From concept to character and beyond -- tips on writing a children's book series

1. 7 Series Secrets:
FROM CONCEPT TO CHARACTER
AND BEYOND...
Bruce Hale
www.BruceHaleWritingTips.com
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2. Chuck Norris Facts
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3. Series credentials
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4. Series credentials
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5. Series credentials
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6. PRIZE DRAWING!
Your card
or
Name + email
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7. Why write a series?
•Hone your craft
•Hook readers
•Earn a steadier ‘paycheck’
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8. Why do series work?
• Familiarity
breeds success
• Training wheel
books
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9. How do series start?
• PLANNED
• UNPLANNED
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10. What type of series
should I write?
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11. Repeating
concept/setting
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12. Repeating
character/situation
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13. Story arc
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14. 1. Sequels be damned
(It’s all about the first book)
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15. How do you make
the first book GREAT?
• Take your time
• Go deep — ask hard questions
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16. Zombieville, USA
Brainstorming
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17. The Lightning Thief
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18. 2. From character
comes caring
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19. 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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20. A series hero...
• Must be active
• Must be sympathetic — not ‘nice’
• Must be flawed
• Must be memorable
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21. 4 series heroes...
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22. 3. Craft a concept
that gets “ooohs”
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23. How to create an
ooh-worthy idea?
• Plumb your passions
• Ask “what if?”
• Combine two unlike things
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24. 4. Strike a balance
between
fresh and
familiar
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25. 5. Craft your query
carefully
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26. How to query?
• Be professional
• Be concise
• Be thoughtful
• Be flexible
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27. 6. Every jewel needs
the perfect setting
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28. 7. Don’t leave us
hanging
(Do leave us wanting more)
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29. PRIZE DRAWING!
And the
winner is...
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30. 7 Series Secrets:
FROM CONCEPT TO CHARACTER
AND BEYOND...
Bruce Hale
www.BruceHaleWritingTips.com
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