#ScribesAndMakers Mar 2 #TTMD
@NaraMoore
Happy Birthday Fellow Piscean!
I'm interested in your experience serializing a novel, as I'm planning to begin this daunting journey this year. What do you like/not like about releasing work this way? Any tips, site, or software recommendations? Anything that surprised you about it?
Thanks!
@crcollins @NaraMoore My site is https://khleedril.org/spark. It does not get much notice. Most comments run along the lines of 'I'll read it when it's finished.'
I like the clean look of this page, though I am not seeing any links to check out how the chapters are set up. I only found the register link. Does one have to register to see anything?
I currently have a static website & was thinking of linking a blog site to a newly created page to avoid cluttering the main site.
#ScribesAndMakers Mar 2 #TTMD
What do you like/not like about releasing work this way? Any tips, sites, or software recommendations? Anything that surprised you about it? 1/2
What I like best.
@crcollins #ScribesAndMakers #TTMD #Serial #Serials 2/2
Tips
Remember, readers, will be reading a bit at a time over months, if not years. Every chapter should include reminders of what just happened. The more subtle the show, the better. Tell is obnoxious used this way. If you later release in novel format, you can go back and edit where this is janky.
Per above: You need to keep your readers interested over a long period of time. They will not forgive you for breaking your initial covenant with them. (See fanservice below.)
Have a clear picture of your characters and/or world. Otherwise, your work will wander all over the place. Remember, you don’t have the luxury of going back and editing it for consistency.
Per above: Once it's out there, it’s out there.
Readers are more forgiving of McGuffins. You need hooks for later and foreshadowing. Chekhov’s gun only applies if the gun is smoking.
The pace is different. There is less room for info-dumping, transitional chapters, etc. On the flip side, there is more tolerance for something that is interesting but may not advance the plot.
Readers like some fanservice, but don’t let it take over. I define fanservice as something your specific audience enjoys, be it sex, food, fights, or heroics. Spread it out, and if you notice that you have delivered on the goodies for a few EPs/chapters, throw something in. If you republish as a novel, you can edit it out if you don’t like it.
Anchor each character with some identifiable traits so readers don’t lose track of them.
There are a bunch of them, more than enough to give you something to think about.
I was wondering what you thought of my tips, disagreed with any, or had some to add.
@crcollins would probably be interested in your take as well.
Thanks to you both. It sounds like you (and maybe most other serial writers?) create the story as you go along. Mine will be somewhat different as the book will be complete but released a chapter per week. I will also be releasing an ebook version of the four time periods covered about midway through each serialization. You make a good point about making sure serial readers won't forget something week to week. I'll be sure to check that each chapter is clear enough.
The number one thing I would tip is that EP/Chapter beginning needs much more connectivity than in a novel. To remind readers of what they have been reading.
@crcollins @NaraMoore You're welcome. And I've done both, writing a new part every week (Epsilon) AND chopping up a completed work into installments (Virga, TimeTravel).
One thing I aim for with chops is to end off on either a teaser for the next part, or outright cliffhanger. To encourage returning next week. Sometimes this has involved edits. (eg. adding "She thought hard before replying." ... TBC! or putting in an explanation for why characters don't do X based on feedback)
@NaraMoore @crcollins Mentioned I'd be back.
-I don't have a clear picture of my worlds (I hate world building), but don't believe I wander. What I do try is to note anything key when I decide it's "become a thing" for consistency.
-I rarely have "interesting" things that aren't relevant later (depending on one's definition). Granted, some hooks never materialize, but I keep notes.
-I never thought about fanservice, but that may count with my story flow.
Everything else I'd go along with.
@NaraMoore @crcollins A couple additional things relating to splitting up an existing work to make it a serial:
-You gain the gift of foreshadowing. Use it. For instance, if you know characters will end up romancing, maybe have a more lingering look when they meet. Or add a villain act that will naturally escalate to a known event. This plays into that idea that reminders are useful over time.
-Try to keep parts roughly the same length, so readers know what to expect with each entry. Good luck!
C. R. Collins 🌳 🐸
Khleedril
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