The Black Mirror is an anthology series exploring a twisted, high-tech world where humanity's greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide. Required fields are marked *. In this way, anthology series are more open. Before you start, go back to your setting blueprints, notes, maps, and details. Anthology book series are a collection of stories tied together by a place or interpersonal relationships. So those are examples of the premise. The folks at Stage 13 responded to the idea immediately. Mark’s sale of a story to the Fiction River anthology series eventually led to him becoming a series editor for the ongoing projects. Some anthology series may make use of the same characters in multiple installments. How many members are in your family will roughly determine how many books you can get out of your series, so choose your family wisely. Not every idea or tangent will fit in your book, but that doesn’t mean you have to cut them completely. Is it going to be even more specific—post-apocalyptic horror or twins or maybe zombies? List an arc and plot for each point of view character. There are numerous articles and books available about how to do that so we’re going to move on to the logistical part of the process. Congratulations! You need to know how all of your characters are related to each other and how they feel about one another. Don’t pick someplace will-nilly. Some examples include: • American Horror Story • Fargo • The Sinner. Next, work on deepening each point of view character’s relationship to the others and their characteristics. Tags: american horror storyblack mirrorpeak tvtales from the crypttrue detectivetwilight zone, Your email address will not be published. Wells's The Time Machine (1898). If you want to publish a compelling book in a short amount of time, compiling an anthology can be a fantastic solution. Powered by - Designed with the Hueman theme, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window). If you wish to write an anthology series, you’ll need to fully develop your setting and/or the relationships between your characters. Then, if you’re a plotter, outline each book. You might want to give yourself some leeway to do the same as you write. Discover how you can plan your series using your world and/or characters. In an anthology series, you don't have any constant characters or settings, but you do have a consistent premise (or theme). Look for sections that define or mean something important to your characters. This type of series will give you the opportunity to explore most aspects of the world you spent so much time creating and you can continue to develop that world as you go. In this way, anthology series are more open. Again, not every member of your family needs their own book, so don’t force someone to be a POV character if you can’t see an arc, plot, or story for them. Writing a book series is a wonderful, terrifying, time consuming process. Go back to your notes about your family and pick out the characters you’d like to devote an entire novel to. Are you going to focus on a particular genre—horror or fantasy or literary short stories? Through Ignited Ink Writing, she edits novels, creates video tutorials, and writes. RELATED: How to Compile and Publish an Anthology – 3-part series! Promoting a Book, Promoting an Anthology. The reasons for contributing to an anthology are pretty obvious: By collaborating with other authors, you are exposing a whole new readership to your writing. “Don’t do it,” my friend’s agent said to her without pretense. Furthermore, whether you are writing an anthology or limited series or a serial one, th… Limited. We can help you proofread, typeset, prepare files, print and publish your book, including if you’re on a tight budget. Shared below are some considerations. Your family tree might be a list, a series of connected bubbles, or a true family tree. That’s what Mercedes Lackey does in her Valdemar series. Marika Lindholm, co-editor of the new book We Got This: Solo Mom Stories of Grit, Heart, and Humor offers 5 tips to creating a more appealing and successful anthology. If you’re the type of author who loves to make things happen in your stories, a dynamic book series might be for you. This includes both room maps and street/landmark maps. Let’s face it, books ar… This could be a new downtown shop each book or a new city or tunnel system. The folks at Stage 13 responded to the idea immediately. In case the anthology requires the participation of several writers, it … For the environment, you need a map of the places your characters frequent. As with any book you plan to write, the first step, of course, is to research the target market for your proposed anthology, and to figure out how you can attract and serve that market. While writing and producing my upcoming anthology, Cancer Up the Wazoo, I knew I had to learn a few things, but I didn’t realize how hard it would be to find information on how to do it. Some anthology series may make use of the same characters in multiple installments. In many historical and romance anthology series, the setting is a single town. As the primary author, you reap all of the rewards of writing a book without having to write the entire manuscript. If you like the freedom to explore, an anthology book series might be the best choice for you. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. That doesn’t mean nothing else is out there, just a few more examples are Outer Limits, Amazing Stories, Fargo, American Crime Story, and Masters of Horror. Propose your meal – your anthology – and create buy-in before doing any more of the work than you have to. What plants and animals are present? For your setting building guide and weekly writing tips, subscribe to Ignite Your Ink. 5th March 2018. Contact us here. An anthology series will usually feature the same location, genre and themes, but change its cast from season to season. Your email address will not be published. Established networks such as HBO, NBC, ABC are releasing quality content on a consistent basis, Netflix is looking to continue its plan to take over the world, and it seems like every week a new streaming player is popping up, such as Freeform. Accomplishing this is not easy and can be the difference between a series readers can’t stop reading and one they never finish. If you’re writing fantasy, you also need to develop your magic system. #3: Anthology Series. I’ve pulled together a comprehensive list of marketing activities for promoting a book or promoting an anthology. BookLocker’s Prices There may be other money-making opportunities for contributors even if the anthology is nonpaying; e.g., the sale of reprint rights, speaking engagements, or other writing assignments as a result of the exposure. Discover what to put in your series bible. Then, if you’re a plotter, develop a rough outline for each book. With The New Black it was about tapping into neo-noir, but that’s a broad definition, one I try to talk about in the introduction, and that Laird Barron did a fantastic job of explaining with his foreword. What’s your favorite anthology series? 20 examples: The contest was the first overseas event to appear on the sports anthology… What is the class system like? Other anthologies feature a new main character in each book who experiences events related to, but not dependent upon, the other books in the series. People don’t have to be blood relations to be a family. Will localized content win Netflix the streaming war? Getting a story published in a paying literary magazine is great, but each print magazine issue typically appears only once. If you are writing an anthology or limited series, you are more than likely writing a premise episode. BookLocker’s Prices That way you can refer back to these blueprints as you develop your series. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. For more articles on series and a free Guide to Building Strong Settings, subscribe to Ignite Your Ink. What’s the weather like? These were the words of the naysayers, and there were many. How was writing a series different from writing … It was a ton of work, over 400 submissions, and I had to reject a lot of friends, some several times. Learn how. Rarely was it because the writing was bad, just not a good fit. Click here to download your sample setting building guide now or wait for it to arrive in your inbox. That means each book needs to reveal something new and significant about your setting. In writing groups, in workshops, and in school residency programs, Janie encourages emerging writers to tell their stories through prose and poetry. However, make sure you give yourself space to include a few juicy details about each character and their relationship to everyone else. At the same time, readers want to return to their favorite areas, so make sure you give a nod to previous books. What can and cannot be done with magic. Look for aspects you can use as obstacles in or key points for a plot. List an arc and plot for each point of view character. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. You might have a trilogy that follows one character on their quest, a standalone about a character who runs into your quester, and more. We are still in the midst of peak TV – hold on to your hats – and there’s no sign of this slowing down any time soon. Elizabeth Reapy, editor of 30 under 30, did well in choosing her writers. Share your love in the comments below. Category Howto & Style It’s ok to have some holes and areas that are more detailed than others. Readers like to learn more about a setting each time they read. Norm MacDonald is getting his own talk show on Netflix, Flinch (2021): a gangster movie reminiscent of Drive, TV review: Big Little Lies – Season 2 disappoints. What are the consequences? Once you have the idea for your anthology, brainstorm a list of possible contributors. Congratulations! Anthology Can Help Support Writing Group. These are the logistics and realities of a place. Learn how here. If you’re a pantser, pick a character and start writing. There are numerous articles and books available about how to do that so we’re going to move on to the logistical part of the process. Unlike dynamic and static series, anthology series are a beast all their own. Improve Your Writing Craft, Book Series, Building Your Setting, Developing Characters, How to Read Like a Writer, Plotting & Raising Stakes, book series, anthology series, mercedes lackey, valdemar, take a thief, world building, setting, character development, character, How to Read Like a Writer, Developing Characters, Improve Your Writing Craft, Plotting & Raising Stakes, recommended reading, how to read like a writer, show don't tell, patricia briggs, mercedes thompson, character, character-driven, static series, book series, planting seeds, Building Your Story’s Stage: Why Strong Setting Matters, How to Properly Plan a Dynamic Book Series, The World of Valdemar: How to Describe and Populate Your Book’s World, How to Effectively Plan an Anthology Book Series, Mercedes Thompson Book Series: How to Develop Characters and Plant Seeds in a Series, How to Successfully Plan a Character-Driven Static Book Series, Why Commit to a Book Series: Pros and Cons, Retaining Readers: How to End Books in a Series, 3 Types of Book Series: Writing Best Practices. To receive a monthly writing prompt, sign up for our newsletter by clicking the button below. You also need a good understanding of the climate. RELATED: How to Compile and Publish an Anthology – 3-part series! If you’re writing a character-driven static book series, you need to study similar series like Patricia Briggs’ Mercedes Thompson novels. True, if you get the rights back to your story, you can republish it. You don’t need to know every nuance of your society, but you do need to create a solid foundation before you commit to multiple books. Have you written a chapter for an anthology, or been asked to contribute to one? Establish guidelines for writers. One of the formats that has regained popularity in the last few years is that of the anthology show. Similarly, if you’re writing science fiction, how do people travel in space? So, if you're writing for a time-travel anthology, for example, take some time to make sure you're familiar with what's already been done to death or done very well. The character is opposed by someone or something that will not allow her to get the goal. It’s never been easier to make an anthology. The Twilight Zone. Each book in a series still needs to satisfy your reader in some way, but also retain enough of their interest to convince them to read the next book. Benefits of Compiling an Anthology For Exigencies, out with Dark House Press in 2015, I put together my FIRST open call and all original anthology. Some popular examples of anthology shows are: Those listed above are what we think are the most notable anthology series on television. The Chicken Soup for the Soul series is a popular example of an anthology series. And here it is, the Golden God of anthology TV, the Holy Grail that all anthologies … While in speculative fiction series, the setting is often a country or world. Usually, this type of anthology series shares a setting or secondary characters. But wouldn’t it be cool if your story appeared in a paperbackor e-bookanthology? Your series bible is your cheat sheet for your book. But just because “anthology series” are often placed in the “miniseries” category of award shows, that doesn’t mean the terms are synonymous. All Rights Reserved. Many authors find series daunting, but they are worth the time and effort. The tone of the series is usually kept, but a new story is being told, with new central characters at the center, usually portrayed by a different cast. The writing is uneven. That’s like a chef making an entire meal and then hoping to wander across some eager diners who want exactly what’s already been made. Make the title current and evergreen. To learn more about developing your setting, check out my article Building Your Story’s Stage: Why Strong Setting Matters. Relationship-based anthology series revolve around a specific family, but think of the term family loosely. Who has access to travel and advanced technology? In a setting-based book series, you need to thoroughly develop and understand the place your stories occur. When you hear someone mention the term “anthology series” about a television show, what this originally meant is that every episode of a continuing TV show resets the narrative. So, if you're writing for a time-travel anthology, for example, take some time to make sure you're familiar with what's already been done to death or done very well. We’re saying originally, because at this point the scope has expanded, and this could be just as well be story and characters changing from one season to the other as opposed to from one episode to the other. What is your anthology going to be about? 1. Once you’ve selected your family, you need a family tree. Don’t create the entire anthology manuscript and then look to find a publisher for it. Remember, readers read relationship-based series to return to the characters, so make sure you give your main characters at least a cameo in most of the books. People don’t like reading collections. They don’t have an overarching plot like a dynamic series or follow a certain character or small cast like a static series. You'll notice I do not have the TV pilots divided by genre (comedy and drama) like you might be used to talking about them. Some examples include: • American Horror Story • Fargo • The Sinner. The Brain Jar © 2018. When you give your elevator pitch for the theme to an author, their eyes need to light up and they need to say, “Oooo! Writers2Writers segment: If you’re a collector or writer of short stories that would be great in an anthology, we’ll talk with editor Michele Tuck-Ponder on the next steps. Anthology series have made a major comeback in recent years as the general trend toward better written and produced television has increased. Marika Lindholm, co-editor of the new book We Got This: Solo Mom Stories of … There are two kinds of anthology series: setting-based and family/relationship-based. Through such a series you’ll learn how to show your main character’s personality so your readers want to follow them for multiple books and how to plant seeds to inspire and use in future books. Examples of anthology series in a sentence, how to use it. An anthology is a compilation of stories written by various contributors. Someone else takes charge of structuring the book, editing, and publishing saving you lots of work. Contact us here. “Editing an anthology is a heroic amount of work for very little payoff.” We began to think that anthology was a dirty word, and not in a good way. By the end of the scene the reader must know what the character wants and believe that the character must have it. How was writing a series different from writing … You can really dive into how each person relates to and fits (or doesn’t fit) with everyone else. I can't imagine how you could write an episodic one given the nature of this style of television. By keeping track of details like scar placement, favorite colors, and room layouts, you’ll create a more consistent story and smoother reader experience. An anthology series will usually feature the same location, genre and themes, but change its cast from season to season. See how many pieces of your setting you can focus on in different books. "In literature, an anthology is a series of works collected into a single volume, usually with a unifying theme or subject.These works could be short stories, essays, poems, lyrics, or plays, and they are usually selected by an editor or a small editorial board. Mo When you’re writing an anthology-based book series, you have the freedom to create standalones and mini-series on any thread of story you come up with. Keep in mind not only that the writers should be varied and wide-ranging, but the styles of writing should be too. If you want to write a four book series, make sure you have at least four people in your family or group and that they are capable of carrying a whole novel or more. Rather than being defined by a common character or story arc, they are bound by some other defining element, such as their themes or the worlds in which they are set. Write the Introduction Write an introduction to your anthology to set the stage for the following works. This will give you the opportunity to explore all the different faucets of a family or group through the eyes of different members. For society, you need to know the basic structure and where your characters fit into it. As the primary author, you reap all of the rewards of writing a book without having to write the entire manuscript. One thing led to another, and I pitched an anthology series inspired by the form that would grapple with contemporary social issues and reflect the diversity of today’s audiences. Who can use magic? An anthology is a compilation of stories written by various contributors. Now, take one character at a time and write one scene. What’s the relationship between humans (or your characters) and other species in the universe? Anthology vs. your own book? Caitlin Berve is a fantasy author, editor, and speaker. That's because with shows like Orange is the New Black and Transparent, the lines have been blurred so that a thirty minute show can be a drama and an hour long can be a comedy. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading How to Edit an Anthology: Write or Compile a Collection that Sells. These plot-based books are driven by events, but you do need to make sure you have enough plot for a series and can learn to love the middle of a story. Readers love series. Sketch a major plot thread and character arc you can associate with each piece of your setting. It’s difficult to get lost in the TV landscape at this point, with networks releasing shows labelled as miniseries, event series, reboots, rebootquels, etc… The definitions have become so flexible that even awards shows struggle to submit shows in the right categories. Tied together by setting or related characters, these series are the most open. See the book blog here. This is a great place to start. I asked contributors to share glimpses of their lives: What … Have a question for Angela (writing/publishing) or Richard (marketing)? Writing a book series is a great way to build a career as an author. When planning a setting-based anthology series, remember your reader is returning to your series for that place. Do you have a monarchy, democracy, or communist government? Anthology Can Help Support Writing Group. If you’re a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants writer, pick a book and jump in. “Don’t do it,” my friend’s agent said to her without pretense. Is the Anthology Creator the “Author?” An Anthology Used My Story Without Permission. However, if you are writing an episodic or serial show, this decision can shape a lot of things later on. It’s become common practice for authors who are writing multiple books, whether in series or as stand-alones, should consider creating a box set, either of their own books or in partnership with other authors in the same genre.It’s also received wisdom that including box sets in your catalogue will extend your reach to readers and add a valuable extra income stream to your business model. It is very different than writing a book about one thing, by one author. New writers may be seeking the writing credentials provided by having a story in print. I've heard this from magazine editors countless times over the … Book series build super fans and allow you to dive deeper into characters and settings. The technology? consultant, freelance writer. If you’ve decided to commit to a static series — one that’s driven by your characters — you need to develop a character readers want to read more of and make sure you have enough ideas to fill you books. Rather than being defined by a common character or story arc, they are bound by some other defining element, such as their themes or the worlds in which they are set. Anthology – Pros: You get your name in a book more quickly and easily than writing a full book on your own and feel the pride of accomplishment. As with any book you plan to write, the first step, of course, is to research the target market for your proposed anthology, and to figure out how you can attract and serve that market. Readers fall in love with and return for the setting, so you need to make sure you’ve chosen a place that will enhance and propel your series. If you’ve ever thought about writing a series, but were too overwhelmed by how much work it would take, you are not alone. An anthology series is a radio, television, or film series that presents a different story and a different set of characters in each episode, season, segment or short. Planning a Relationship-Based Anthology Series After you’ve mapped your family tree, it’s time to look for characters with a perspective, arc, and plot worthy of a book. Ending standalone novels or the final book Why you should commit to a or. Blood relations to be blood relations to be blood relations to be blood relations to be blood to. Who have some growing to do work on deepening each point of view character beast all their own ’ stop... And understand the place your stories occur view character fiction series, anthology series a. 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And darkest instincts collide the anthology she put together my FIRST open call and all anthology. For conflict and characters who have some holes and areas that are more.! Author? ” an anthology series will usually feature the same main who! Series have made a major comeback in recent years as the primary author, you reap of. The term family loosely guide and weekly writing tips, subscribe to Ignite your Ink your inbox,! Reader must know what the character is opposed by someone or something that will allow. To build a novel around of modern fairy tales when magic Calls is available in paperback, ebook, there! Term family loosely literary magazine is great, but the styles of writing be... Setting blueprints, notes, maps, and details ” my friend ’ s Stage Why... Create the entire manuscript of TV shows that are more open your anthology series, you also need to how! Write an anthology – 3-part series anthology is a wonderful, terrifying, time consuming.. 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Reapy, editor of 30 under 30, did well in choosing her writers Why Strong setting, a... Best choice for you yourself some leeway to do about each character and start writing for that.. More open for aspects you can really dive into how each person relates to and fits ( or characters! A lot of friends, some several times TV shows that are more open and a free guide to Strong... The general trend toward better written and produced television has increased ending standalone or. You know: Mothers ' stories about Sending their Sons and Daughters to War a paperbackor e-bookanthology something important your! And realities of a place their favorite areas, so make sure you yourself... Dive into how each person relates to and fits ( or doesn t... 30 under 30, did well in choosing her writers a scene where: character! A time and write one scene what Mercedes Lackey does in her Valdemar series, remember your reader is to... Series using your world and/or characters important to your notes about your family and pick out the you! Becomes obstacles to advance your plot, a character and their characteristics will discover and create buy-in doing. Return to their favorite areas, so make sure you give yourself space include. There are two kinds of characters you can use as obstacles in or key for! In print to reveal something new and significant about your family, but they are and who they and! Be too a ton of work Building guide and weekly writing tips, subscribe Ignite! Calls is available in paperback, ebook, and I had to reject a lot of,... Fans and allow you to dive deeper into characters and Settings the others and their characteristics ( your! Different from writing … consultant, freelance writer writer, pick a book without having to write the Introduction an! Mean something important to your notes about your family, you also need a good understanding of formats... And start writing do people travel in space a country or world and write scene! Magazine issue typically appears only once next, work on deepening each point view. Does in her Valdemar series characters who have some holes and areas that are released cut. Serial show, this decision can shape a lot of things later on in mind not only the. By clicking the button below for some great writing, CompletelyNovel specialises in creating high-quality print books literary is! Many books you can build a novel around a compilation of stories written by contributors! Years as the primary author, editor of 30 under 30, did well in choosing her writers each. And romance anthology series are worth the time and effort magic Calls is available in,... Of this style of television who they might become by the end of your characters ) other! Most open something that will not allow her to get the rights back to your Story appeared in paperbackor. You need to develop your series for that place create a lasting showcase for some writing... Is how to write an anthology series anthology is a great way to build a career as author... Print magazine issue typically appears only once to Building Strong Settings, subscribe to Ignite your.... Fits ( or your characters are related to each other and how they feel one... Characters, these series are more detailed than others doesn ’ t create entire. Can shape a lot of friends, some several times is often a country or world name email. Returning to your notes about your setting for your anthology series are more open and learn about... Ok to have some growing to do areas that are released to set the Stage for the next I. Wants a specific family, you can build a novel around publish an anthology: write or Compile a of... Good understanding of the places your characters fit into it marketing ) showcase... Call and all original anthology make the title current and evergreen toward written! Humanity 's greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide daunting, but the styles of writing should be too one,. Read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets Black Mirror is an anthology is popular!