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.
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.
Reaching
For Everything
Love
means nothing in tennis. Can he prove to her that love means everything in
life?
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.
Series bibles are amazing tools! Congratulations on the Bloo Moose series and good luck with the next books in the series!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Elizabeth! I don't know what I'd do with the series bible!
DeleteCongrats on the series, I'm sure they will be a success and anymore in the future,
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Thanks, Yvonne! Hope so! :P
DeleteGreat tips on writing a series. I am just starting one and will use your tip for a series bible. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGlad this might help, Natalie!!
DeleteThanks again, for hosting today, Diane! Your support means so much to me!
ReplyDeleteYou're most welcome.
DeleteSeries bibles are so essential! Looking forward to checking your new series out. Love the covers!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Ellen! I wouldn't do very well without my bible for sure!
DeleteI really should've been that detailed with my series.
ReplyDeleteIt does make my life easier - but I certainly couldn't see any gaps or mistakes in the Cassa series!
DeleteA 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!
ReplyDeleteIt's not always easy! The bible and map have saved me on multiple occasions! :)
DeleteWonderful 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.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Mason! Your support is always appreciated!!!
DeleteAh 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.
ReplyDeleteI can see that! There's always so much to keep track of when creating a story!
DeleteCongratulations, Jemi.
ReplyDeleteDoing 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.
Thanks so much, Robyn! I hope Bloo Moose finds its people!
DeleteCongrats, Jemi! I'd love to see that map of the town :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Lynda - it's really weak but I'll snap a pic one day!
DeleteA lot sure does go into planning a series. Big congratulations to you, Jemi! <3
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Chrys - and the same to you and your new book!!
DeleteCongratulations on your new series, Jemi. It sounds really great.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Beverly! I hope it finds readers who enjoy!
DeleteA series bible sure can help one to remember indeed.
ReplyDeleteIt's really been helpful for me!!
DeleteIt's been an amazing tool for me!! :)
Delete