Last week while my Mum and sister were visiting, we indulged ourselves at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra for a scrumptious high tea. It was while I gazed at the variety of mouth-watering treats on each tier of the high tea stand, that I realised each tier was like the multiple layers in a story or series.
The largest layer at the base of the plate is usually savoury. It’s where most of us start our indulgence. So too with a story or series, this is where there must be the largest, savoury idea or theme to our story. In my Adamson Adventures throughout the series the savoury bit is the growth, resilience and co-operation of the three siblings. In Book 3, Fossil Frenzy, it is the desire to save the family farm from drought, which brings in the theme of climate change.
When we reach the second layer, we are beginning to enjoy all the sweet treats. In this scenario, the story becomes a time travelling mystery as the kids are transported back to the time when dinosaurs roamed Australia. We are entranced with the animals they encounter, the fast thrilling action and suspense.
By the time we reach the top delectable layer, we are so full from our experience, yet eager to continue. The top layer is so irresistible it is impossible to put the book down and we look forward to reading the next book in the series. This is the emotional level where we are truly invested in the characters, concerned for their well-being and willing them to succeed in their quest.
High Tea at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra
While each story stands alone in its own right, the series comes together with an over arching story arc, like the plate stand holding all the treats together. The characters grow with their concern for one another, each developing as they encounter every new adventure.
So, what makes a great series?
1. Memorable characters that you come to love and want to learn more about. They grow and evolve with you as they learn from their many mistakes, successes and incredible adventures. Harry, Ron and Hermione age from 11 to 17 years throughout all the Harry Potter books. This means you can grow right along-side them as you read the series. The characters feel more like good friends than mere characters in a story. In my Adamson Adventures, Zac, Clare and Luke all grow and learn as the story arc builds from one book to the next. In book 1, Secrets Hidden Below, Zac believes he must be in charge and take care of his younger siblings. He feels responsible for much of the danger they find themselves in. By book 3, Fossil Frenzy he realises that he can’t do it all alone and each must share responsibility for their actions. Clare begins quite shy and frightened, but by the third book she is no longer intimidated, she is much stronger and willing to speak her voice. Even the mischievous Luke, gradually learns to slow down and not rush into wherever danger lurks.
My set of Harry Potter books, the last one seems to be missing.
2. Intriguing settings that you may or may not be familiar with until you read the story. A great setting if described well will lure you into the world of your characters. Narnia is a fantasy world of ice and snow, evil Queens and lots of Turkish delight. The setting transports the reader to a place vastly different from their own. We become comfortable with the fantasy world and enjoy being lost in it every time we read the next book in the series. So too, I transport readers into settings they may not have experienced and take them on a journey of suspense with details in the description of the scenes as seen through the point of view of the main character. A series may have a different setting in each book to add another dimension to your story. If you have ever been lucky to holiday in Bali, Secrets Hidden Below will take you back to the fragrant incense, and salty humid air that you also experienced. A Lighthouse in Time will transport you to the familiar beach holiday scenes that most of us have enjoyed at one time or another and Fossil Frenzy will take you on a thrilling journey through drought-stricken outback Queensland and a rainforest like no other.
The Chronicles of Narnia, I’ve had a set since I was ten years old.
3. Thrilling story arcs or plots. Both Harry Potter and Narnia take the reader on a thrilling and turbulent adventure across the series. It becomes a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with various twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting to read more, eagerly waiting for the next book to arrive and be devoured. Each book has a stand-alone story arc, but another story arc is woven throughout the complete series. You may choose to write a series that can be read in any order like my Adamson Adventures. I weave a hint of a greater story arc throughout the series that may make the series better if read in order. However, being stand-alone stories, each book can be read on its own and intrigue the curious reader to read the others.
My series, The Adamson Adventures.
4. You have time to develop your characters. This encourages your reader to want to know more about your characters and how they might evolve.
5. You can explore many scenarios and take your characters on a range of exciting adventures. This way you are also able to explore how they will react to situations, which in turn may help a reader learn how to manage fear, sadness, taking care of the environment and animals or wherever your imagination may lead you.
6. They become collectable. A series looks great on a shelf and readers will want the entire set.
It’s all up to you. If you have the imagination and desire to write a series, there is so much you can write and explore. Plan your setting/s, build your world, develop your characters and have fun as you take them on thrilling tales of adventure into the unknown.
Any good high tea will include a glass of champagne. Sip it slowly and celebrate your multi-layered story or series, take time to breathe, relax and enjoy the journey.
What is your favourite series? Let me know in the comments below.
Cheers.
