C. R. Myers recognizes the place of the serial novel in modern literature.
“Serial fiction is not “cut up novels,” and episodes are not chapters. Also, different types of serial fiction require different criteria. I try to cover all of this in this book so that even the experienced writer might find something new and of value.”
Myers provides a clear-cut plan for writing addictive serial fiction, which will build you a loyal fan base and keep your readers coming back for more. Learn her secret for taking “a good idea” and developing it into a blueprint for a workable serial novel, ready to publish, in less than 24 hours.
Bonus Material: Internet Marketing. Several hundred working links to tweet and post information about your book. Don't miss out on this great tool.
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
How to Write Serial Fiction goes through clearly and succinctly everything you need to publish your serial fiction on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other outlets. There is a wealth of information in this book and I wish it had been around when I first self-published my book series. There are a number of intricate steps to serial writing, and C. R. Myers takes you through everything you need to know to help your first serial be a resounding success. —Michael Ward Self-published author with 50 titles on Amazon and Barnes and Noble Amazon’s Michael Ward Page http:// www.amazon.com/-/ e/ B007A550QM
How to Write Serial Fiction…is awesome. I really like it because the instructions are clear and concise. The only thing I’d change is the title. I’d call it, The Dummies Guide to Writing Serial Fiction. —Catherine Sellers http:// www.catherinesellers.com
Writing serial fiction is not as easy as it sounds. It’s not just writing a book and breaking it up by chapters. From hooking the reader with each episode , story arc , and consistent characterization to keeping the reader coming back for more, this is the resource I wish I’d had when I started writing serial fiction. —Jean Lauzier http:// www.jeanlauzier.com
This is such great information. You get a step-by-step guideline on how to write a serial novel. Cat makes it look easy, and maybe if I had had the information in this book when I was writing The Cabin it would have made it easier. Thanks for all your work.
C R Myers writes mystery/suspense. romantic suspense, and noir. Ms Myers works full-time as a free-lance journalist and novelist. *** I enjoy writing in several different genres including SF, YA, and children's books. Of course, mystery is my mainstay, but whatever the genre, I include many unexpected twists and turns.
I started writing in Elementary school, and had my first publication in the fifth grade. From then on, I was a writer. *** A native Texan, she received her MA from the University of Texas at Tyler. As a teacher and professional speaker, she designed and implemented her own creative writing course as well as writing college sketches. Today,
She has been published and/or accepted for publication by Country Magazine, Fate Magazine, Country Extra Magazine, Cappers Magazine, Hobby Farms Home Magazine, Tombigbee Country Magazine, Good Old Days Magazine, Small Farmer’s Journal, Hardluck Stories, the Baptist Standard, While You Wait Magazine, Shopper’s News, and Snap News Magazine. She has had numerous articles and stories published by the Bullard Banner as well as articles for The Next Chapter, a newsletter for members of East Texas Writers Guild.
Her novels include:
The Black Ice Conspiracy Shadows of Illusion Red Red Rose The Coming Darkness Lady’s Game Queen’s Pawn Blonde Logic
* **Serial fiction is its own form**: episodes are not simply “chapters cut out of a novel” but must stand alone while connecting to a bigger arc. * **Speed is central**: the method is designed to help a writer take an idea and have it ready for release within a single day. * **Cliffhangers are essential**: each installment must end with a hook that compels the reader to continue. * **Consistency builds audience trust**: regular posting is more important than polish.
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### Key Techniques
* **Episode Design**
* Write self-contained “drama bites” of 2,000–10,000 words. * Each should resolve a local conflict while introducing a new unresolved thread. * **Idea to Serial Blueprint**
* Begin with a simple story idea. * Break it down into a series outline with a core question (season arc). * Identify at least 5–10 installments before starting. * **Drafting Quickly**
* Focus on character actions and escalating tension. * Avoid over-editing; keep language simple and forward-moving. * **Publication in Under 24 Hours**
* Use ready-made formatting templates to produce an e-book file. * Publish on major platforms (Amazon KDP, Smashwords, Draft2Digital). * **Reader Engagement**
* Encourage feedback at the end of each installment. * Build anticipation by announcing when the next part will appear.
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### Examples from the Book
* A romance serial: each episode covers one step in the relationship (meeting, first date, first conflict) while ending on an unresolved emotional hook. * A thriller serial: each episode presents a new danger or clue resolved by the end, but closes with a fresh cliffhanger (ambush, betrayal, unanswered question). * A fantasy serial: episodes explore different parts of the world; each adds a discovery while the long arc (e.g., a looming war) continues to build.
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### Tone and Writing Style
* **Direct, motivational, and instructional.** * Written like a guidebook with clear steps and checklists. * The tone is urgent and practical, reflecting the promise of rapid turnaround (“be ready to publish in less than 24 hours”).
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### Author Qualifications
* **C. R. Myers** is a novelist and writing instructor with experience publishing serials online and in print. * She holds an MA from the University of Texas at Tyler and has created her own creative writing curriculum. * Her background as both an author and teacher informs the book’s emphasis on **speed, structure, and practical steps** for working writers.
Was able understand better want series are. Very helpful. Easy to read and understandable. Has a lot of information on the topic. Excellent written. Great book.