structuring a series of books

Whilst book one of Luna's story is in the midst of reader surveys and feedback, I've been taking a break by writing Beatrix Bobbit stories. They're so light and joyous and FUN, and also I've definitely been avoiding the daunting task of outlining the other three books in Luna's series in detail.

But, my days without working on the Protectress series are beginning to feel empty. So, it's time to dive back in and begin outlining...which is so not my thing. If you're a meticulous, avid outliner, PLEASE send tips on how to make this more fun. Do you have a super secret snack or beverage that you keep on hand specifically for the CHORE of outlining? I need it.

Anyway, I didn't really outline book one, and it definitely showed after the first draft. My first draft probably wouldn't have been such a mess if I had outlined in more detail...but you write and you learn! The only outlining I did for Luna's first book, was a short gist of what I envisioned each book in the series dealing with, and where I saw the series and Luna ending up. I was so pleased with myself for doing this TEENSY bit of outlining that I ceased right then and never looked back.

Until now. I'm definitely a do-er at heart, I like to write more than outline the process. But, for Luna's sake (and the series as a whole), it's time to embrace outlining.

So, where to start?

1. Revisit that initial series outline and make any necessary edits and additions to the overall structure and eventual conclusion of Luna's story. The whole series is building to something, and it's important that it feels that way in each individual book. It's also crucial that the ending ties back to the beginning. It's all intertwined!

2. Once this is done, I only intend to outline the next book in the series, one at a time (despite how horrifying the thought of three more outlines is). I have an idea of what book two needs to accomplish for Luna's arc, especially since she's left in a bit of a precarious situation at the end of book one (SORRY for the cliffhanger!). But, for book two to progress the series, it's gonna get a lot darker, and Luna's gonna struggle so much more. This is where I begrudgingly admit that outlining will be helpful. To setup the struggles Luna will face, the conflicts, the other characters' arcs. And, to figure out how book two concludes and still fits within the larger narrative of the series. Oof. I mean, YAY.

3. Book two is also where I want to introduce some other characters' perspectives, not from the current time of the book. I'm still not 100% committed to it yet, but getting this into an outline to see how it enhances the overall story of book two, will hopefully give me an answer.

4. Lastly, since I have a special dislike for outlines, I should probably at least try to work past that dislike. What better way to do that than outlining a favorite series. Then, comparing that outline with my own to look for ways to improve. Ugh.

5. Read this.