One of the dilemmas I face when writing Crystal Cove novels is what is going to be the next book in the series.
This should not be a problem. I have a pretty good idea of how the overall series is going to progress. I have an over-arching plot line that I follow. In the Crystal Cove series, that plot line is Sally finally discovering who is responsible for her husband’s death. And I have a general idea of what sequence of stories I want to tell to reach the over-arching plot line.
But each story that I write takes on a life of its own. The way in which individual characters interact with each other is quite organic, and not entirely under my control! After all, I can’t force a character to be or do something that is inconsistent with their general nature. While my stories are fiction, I want them to be believable.
In the current book that I am writing, The Ghost in the Library, I had planned on one possible final scene that would set the stage for the next book in the series, but as I near the final scenes of this current work, I am not sure the sequel book I had planned is any longer consistent with where I want to take the series. So, in effect, I am at the end of writing the first draft, but I till have 1,000 words left that are up in the air.
My method of coming up with story ideas and plot outlines is to focus on a few key characteristics. I focus on a good “criminal” or a suitable foil for Sally O’Brian. Then I focus on a good scenario. I am somewhat limited in potential scenarios since my stories take place in a small, California coastal town, and I don’t what the series to become another Cabot Cove, a crime-filled sweet little town. Then I try to come up with a title that will allow me to remain focused on the story throughout the writing process.
Since I have done this brainstorming process when I first start a series, I can easily correct any potential problems with determining the next book in the series…even if the characters in my current story force me to go in a different direction than I planned.
After all, I’m the writer, and ultimately, I’m in control of the story!