’ve the enormous canvas of Chicago to work with, so it’s typically sufficient for me to color a fast sketch to orient readers new and outdated. This retains the story transferring ahead. I established a agency sense of place within the first Tony Valenti Thriller, A House on Liberty Street, which slowed the story right here and there, however I did so as a result of the setting was important to the story. I additionally knew I used to be crafting a collection and wished a sturdy sense of place to anchor the novels. Readers who’ve learn the collection from the beginning have a deeper appreciation of how Cedar Heights figures within the lives of the characters in a manner standalone novels are seldom in a position to accomplish. That mentioned, creating new locales is enjoyable, so Tony has been identified to take the odd street journey.

The third aspect I’ll deal with is plot. A determined hazard in working with a collection is repeatedly writing primarily the identical novel, so I attempt to provide Tony and firm contemporary challenges to face in every guide—checks they meet with the assistance of collected expertise and newly-acquired expertise. Brute power and/or violence is a method of taking down an adversary, however I discover it equally satisfying and extra fascinating when characters outthink their opponents. Not understanding how Tony will sort out issues additionally provides a welcome aspect of suspense.

At the top of the day, there’s no proper or fallacious on this dialogue. Some of us take pleasure in writing in a collection; others are abhorred by the thought of doing so. Some authors write a collection and standalones. One measurement doesn’t match all!