For the last month or so I've been worrying over the completed draft of River Dark, my sequel to my children's historical novel Candle Dark that is set in the Blists Hill mine in the Ironbridge Gorge. Worrying because although I was happy with the first draft I knew the beginning was wrong. I have never written a sequel before, and did not know how I would handle back story. I always avoid back story in my novels, but this was different, I had no choice. But how to do this? I began by introducing a little of what had gone before in the conversation of the two main characters in the first two pages and thought I had done this very skilfully, but this was slowing down the story. I was 'warming up my engines' instead of plunging straight in. I knew I would have to be ruthless, cut out the first two pages and just introduce the exciting hook from the very first word, after all I'm writing for ten year olds, and let the back story take care of itself. I could always include this gradually as I went along. It seems to be working!
44 comments:
Carol Anne, anything you write is going to turn out beautifully!
Sounds like you're doing wonderfully. You know to always start with the hook right away!
Sounds amazing. My husband's favorite movie is How Green was my Valley. So sad but so heartfelt. I'm sure your book is starting out wonderful.
Great idea to move your hook closer to the beginning!
WTG, Carole Anne! I've been thinking about this too, as my mg novel is going to be a series. :)
Carole, this sounds like a good way to start your sequel. Tricky.
Denise
Kittie, I do wish I could find a publisher who will think the same kind thoughts as you do. It would help if I started submitting stuff, but can't do this until all the sequels are completed. :0)
Yes, Christine, had managed to do this with all the original stories and have now overcome my fear of sequels. :0)
Thanks, Eve, unfortunately I want to work on my grown up novels too, but I must be patient and concentrate on the sequels.
Hi Aubrie, particularly with children's books nothing else works - should have remembered that this is how it works in a sequel too.
Yes, it is similar to working on a very big puzzle, Sharon.
It is very tricky, Denise, working on a sequel, very complicated.
Writing for children and writing sequels are both difficult. I'm sure you've done good though.
Thanks, Clarissa, hope you find a great writing partner.
I have always wondered how authors can handle the sequel. But JK Rowlings had no difficulty, so it must work itself out.
I like the picture. Moving the hook closer to the beginning is a good idea.
Yes, Susan, she had lots of practice with her series, hope to become proficient myself in time.
Hope it works, Peaches.
Sounds like you've found the right way to introduce backstory. Jump in with the new story!
Hope it is going to work, Helen. :0)
Always good to have the hook as soon as possible I think - I'm unhappy with my novel opening. Usually, I make a good start but in my heart I know its all wrong.I need to brainstorm it.
Your story sounds interesting.
Yes, Maria, you know instinctively when something is not working. And I am not as interested in a sequel as I am in the original story - must pull myself together!
Sounds amazing. I think you will have no problems!
Thanks so much, CYW, it's a struggle but won't give up.
Hooray for your writing progress!
Congratulations, Carole! We visited Blists Hill again two weeks ago when we were in the UK - I've got a post coming up soon with photos!
Nice to hear your approach to handling your back story, I am not a writer but am always fascinated with writing and its concepts. -- barbara
Thanks, G.E. I need all the encouragement I can get!
Deniz I shall be looking forward to that very much!
Barbara, last time I looked at the beginning of the book I knew I hadn't pared it back sufficiently, hope I have it right this time. I shall be posting the beginning hopefully for a few comments. :0)
Hi Carole,
And the looks of delight on the faces of the ten year old children, will tell you all.
All the best and may you have a lovely and hopefully, drier weekend.
Hugs, Gary x
Hi Gary, the forecast for our region is good, hope it is the same for you. x
Congratulations on your success! I'm your new followers ;-)
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