The Writing Process in Serial vs. Novel: Collaborative Advantages and Planning

Working on a serial such as those produced by Bookburners and The Witch Who Came in from the Cold versus a standalone novel presents unique challenges and benefits. Collaboration in a serial production significantly influences the writing process and introduces a dynamic that enriches the storytelling while also requiring meticulous planning.

Collaboration Enhances Storytelling

Writing a serial involves a collaborative environment where decisions and ideas are shared among a team of writers. This collaborative approach often leads to more comprehensive and cohesive storytelling. As a writer, I rarely make decisions unilaterally, as my ideas must align with the team's vision to avoid disrupting the flow for other writers. The story summit and outlining process serve as a robust brainstorming session, allowing us to refine ideas before implementation. While this collective approach can slow down the decision-making process, it ensures that all aspects of the story are well thought out and cohesive.

Planning and Consistency in Serial Writing

One of the most significant differences between serial and non-serial work is the extensive planning required. In serial writing, the production process involves a significant amount of coordination and forecasting, making it crucial to plan ahead meticulously. This planning ensures that essential details for later plot developments are not overlooked. Once a critical plot point has been established, it is challenging to introduce it later without disrupting the narrative consistency. Therefore, thorough planning is a necessity.

Despite these challenges, serial writing can create a more collegial atmosphere compared to standalone novel writing. The planning process and regular collaboration create a supportive environment where writers can refine their ideas and align them with the overall story arc. However, this collaborative process demands more planning in advance to ensure that the narrative remains cohesive and the story progression is seamless.

Episodic Writing: A Different Approach to Planning

When writing a serial, it is crucial to think more episodically than when writing a standalone novel. Each section in a serial needs to address related but not necessarily fully connected conflicts, with the overarching master plot still moving forward. This episodic structure requires that each installment feels like a complete unit, providing a sense of resolution and pay-off that motivates the audience to continue. Unlike regular chapters in a book, where the reader can choose their stopping point, regular serialization demands that the writer determine the stopping point for the reader.

Outlining is essential when writing a serial, and it is even more important than for a standalone novel. Outlining helps in scripting each section to ensure it fits into the broader narrative framework and provides a clear roadmap for the story progression. Serials often involve multiple characters, and as the serial progresses, the narrative focus may shift to different characters. This shift can be handled seamlessly in a serial, as seen in the Big Bang Theory, where the relationship between Penny and Leonard’s becomes less central as the show explores other characters' challenges.

Novels with an Episodic Structure

While novels can also have an episodic feel, the structure is not as rigidly adhered to as in a serial. Readers can choose their stopping points, making the narrative less constrained by the episodic format. Novels with an episodic feel can still be strong and satisfying, but a serial work can offer a different approach. For instance, in a novel, a significant plot focus shift might be jarring, but in a serial, it can be more natural and engaging. Multi-generational romances, for example, can switch point of view characters in each book, while epic fantasies like the Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones series can have ongoing narratives that feel more organic.

While a serial work can explore diverse characters and themes in a way that feels natural, a traditional novel typically has a more linear and continuous narrative. Each chapter in a serial is designed to be self-contained and contribute to the overall story arc, creating a sense of resolution that motivates the audience to keep reading. This episodic structure in a serial can provide a unique and engaging reading experience that might feel odd if applied to a traditional novel.

In conclusion, the writing process for a serial is more collaborative and requires extensive planning, making it a more collegial but also more structured experience compared to standalone novel writing. The episodic structure and narrative progression in a serial work offer unique advantages in storytelling, but it is essential to plan and outline meticulously to ensure a cohesive and engaging narrative.