Writing Techniques ~~ Writing a Successful Book Series

According to a poll conducted by Goodreads in 2015, more readers liked reading books that were part of a series than stand-alone books, although it was close. Knowing this, many writers embark on the road to writing a series.

The key to writing a successful book series is creating a believable world and lovable characters. Book series are popular IF readers fall in love with the characters. If readers love the characters, they will want to know more about them and their journeys in life.

Preplanning for a series is imperative. Before writing a series, a writer needs to do a lot of prework and answer a series of questions:

(1) Will the series be about the world where the characters live or about the characters and what happens to them? A writer should determine what the focus of the series will be. Consider the novels of James Michener that were long and could have been broken individual series. He wrote about places and the people who lived there. The characters came, changed the place, then died or moved on. The next characters in time came and picked up the story of the place. His focus was the world of his novels. The most successful series ever written was about the characters of Harry Potter and his friends. The wizarding world was an important element of the series, but the characters were the focus of the series.

(2) What is at the core of the series? An overarching antagonist or evil to be overcome should weave its way through the whole series. Harry Potter didn’t kill Voldemort in the first book; it took the whole series to bring him down. Smaller enemies and problems (subplots to the whole story) were resolved by the end of each book in the quest to take out Voldemort. The same can be said of the original Star Wars movies. The characters resolved battles by the end of each movie, but the overarching nemesis of the Empire wasn’t destroyed until the final movie.

(3) How does each book end? Don’t end the first or second book with a cliffhanger or end a book mid-scene. Each book should have its problems or issues (subplots) that are resolved by the final page, but leave the reader wondering if the final victory will be won. That’s what draws them into the next book.

(4) Where does the story take place? The writer must create the world where the characters live; not only create it but describe it in great detail. 

(a) Draw a map on paper. Find pictures of what the imagined world looks like and keep them close. 

(b) What does this world physically look like? 

(c) What kinds of people are in it, and how do they dress? 

(d) What are the ethics and beliefs of society? 

(e) What issues are facing the population? 

(f) Do they have enemies and allies?

(g) Who are the characters? All the characters must be defined before writing. What do they look like and how to they act? Who are their immediate family members, and how were they brought up? What notable physical traits and what special powers or skills do they have? What morals do they hold, and what would it take to push them outside of their beliefs?

(5) Whose point of view (POV) will be used? Most series are written in third-person limited to one or two characters’ POV unless the focus is on the place.

(6) When will the story end? Through the course of the series, the characters should move from their faulty beginnings to their new and improved selves. The best series have happily-ever-after endings. The reader can hope for the same.

Readers who like series generally waited until all the books in the series were out before starting the first one. Writing, then releasing two, three, or more books at once may seem intimidating. Releasing them one at a time may result in more sales after the last one comes out.

Please check out these helpful resources:

https://www.thebalance.com/writing-fiction-in-third-person-1277122

http://www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com/2015/05/character-101-building-complex-interesting-memorable-characters/

http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/tips-on-world-building-for-writers-how-to-make-your-imaginary-world-real

I invite you to visit my website which has all my books and their links  www.cskjar.com 

                           

My blog is found at www.cskjar.com/blog

I’m on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cskjar/

I’m on Twitter at @cskjar

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you, Carol, for this well-crafted guest blog to assist writers who desire to author a series of books.

My friend and fellow author, C.S. Kjar, (pronounced "care") lives with her long-time first husband in their empty nest in Boise. She spent her life doing many different things. She’s been a stay-at-home mom, a teacher, a secretary, a statistician, a literacy tutor, a newsletter editor, a timber sale accountant, an archeological technician, and best and longest of all, a technical writer/editor.  

After retiring, Carol focused on writing fiction. Her novels are sweet and wholesome, suspenseful with a touch of romance. She has also written children's, middle age books, and one non-fiction book about quilting. When not writing or traveling with her husband, she loves to quilt, sew, read, draw, paint, and read to her grandsons.

For those of you so inclined, pick up your pen or sit down at your computer, and write on. Get that book series published!

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram 

For those of you who read Book One of The Sabblonti Series and either emailed, texted, wrote a snail mail letter or called inquiring as to whether or not Sarita Sabblonti was making the biggest mistake of her life by getting engaged to drifter Wyn Moreland, well now's your chance to finally find out! Also, just how flush is that Sabblonti outfit when it's all said and done?  Inquiring readers want to know!

It's with great joy that I announce the release of A Stormy Year, Book Two of The Sabblonti Series, which has been fifteen months in the making.  I'm reminded of a quote from Allen Saunders, "Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans."  I guess I could add a few more words to the end of the previous sentence, "or writing a novel."

The cast of characters has blossomed considerably following the publication of Jantzi's Jokers, Book One of this western series.  And that's not the only thing in full bloom in the high desert mountain region ~~ several romances, some old and some new, have developed into a lovely bouquet despite repeated intrusion from the Black Raven.

The hottest country western singers, The Tall Blues, rodeo announcer Cord Calhoun, and rodeo clown Caper Sadler along with Slim Shade's rodeo stock help to make the 75th Annual Ignee County Rodeo & Roundup the best ever!

It was a double blessing to participate in this literary endeavor with Idaho Award Winning photographer, Sharon Breshears, along with premier illustrator, Cathie Richardson. 

Here's the scoop to dial up your copy today which is available online in either print or digital format: 

Print Version: https://www.amazon.com/Stormy-Year-Book-Two-Sabblonti/dp/0989713334/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1489082767&sr=8-2&keywords=books+by+sheila+eismann

Digital Version: https://www.amazon.com/Stormy-Year-Sabblonti-Book-ebook/dp/B06XGLRN8B/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489082767&sr=8-1&keywords=books+by+sheila+eismann

I'll leave you with a quote from a young woman who plowed right through this book,"I felt like I was watching a mini-series as the characters rode across the western landscape."

If you would like a personal autographed copy, please visit my Etsy shop.  I chose to sign this book in rich purple ink to match the stellar color!

Happy Reading & Ride On!

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Writing Techniques ~~ Balance

Balance can be associated with gymnastics, scales, scorecards, life, health, walking, wheel alignments, your bank statement, and many other things. How can you implement it in your writing?  Why is it important?

Step 1: Balance helps to establish a sense of progression.

Select a scene toward the beginning of your manuscript and another one either in the middle or near the end.  What has happened to the characters in the interim?  An example would be one in which the opening chapter features a castle in a state of disrepair since your fantasy aristocracy has fallen upon hard times.  In Chapter 12, francium has been discovered by the Cofferer in the northwest quadrant of the bailey.

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=what%20is%20francium


Eurkea overnight, the cast is dressed to the nines, royal dainties are served non-stop, and the mules have been replaced with million dollar thoroughbreds. Using this basic narrative, what is the net effect of the progression?  Is it positive or negative?  What writing techniques have you used to achieve this outcome?

In one of my prior blog posts, I touched on the flow of writing.  Some aspects mentioned therein could be joined with balance.  Here is the link:
http://sheilassagaciousstirrings.blogspot.com/2016/05/writing-techniques-flow.html

Step 2: Progression achieved through balance reinforces theme.

If you’ve predetermined that your particular project is theme based, balance will be of utmost importance to you.  Careful construction will prevent overuse of your theme or such scant use the reader is unable to discern it in the first place.  For instance, if your basic theme is forgiveness, there are a plethora of ways to weave this into your writing to achieve an even distribution of it.  Does your project include a theme?

Step 3:  Dodge the ditches.

Have you ever ditched something?  In Step 1, we touched on the characters, but what about the plot?  If your story stays balanced, this will help prevent it from getting off in the barrow pit which may cause a reader to ditch it as well. Let’s say you have a scene where an employee is about to be terminated by a well known corporation whose headquarters are on the top floor of a swank high rise commercial building. 

If you devote four pages to explain every step of the soon to be ex-employee leaving his apartment, getting into his car, driving to the meeting, attempting to parallel park on the street; one line where the boss tells him he's fired, and five subsequent pages describing his exit from the building, it could be that some of your enthusiasts will quit turning the pages. They'll be looking for File 13 or headed to the closest thrift shop to add to their annual non-cash charitable contributions.

Step 4:  Pick and practice your act.

A gymnast needs a balance beam to practice his skill.  During the summer months of my brother’s collegiate gymnastics career, he fashioned a set of still rings between two tall cottonwood trees in our yard.  Use what is readily available to you.  Most writers have other books or movies in their homes or apartments.  Select one of your favorites from there or your local library. Repetitive reading or watching can assist you with being able to spot where your fellow author or the filmmaker completed his balancing act.  How would you rate his act along with your own?

Step 5:  The Greek Team.

After you’ve done the best you can with your manuscript, dial up your alpha and omega team.  Instruct your alpha or beta readers to make notations concerning balance as they work their way through the pages.  Your omega team member, i.e., your editor, will definitely appreciate your balancing efforts.  The ones who will benefit the most are your readers because you will have put your work in a steady position or framework so that it does not fall.

As we continue to practice our craft, we can achieve spectacular results. Speaking of spectacular, check out this stellar image relating to balance which is located in our great state.

                                                       

South of Buhl in the Salmon Falls Creek Canyon stands the famous Balanced Rock. Over 48 feet tall and 40 tons, the wind-carved rock balances precariously on a pedestal only 3 feet by 17 inches. Nearby Balanced Rock Park is an excellent spot for a picnic. https://visitidaho.org/things-to-do/natural-attractions/balanced-rock-balanced-rock-park/

Fellow authors would benefit from reading your comments regarding how you have managed to apply balance in your writing.  Thank you for your participation.  The rising tide benefits all ships!

Watch for my next blog post regarding additional writing techniques.

In the interim, stay balanced, and write well!

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Writing Techniques - Creativity

                                     







It's hard to imagine from looking at the above picture that it's the first step to a poem, movie or television script, novel, novella, short story, song, memoir, personal essay or speech.

Creative writing is defined as "any writing that goes outside the bounds of normal professional, journalistic, academic, or technical forms of literature, typically identified as an emphasis on narrative, character development, and the use of literary tropes or with various traditions of poetry and poetics." [https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=definition+of+creative+writing]

Before we proceed further, we should probably address the whole "left brain - right brain" issue as well. 

"People who identify as left-brain thinkers might feel that they have strong math and logic skills. Those who profess to be right-brain thinkers, on the other hand, feel that their talents are more on the creative side of things.  Given the popularity of the idea of 'right brained' and 'left brained' thinkers, it might surprise you to learn that this idea is just one of many myths about the brain."  [Chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=what%20side%20of%20the%20brain%20is%20the%20creative%20side]

"The left side of the brain is responsible for controlling the right side of the body.  It also performs tasks that have to do with logic, such as in science and mathematics.  On the other hand, the right hemisphere coordinates the left side of the body, and performs tasks that have to do with creativity and the arts." [http://psychology.about.com/od/cognitivepsychology/a/left-brain-right-brain.htm]

The last time I checked the initials Dr. were not in front of my name, and M.D. did not follow my last name.  Those would apply to the first born of The Tribe of Wood.  However, in checking my family trees on both sides, I made the wonderful discovery of branches containing authors and poets.

I marvel that our Creator has given us the gift of creating written works for the enjoyment of mankind.  Creativity is the gold of the writer's life. Just as the price of pure gold has fluctuated over the decades, there can be times in our writing journeys when we may feel that we have penned something far more valuable than at other times.  We may be surprised to learn later that what we deemed of little value was of great assistance or enjoyment to a reader in a far away land. 

What are some ideas that you have implemented when you find your creativity waning or wanting to take a vacation? Don't get me wrong as I am in favor of vacations ~~ just not of the permanent variety!  

Here are some helpful hints I have used to get my creative juices flowing when necessary:

• I look through my container of handy dandy quotes, pictures, poetry, etc. that I continually collect.
• Read short passages from a completely different genre.
• Take a stroll up and down the aisles of our local book store(s) to drink in the titles, cover designs, and so forth.
• Dial up a brainstorming session with a trusted fellow author who won't just tell me what I want to hear, but who will offer constructive criticism and boatloads of encouragement.
• Give the passage a rest for a short while. When I return to it, I imagine that I am a total stranger reading the description or portion of writing as opposed to being the one authoring it.
• Watch an old movie without offensive language or scenes.

I am presently penning Book Two of The Sabblonti Series which is the fictional saga of several cattle barons and their spreads located in the high desert mountain regions.  Macey Meadows, a nurse at the rural hospital, needed a description, so here's what I imagined she would look like:

"Dr. Shaw was struck with Macey’s milky white teeth showcased inside her lovely pomegranate tinted lips, her olive complexion, high cheekbones, and intense emerald green eyes.  He glanced down at her left hand which revealed no jewelry.  Then again, some nurses do not wear their wedding rings while on shift.  Oh, could he possibly start to get his hopes up once again only to be dashed?  Hope deferred makes the heart sick."

What happens to the country veterinarian and the lovely nurse?  Stay tuned to find out!

My encouragement for your writing journey is to continue writing.  Do what works for you and share your ideas with fellow authors.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, it's encouraging to know that some of the "left brain folks" enjoy reading the creations of the "right brain folks" or however that actually works.

Happy Reading, spend some of that "creative gold" on others, and Write On!

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram 

Writing Techniques - Flow

There are times when aspects of the writing journey can be likened to the great outdoors which contains a myriad of living organisms.  My husband and I were hiking in the state of Colorado a few years back when we came upon the beautiful waterfall featured in the photo above.  I can remember standing very still for a period of time just listening to it and wondering where it ultimately flowed.  The sound of the crashing water echoed down the canyon for miles.  Suddenly, a chilly wind ushered in raindrops.  Our pace quickened as we worked our way down the mountain trail.  We were able to get inside our vehicle and roll up the windows just before the torrential downpour arrived.  Whew, saved by the hiking shoes on that one!

A manuscript, short story, poem or literary work can be analogous to a living organism in that it seems to have a mind of its own.  The flow of words from our spirit onto the keyboard or paper can be as gentle as a stream or as strong as the water flowing from the featured waterfall.  This corresponds to the rising and falling action within the piece.

During his retirement years, my father spent a lot of time in the high desert mountain regions.  He was intrigued by the intricate dams built by the beavers.  In some cases, these produced jams in the flows of rivers and streams, much to the dismay of farmers and ranchers.  Suffice it to say, it probably takes a lot more work to clear those obstacles than it does for those appearing in our manuscript.

It has been my experience that if I try to force or rush the words, they quickly become quite bellicose.  It’s as if they can speak directly to me and let me have a piece of their mind.  “I don’t want to go there today.”  “Why are you trying to make me do something I don’t want to do?”  “You are putting the cart before the horse on this one.” 

Let’s take a quick gander at the meaning of the word flow which is the action or fact of moving along in a steady, continuous stream.  That corresponds beautifully to what our literary goal should be which is to keep those words moving right along until the project is completed. 

If you are experiencing a “log jam” of sorts, talk to that literary piece and figure out where the blockages are located.  You might need to sleep on it overnight, but surely by the next morning the answer will have arrived.

I am enjoying penning fiction far more than I thought I would.  Once the characters are created, it seems as though they take on lives of their own.  One of my tasks is to follow them and find out where they are going.  Occasionally, we need to have a face to face meeting to decide whether or not their arcs are changing from flat, negative, or positive.  In addition, some of them might need to attend an AAM ~~ Attitude Adjustment Meeting.

After Jantzi’s Jokers, Book One of The Sabblonti Series, was published, I started to receive emails and written letters from readers expressing their concerns over the choices the main characters would make in Book Two.  One of the challenges in authoring fiction is keeping our readers happy, but I fully realize this is not entirely possible as some of them may not approve of the choices the characters have made or where the flow of words has taken them.  Welcome to Literary Land!

As a word of encouragement to writers on their writing journeys, if your flow isn’t flowing, have a heart to heart talk with it!

I would love to receive input from you as to methods you have implemented to keep your writing moving continuously.

Best wishes on your writing journeys and Write On!

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram      

Writing Journeys - Flow

There are times when aspects of the writing journey can be likened to the great outdoors which contains a myriad of living organisms.  My husband and I were hiking in the state of Colorado a few years back when we came upon the beautiful waterfall featured in the photo above.  I can remember standing very still for a period of time just listening to it and wondering where it ultimately flowed.  The sound of the crashing water echoed down the canyon for miles.  Suddenly, a chilly wind ushered in raindrops.  Our pace quickened as we worked our way down the mountain trail.  We were able to get inside our vehicle and roll up the windows just before the torrential downpour arrived.  Whew, saved by the hiking shoes on that one!

A manuscript, short story, poem or literary work can be analogous to a living organism in that it seems to have a mind of its own.  The flow of words from our spirit onto the keyboard or paper can be as gentle as a stream or as strong as the water flowing from the featured waterfall.  This corresponds to the rising and falling action within the piece.

During his retirement years, my father spent a lot of time in the high desert mountain regions.  He was intrigued by the intricate dams built by the beavers.  In some cases, these produced jams in the flows of rivers and streams, much to the dismay of farmers and ranchers.  Suffice it to say, it probably takes a lot more work to clear those obstacles than it does for those appearing in our manuscript.

It has been my experience that if I try to force or rush the words, they quickly become quite bellicose.  It’s as if they can speak directly to me and let me have a piece of their mind.  “I don’t want to go there today.”  “Why are you trying to make me do something I don’t want to do?”  “You are putting the cart before the horse on this one.” 

Let’s take a quick gander at the meaning of the word flow which is the action or fact of moving along in a steady, continuous stream.  That corresponds beautifully to what our literary goal should be which is to keep those words moving right along until the project is completed. 

 

If you are experiencing a “log jam” of sorts, talk to that literary piece and figure out where the blockages are located.  You might need to sleep on it overnight, but surely by the next morning the answer will have arrived.

I am enjoying penning fiction far more than I thought I would.  Once the characters are created, it seems as though they take on lives of their own.  One of my tasks is to follow them and find out where they are going.  Occasionally, we need to have a face to face meeting to decide whether or not their arcs are changing from flat, negative, or positive.  In addition, some of them might need to attend an AAM ~~ Attitude Adjustment Meeting.

After Jantzi’s Jokers, Book One of The Sabblonti Series, was published, I started to receive emails and written letters from readers expressing their concerns over the choices the main characters would make in Book Two.  One of the challenges in authoring fiction is keeping our readers happy, but I fully realize this is not entirely possible as some of them may not approve of the choices the characters have made or where the flow of words has taken them.  Welcome to Literary Land!

As a word of encouragement to writers on their writing journeys, if your flow isn’t flowing, have a heart to heart talk with it!

I would love to receive input from you as to methods you have implemented to keep your writing moving continuously.

Best wishes on your writing journeys and Write On!

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram      

Writing Journeys ~~ "Enhancing Creativity"

It's hard to imagine from looking at the above picture that it's the first step to a poem, movie or television script, novel, novella, short story, song, memoir, personal essay or speech.

Creative writing is defined as "any writing that goes outside the bounds of normal professional, journalistic, academic, or technical forms of literature, typically identified as an emphasis on narrative, character development, and the use of literary tropes or with various traditions of poetry and poetics." [https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=definition+of+creative+writing]

Before we proceed further, we should probably address the whole "left brain - right brain" issue as well. 

"People who identify as left-brain thinkers might feel that they have strong math and logic skills. Those who profess to be right-brain thinkers, on the other hand, feel that their talents are more on the creative side of things.  Given the popularity of the idea of 'right brained' and 'left brained' thinkers, it might surprise you to learn that this idea is just one of many myths about the brain."  [Chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=what%20side%20of%20the%20brain%20is%20the%20creative%20side]

"The left side of the brain is responsible for controlling the right side of the body.  It also performs tasks that have to do with logic, such as in science and mathematics.  On the other hand, the right hemisphere coordinates the left side of the body, and performs tasks that have to do with creativity and the arts." [http://psychology.about.com/od/cognitivepsychology/a/left-brain-right-brain.htm]

The last time I checked the initials Dr. were not in front of my name, and M.D. did not follow my last name.  Those would apply to the first born of The Tribe of Wood.  However, in checking my family trees on both sides, I made the wonderful discovery of branches containing authors and poets.

I marvel that our Creator has given us the gift of creating written works for the enjoyment of mankind.  Creativity is the gold of the writer's life. Just as the price of pure gold has fluctuated over the decades, there can be times in our writing journeys when we may feel that we have penned something far more valuable than at other times.  We may be surprised to learn later that what we deemed of little value was of great assistance or enjoyment to a reader in a far away land. 

What are some ideas that you have implemented when you find your creativity waning or wanting to take a vacation? Don't get me wrong as I am in favor of vacations ~~ just not of the permanent variety!  

Here are some helpful hints I have used to get my creative juices flowing when necessary:

• I look through my container of handy dandy quotes, pictures, poetry, etc. that I continually collect.
• Read short passages from a completely different genre.
• Take a stroll up and down the aisles of our local book store(s) to drink in the titles, cover designs, and so forth.
• Dial up a brainstorming session with a trusted fellow author who won't just tell me what I want to hear, but who will offer constructive criticism and boatloads of encouragement.
• Give the passage a rest for a short while. When I return to it, I imagine that I am a total stranger reading the description or portion of writing as opposed to being the one authoring it.
• Watch an old movie without offensive language or scenes.

I am presently penning Book Two of The Sabblonti Series which is the fictional saga of several cattle barons and their spreads located in the high desert mountain regions.  Macey Meadows, a nurse at the rural hospital, needed a description, so here's what I imagined she would look like:

"Dr. Shaw was struck with Macey’s milky white teeth showcased inside her lovely pomegranate tinted lips, her olive complexion, high cheekbones, and intense emerald green eyes.  He glanced down at her left hand which revealed no jewelry.  Then again, some nurses do not wear their wedding rings while on shift.  Oh, could he possibly start to get his hopes up once again only to be dashed?  Hope deferred makes the heart sick."

What happens to the country veterinarian and the lovely nurse?  Stay tuned to find out!

My encouragement for your writing journey is to continue writing.  Do what works for you and share your ideas with fellow authors.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, it's encouraging to know that some of the "left brain folks" enjoy reading the creations of the "right brain folks" or however that actually works.

Happy Reading, spend some of that "creative gold" on others, and Write On!

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram