Emily breaks down the process of creating and writing a series into 13 actionable steps:

1. You first need a small idea, which becomes the big series idea, that you come back to repeatedly throughout the series.
2. Then play around with the setting and where you want scenes to take place. This is also the time to think about world-building.
3. Have fun with this stage, play with it. You can tighten things up later on in the process.
4. Decide on the sort of ending you want - to have an ending for this story, or an open one that leads onto the next book?
5. Have a feel for the general length of the series. This isn’t set in stone, but you need some idea so you can start building your character arcs.
6. Now it’s time to start building the basic storyline of the main character, from beginning to end. Then start adding secondary arcs for your side characters. Keep in mind your story idea, so your secondary stories don’t contradict the main storyline.
7. It’s time to start writing! Go - follow your map and your instincts. Don’t worry too much about the details!
8. Sectioning and writing mechanics - follow your map.
9. Look at your exposition!
10. Trim your cast if needed
11. Watch your tone and general escalation
12. Three quarters the way through your series, stop writing and read your story from beginning to end.
13. You’ve now written your entire series - now it’s time to read the series from beginning to end

You can access the slides here: http://clockworktwist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/13-Steps-to-Writing.pptx

If you’re interested in listening to Waking, the first book in Emily’s Clockwork Twist series, you can hear it being read live every Saturday at 5pm PST on Twitch. Here is the link: thetakanome - Twitch.

Connect with Emily:

Clockwork Twist | The official website for the Clockwork Twist novel series.

Email - [email protected]

Clockwork Twist | Facebook

Clockwork Twist (@CWTwist) / Twitter

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