Monday, July 13, 2020

What went into planning a trilogy?


Thanks so much for having me on the blog today, Diane!

When the town of Bloo Moose popped into my head several years ago, I knew I wanted to set more than one story in the town.

Planning a series requires more planning than writing a single book. Each book in this series is a standalone. The setting remains Bloo Moose, but every story has a new set of main characters as the focus. This makes it different than a series with one or more main characters throughout the series. Each type of series requires different types of planning.

In the case of standalone books connected in a series, there are probably more characters to remember and track and more hints to include as foreshadowing.

Trying to keep it all straight was a bit daunting and I started making disjointed lists. Thankfully, I found a blog post (can’t remember which blogger!) about writing a series bible and it made a huge difference for me.

I created a spreadsheet with multiple pages: Books (titles, MCs, themes, seasons…), Main Characters (physical attributes, jobs, flaws, aspirations…), Secondary Characters (jobs, mentioned attributes, connections to main characters…), Settings (location, description…).

I also sketched out a map of the town, showing locations and directions. Can’t have Fortini’s restaurant in the north end of town in one book and then in the south for another!

Having the series bible and the map at my side helps enormously in the planning. These tools have also prompted ideas for several more books in the series. Now, to get them written!




Welcome to Bloo Moose, Vermont where love is worth the risk! Small-town contemporary romance with an element of suspense. Each book is a stand-alone.



Reaching For Normal
She’s no damsel in distress. He’s no Prince Charming. But if they don’t team up it won’t be only wolves that’ll be dying.
Amazon.com.    Amazon.ca.    Apple.     Kobo.    Google Play.

Reaching For Risks
One Reno List for the B&B. One Risk List for herself. One sexy retailer who should be the last one she wants.
Amazon.com.    Amazon.ca.    Apple.    Kobo.     Google Play

Reaching For Everything
Love means nothing in tennis. Can he prove to her that love means everything in life?
Amazon.com.    Amazon.ca.     Apple.     Kobo.     Google Play


Jemi Fraser writes both fiction and nonfiction. Her nonfiction work focuses on the ways that dementia has impacted her family. Her fiction work varies from contemporary romance to suspense and flash fiction. Years as a teacher have taught Jemi that life is short and that happy endings are a must.

Jemi lives in Northern Ontario, Canada where snow is always a topic of conversation and the autumn leaves make everything better.

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29 comments:

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Series bibles are amazing tools! Congratulations on the Bloo Moose series and good luck with the next books in the series!

nashvillecats2 said...

Congrats on the series, I'm sure they will be a success and anymore in the future,

Yvonne.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Great tips on writing a series. I am just starting one and will use your tip for a series bible. Thanks.

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks so much, Elizabeth! I don't know what I'd do with the series bible!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks, Yvonne! Hope so! :P

Jemi Fraser said...

Glad this might help, Natalie!!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks again, for hosting today, Diane! Your support means so much to me!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

You're most welcome.

Ellen Jacobson said...

Series bibles are so essential! Looking forward to checking your new series out. Love the covers!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks so much, Ellen! I wouldn't do very well without my bible for sure!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I really should've been that detailed with my series.

Jemi Fraser said...

It does make my life easier - but I certainly couldn't see any gaps or mistakes in the Cassa series!

Lynn J Simpson said...

A series bible. What a great idea. And can definitely see how a map would be required! I've always wondered how authors keep those details straight!

Jemi Fraser said...

It's not always easy! The bible and map have saved me on multiple occasions! :)

Mason Canyon said...

Wonderful tips and I can see where a series bible would be a most important when doing a series - too many things that could get mismatched from book from book. Awesome series, Jemi. Wishing you much success.

Liz A. said...

Ah yes, definitely need a series bible. I need a story bible for every story I write, even if it's not connected to anything else.

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks so much, Mason! Your support is always appreciated!!!

Jemi Fraser said...

I can see that! There's always so much to keep track of when creating a story!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Congratulations, Jemi.
Doing a series, with stand alone books, is a huge challenge. You've clearly risen to the task. Continued success with this Bloo Moose adventures!

Thank you, Diane and Jemi.

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks so much, Robyn! I hope Bloo Moose finds its people!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Congrats, Jemi! I'd love to see that map of the town :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Lynda - it's really weak but I'll snap a pic one day!

Chrys Fey said...

A lot sure does go into planning a series. Big congratulations to you, Jemi! <3

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks so much, Chrys - and the same to you and your new book!!

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Congratulations on your new series, Jemi. It sounds really great.

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks, Beverly! I hope it finds readers who enjoy!

Pat Hatt said...

A series bible sure can help one to remember indeed.

Jemi Fraser said...

It's really been helpful for me!!

Jemi Fraser said...

It's been an amazing tool for me!! :)