Writing a book is a journey, one that is often fraught with its own set of challenges, from conceptualising the initial idea to seeing it through to the final draft. However, when that book is successful and resonates with readers, the task of writing a sequel can feel even more daunting. I’ve recently found myself in this exact situation as I attempt to write a follow-up to my book, The Next Stage. The process has illuminated a host of unique difficulties that I hadn’t fully anticipated, from maintaining continuity and satisfying reader expectations to capturing the original’s essence while offering something new. In this blog, I’ll explore these challenges and the delicate balance required to do justice to the world and characters that my readers have come to love.
Capturing the Essence of the Original
One of the first challenges I’ve encountered is the difficulty of matching the tone and atmosphere of The Next Stage. The original book had a distinct feeling, a vibe that connected with readers, and there’s an inherent pressure to replicate that magic in the sequel. This isn’t just about sticking to the same genre or reusing familiar settings but rather about preserving the intangible qualities that made the first book special.
There’s a fine line between staying true to the original and simply rehashing old ideas. The sequel must feel like a continuation rather than a repetition. However, striking this balance is easier said than done. As a writer, I’ve found myself questioning whether each new idea genuinely serves the story or if it’s merely an attempt to recreate what worked before. The challenge is to craft something that feels fresh yet familiar, ensuring that the sequel doesn’t lose the spark that ignited the first book’s success.
The Pressure of Expectations
When The Next Stage was released, it was a standalone story with its own arc and conclusion. Readers invested in the characters, the plot, and the world I had created. Now, with a sequel in the works, there’s an added layer of pressure to meet or exceed those expectations. Readers have certain hopes for where the story should go next, and navigating these waters can be tricky. Do I take the characters down the path that I envisioned, even if it diverges from what readers might expect? Or do I try to anticipate and fulfil the desires of my audience?
This dilemma is compounded by the fact that reader expectations are often varied and sometimes contradictory. What satisfies one group might disappoint another. As a writer, it’s important to remain true to the story I want to tell, but it’s impossible to ignore the voices of those who loved the original. The weight of these expectations can be stifling, making it difficult to move forward with confidence.
Finding the Right Idea
Another significant challenge in writing a sequel is finding a story idea that feels both compelling and necessary. Not every book needs a sequel, and sometimes, the story is best left as it is. With The Next Stage, I’ve wrestled with whether there’s a strong enough premise to justify a follow-up. Is there more to explore in this world? Do the characters have unfinished business, or would a sequel feel forced and unnecessary?
Writing a sequel for the sake of writing one can be a trap. If the story doesn’t naturally lend itself to continuation, the result can feel contrived, disappointing both the author and the readers. This is why it’s crucial to take the time to develop a concept that feels like a natural extension of the first book rather than a mere attempt to capitalise on its success. In the end, the story has to stand on its own, offering something new and valuable to the readers.
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Sequelitis
Many sequels fall into the trap of trying to outdo the original in terms of scale or complexity. There’s a temptation to make everything bigger—more characters, more plot twists, more drama. However, this approach can backfire if it overwhelms the core story or dilutes what made the original book special. The challenge is to expand the story in meaningful ways, adding depth and breadth without losing focus.
In writing the sequel to The Next Stage, I’ve had to be mindful of not going too far in any one direction. It’s about enriching the story rather than inflating it. This means being judicious about new plotlines, characters, and settings, ensuring that they contribute to the overall narrative rather than distracting from it. It’s a delicate balancing act, one that requires careful consideration and a willingness to cut ideas that don’t serve the story, no matter how exciting they might seem in isolation.
When a Series Naturally Expands: The Creatures Series
While some stories like The Next Stage pose challenges when it comes to finding the right follow-up, others lend themselves more naturally to sequels. My Creatures series is a prime example of this. The universe and characters within this series are rich with potential, offering numerous avenues for expansion. From the start, the world of Creatures was designed with a broader scope in mind, full of untapped mysteries, diverse creatures, and character arcs that could evolve over multiple books.
In the Creatures series, the possibilities within the universe practically beg for further exploration. The expansive world-building creates a fertile ground for new stories, and the characters’ journeys often feel like they’re just beginning rather than concluding. This kind of series allows for more creative freedom when crafting sequels, as there’s always another corner of the universe to explore or a secondary character whose story deserves to be told.
This doesn’t mean that writing sequels for Creatures is without its challenges, but the inherent potential in the series makes the process more organic. The universe itself supports continued storytelling, which can ease some of the pressure of crafting a sequel. In contrast to The Next Stage, the story wasn’t necessarily self-contained, and there is scope for expansion on the world; the characters themselves and the events in the first book make it more challenging to continue the story. Creatures, however, provides a broader canvas on which to paint new adventures, making sequels feel like a natural progression rather than a forced extension.
Balancing Multiple Projects
One of the realities of working on a sequel is that it often doesn’t happen in isolation. Like many writers, I’m juggling multiple projects at once, each demanding its own share of time and creative energy. The sequel to The Next Stage is something I’m passionate about, but it’s not a project I want to rush. Quality takes time, and I’m committed to ensuring that the sequel lives up to the original in every way. This means allowing the story to develop at its own pace rather than forcing it to meet an arbitrary deadline.
Working on other projects simultaneously can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it provides a necessary break, allowing me to return to the sequel with fresh eyes and renewed focus. On the other, it requires careful time management and a disciplined approach to ensure that progress continues on all fronts. However, I believe that this balance is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the sequel. It’s about giving the story the time it needs to unfold naturally rather than rushing it to completion.
Staying True to the Series
Finally, one of the most significant challenges is staying true to the essence of the series as a whole. With each new book, there’s a risk of drifting away from the original vision, particularly as the world and characters evolve. It’s important to maintain a consistent tone, theme, and style, even as the story progresses. This doesn’t mean that the sequel should be a carbon copy of the original, but rather that it should feel like a natural continuation.
In my journey to write a sequel to The Next Stage, I’ve had to constantly remind myself of what drew me to the story in the first place. What are the core themes? What are the emotional undercurrents that drive the narrative? Keeping these elements in mind helps to ensure that the sequel remains true to the spirit of the original while still allowing for growth and change.
Final Thoughts
Writing a sequel is undoubtedly challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The process has forced me to dig deeper into my characters and the world they inhabit and to ask questions I hadn’t considered before. While the pressure to live up to the original can be intense, it’s also a testament to the impact that The Next Stage has had on readers.
In the end, the goal is to create a sequel that stands on its own merits while still honouring the legacy of the original. It’s a journey filled with uncertainties and challenges, but one that ultimately pushes me to become a better writer. As I continue to work on the follow-up to The Next Stage, alongside other projects, I’m reminded that the very difficulties I face are what make the endeavour worthwhile.
Gareth Ellis - Author 