The story that you doubted about, shed blood, sweat, and tears over, and dedicated countless hours to is finally in the hands of eager readers. Much to your delight (and relief), they love the story and wonder what happens next! They raise questions about a character’s fate, a relationship, or what the future holds for the plot itself. They’re asking about a sequel to your story. Do you write one? If you decide to, how do you begin? Here are some thoughts and ideas to ponder.
Don’t Pick Up Where You Left Off
If you do, readers may wonder why you didn’t just continue with the first story. It may feel like added chapters. So, let some time pass. Change locations. Change jobs. Change relationships or family dynamics. Let your characters evolve a bit before inserting them into the sequel.
Give the Reader Something New
Adding at least one, new character will give a sequel a bit of freshness and interest. The main character(s) of the original story probably need to remain to give the story continuity and reinforce the fact that it is indeed a sequel to the original story. New characters can allow the story to deal with different stakes and frame it a bit differently. They can also bring about a change in expectations and situational challenges for the original characters and plot.
Let Beloved Characters Go
This may be the hardest part of writing a sequel. No one lives forever, and you (as the writer) will have to decide who goes and who stays. You’ll want to think this one through carefully, because once they’re gone, they’re gone (unless they return in dreams or backstory, etc.). But, for the most part, they’re dead. You have to consider the plot of the story first and foremost; there will always be readers who mourn the passing of a beloved character. That’s part of what makes a story memorable–a death and how you handle it.
Once you’ve decided to write a sequel to your original story, play with expectations for your characters and see where they lead you. Did they hit the mark, or miss? Did he/she make that relationship work or mess it up like the last one? Did a change in attitude lead to a reward of some type? An internal serenity? A brave decision to try something new and life-changing?
As you begin your sequel, think back to what made the first book special and memorable. Capitalize on that, then offer your readers more. They’ll be ready, waiting, and eager to see what you’ve come up with.
Lee Gramling
I agree completely. Don’t forget that not everyone has read that first novel — or may even want to. For me, there’s nothing more frustrating than picking up the second or third book in a series and finding out that in order to follow it you have to know everything that’s gone before. Each work should stand alone.
Anne
Agree! There’s a lot to consider about sequels.