Sunday, February 20, 2011

Update on Writing a Series


It is hard to believe, but it is almost March. A year ago I signed the contracts for three novels in a series and thought how faraway the release dates were. My then editor encouraged me by saying time will fly. It's that the truth?

Book 1, is in the capable hands of my editor, Ramona Richards. I expect soon I will receive the first round of edits. Several weeks ago she sent me a questionnaire for the book cover. So that is underway, as well as some of the marketing I will need to do.

I am putting the list of influencers together. These are mostly bloggers who have promised if they like the book they will feature it on their blogs. And when I do receive the approved book cover, I will have postcards made through Vista Print to mail and give away. By this time next year we will be getting ready for the release of Before the Scarlet Dawn.

As of February 20, I am 62,000 words into the manuscript for book 2, Beside Two Rivers. I am now at a critical point in the story, and writing has taken on a more intricate turn. When you reach this juncture in your story, it must be writing with as much precision as possible. Notice I did not say perfection. At this point secrets are being revealed, dangers are rearing, and the characters challenged.

One of the challenges of writing a book series where you carry forward the characters, is to be sure that what was in book 1 is accurate in book 2, then in book 3. For example, if one of your characters in book 1 is blind in one eye, be sure he is blind in the same eye in book 2 or 3.

I wish you all the best in your writing endeavors. In the comments, please let the readers of InSpire know how you are doing in your writing journey. What are you working on?

2 comments:

Carrie Fancett Pagels said...

Rita, I am so looking forward to reading your next books! Blessings!

Melissa K Norris said...

Put me down for posting a review. :)
I just entered the ACFW Genesis contest. An editor from Harvest House requested my full manuscript after reading my one-page. Hoping this is my year. God knows for sure..