In some ways writing a standalone novel as opposed to a series is no different as the author should still aim to be as meticulous in their research and storytelling. However, once a series is agreed with our publisher.
Characters ages:
Our characters will grow older especially if a series runs over a number of years. In my Woolworths Girls series, I have just completed a book set in 1953, that is sixteen years since Sarah, Maisie and Freda first met. In that time, they have married, had children, experienced life which can affect the way they look at life. No one stays the same. Keep these details with a file for each character.
Children
Our girls will have families, which affects their working life and can be a problem for the author who must stay focused on their workplace. Women who are childless must seek war work which is an obstacle when I need them to be working in Woolworths or Lyons Teashops. I’m currently writing the twelfth Woolworths book and there have been a fair number of children appear, both adopted and born. As they get older, they are demanding their own storylines!
Bereavement
As characters age we must consider we will lose some of them, especially with stories set in wartime. I confess to not killing off George Caselton as planned in The Woolworths Girls, even though it was in my story outline - I had him break his leg instead. I just couldn’t do it. I’m glad I never bumped him off as his character has been in some very important scenes since then.
The workplace
We cannot rely on research done for our first book holding up throughout a series. Uniforms, shop floors, management structure, staff duties, prices, and stock will change and for each book an author will need to check how the shop, store, factory, or restaurant has changed. Most workplaces are real in sagas and require their own timelines.
Settings
Our settings will change so much during a series that we will have to start from scratch when planning the latest book. War damage as well as the building of new homes and shops must be checked; Woolworths were opening so many stores throughout the 20th century with war not stopping the growth of the company. Sometimes tragedies would be kept quiet making an author’s research harder
Saga authors need to remind themselves that nothing stays the same.
Repetition
Something an author needs to remember is that repetition from earlier books should be avoided at all costs. Yes, we must describe characters (who would probably have changed) and certain settings, but it is up to we authors to rewrite rather than copy and paste
Keep control
The best tip I can give is to keep detailed timelines, character descriptions, and detailed historical events that affect your stories. It doesn’t matter how you store these as long as they are up to date.
Our readers
Most importantly our books must continue to interest our readers, or we will lose them. New characters, fresh plots, and lots of interesting sub plots as well as true facts about the setting will ensure we value our readers, and they stay with us.
Happily married Rose is busy with staffing problems at the teashop, many women having taken on war work. Rose dreams of her husband’s return while trying to keep everyone happy.
Lily has her own worries when the father of her daughter appears back in her life – with no explanation. Katie longs for a family of her own, just as a handsome airman arrives on the scene.
At Sea View Guest House, Flora – wary of a relationship and marriage – is fearful of letting her feelings for John Bentley develop further. Especially as she has her guests to be mindful of . . .
Anya is torn, having given birth to a beautiful baby boy who is the spitting image of his father, who has been taken as a prisoner of war. Presented with a chance to save him, Anya confides in her friends, leaving her son in their care. With the uncertainty of the future, can the Teashop girls overcome their personal battles?
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