Holly
asked
Jennifer A. Nielsen:
Hi Ms. Nielsen, I was wondering about series vs. stand alone books. When writing, do you know from the very beginning whether you want a stand alone or series? How do you personally decide how many books you want in a series? I love your work! Thank you for taking the time to read my question!
Jennifer A. Nielsen
Hil Holly! When I first start a book, I don't always know if it'll be a series or standalone, but if it's going to be a series, that usually becomes clear about midway through the first book. I tend to build rather big worlds and have big story ideas, so they often can't be contained in a single book.
For the decision on how many books to write in a series, that's partially negotiated through the publisher. But early on, I start to get a feel for where the central problem of the story will have to go and how many books it'll take to get there.
That said, if you write and if you are not sure whether your project is a series or a stand alone, just keep going with it. You'll eventually get a feel for where it should end.
For the decision on how many books to write in a series, that's partially negotiated through the publisher. But early on, I start to get a feel for where the central problem of the story will have to go and how many books it'll take to get there.
That said, if you write and if you are not sure whether your project is a series or a stand alone, just keep going with it. You'll eventually get a feel for where it should end.
More Answered Questions

A Goodreads user
asked
Jennifer A. Nielsen:
Hi! I'm in love with the Ascendance Trilogy, and as someone who enjoys writing, I have a question: How did you come up with the names of the areas in their world? (ex: Drylliad and Carthya) For some reason, I struggle with finding names for fantasy settings! Are they inspired from anything or were they created just be imagination?
Jayden
asked
Jennifer A. Nielsen:
Hi. I absolutely LOVE The Acsendance Trilogy.(soon to be series, yay!) It is my all time favorite book series. I just wanted to ask, in the first book, Jaron (Sage) plays a fippler. I was wondering, what other instruments are in this universe? Also, what year in time would these books have taken place in? Basically, if you had to place the first book into an exact year, or a period of years, what would it be? Thanks.
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