7 Series Secrets:FROM CONCEPT TO CHARACTER

AND BEYOND...

Bruce Halewww.BruceHaleWritingTips.com

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Chuck Norris Facts

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Series credentials

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Series credentials

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Series credentials

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PRIZE DRAWING!

Your cardor

Name + email

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Why write a series?

•Hone your craft

•Hook readers

•Earn a steadier ‘paycheck’

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Why do series work?

•Familiarity breeds success

•Training wheel books

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How do series start?• PLANNED

• UNPLANNED

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What type of series should I write?

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Repeatingconcept/setting

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Repeating character/situation

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Story arc

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1. Sequels be damned

(It’s all about the first book)

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How do you make the first book GREAT?•Take your time

•Go deep — ask hard questions

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Zombieville, USA

Brainstorming

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The Lightning Thief

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2. From character comes caring

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A series hero...

•Doesn’t resolve all his issues in 1 book

•Has depths to explore

•Is a friend to hang with

•Is driven by strong desires

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A series hero...

•Must be active

•Must be sympathetic — not ‘nice’

•Must be flawed

•Must be memorable

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4 series heroes...

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3. Craft a concept that gets “ooohs”

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How to create anooh-worthy idea?

•Plumb your passions

•Ask “what if?”

•Combine two unlike things

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4. Strike a balance

between fresh andfamiliar

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5. Craft your query carefully

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How to query?

•Be professional

•Be concise

•Be thoughtful

•Be flexible

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6. Every jewel needs the perfect setting

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7. Don’t leave us hanging

(Do leave us wanting more)

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PRIZE DRAWING!

And the winner is...

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FROM CONCEPT TO CHARACTERAND BEYOND...

7 Series Secrets:

Bruce Halewww.BruceHaleWritingTips.com

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