Sequels can be tricky. I just finished the fourth in a series of novels, and I'd like to share a few things I've learned along the way.

1.  Some backstory is required.

Not everyone who reads a sequel will have read the original, so you must include some backstory. However, you don't want to begin a novel with a long, drawn-out explanation of what happened in the previous book. What I like to do is weave relevant backstory into both the narrative and the dialogue. I have the narrator explain directly to the readers, but I also have the characters discuss previous events in conversation. That way, for example, my readers will know why a particular character moved to a new city or recently began a new job, and the information doesn't come across as forced.

2. You can't use the same jokes and/or descriptions.

One way to make your characters seem real is to have them act real. For example, one character might complain every time she sees a man wearing jean shorts. But if she does the same exact thing in a sequel, it will come across as tired, and you will lose your readers' attention. Think of a different way to make her funny.

3. Your characters must grow.

If your readers are going to spend hundreds of pages with a character, they're going to expect to see some growth. They deserve to see some growth. And that's just in one book. If you include the same characters in a sequel or sequels, you've got to evolve them in some way. If not, you run the risk of disappointing - or boring - your fans.

Note: In this post I'm talking about sequels. If you plan to write several standalone murder mysteries featuring the same detective, that's a different ballgame, which I hope to address in a future post.

-Maria

Maria Murnane is the best-selling author of the romantic comedies Perfect on Paper, It's a Waverly Life, and Honey on Your Mind. She also provides consulting services on book publishing and marketing. Learn more at www.mariamurnane.com.

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