Let’s talk series. I don’t know about you, but I love to read books in a series. I find myself investing in the characters, the town, and everything else and can’t wait for the next book to come out so I can return to that world. If you’re thinking of writing a series, there are some things to understand and consider before you get started.
The first step is to choose the type of series you plan to write. Are you going episodic or sequential or hybrid? Let’s talk about the differences.
Episodic Series
Definition: An episodic series is a collection of books featuring the same protagonist and/or recurring characters, where each book tells a self-contained story, but with elements that connect them to the larger series.
Key Features:
- Standalone plots in each book
- Recurring characters or locations
- Minimal need to read previous books for context
- Often used in genres like mystery, detective fiction, and romantic suspense
Examples:
- Nancy Drew Mysteries (Carolyn Keene): Nancy investigates a different mystery in every installment, with no significant carryover of plot.
- Jack Reacher Series (Lee Child): Each novel follows Jack Reacher through a new case, often in a new town, with new characters. Readers can jump into any book.
- Love Inspired Suspense Series (not counting the continuity series which you would definitely want to read in order): While sometimes grouped in small arcs or trilogies, most books are self-contained romantic-suspense stories with recurring settings or themes but different lead characters and plots.
Why write this type of series? Because it:
- appeals to readers who want flexibility in reading order
- is ideal for long-running series with a consistent hook
- is easier to manage with multiple authors or publisher guidelines.
Sequential Series
Definition: A sequential series tells a continuous story across multiple books. Each installment builds upon the previous one, often featuring cliffhangers, ongoing character arcs, and a central conflict that escalates throughout the series.
Key Features:
- One overarching plot spans all or most books.
- Character development progresses across installments.
- Books are best read in order.
- Common in fantasy, science fiction, dystopian, and serialized thrillers.
Examples:
- The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins): Follows Katniss Everdeen’s journey through a dystopian rebellion, with events in one book directly affecting the next.
- Harry Potter Series (J.K. Rowling): Each book follows Harry through one school year, but the story, relationships, and conflicts build toward a final confrontation.
- Left Behind Series (Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins): Chronicles the tribulation period from beginning to end in a linear, progressive fashion.
Why write this kind of series? Because:
- it encourages deep investment in characters and long-term plots
- it is deal for exploring complex world-building and high-stakes arcs
- readers often binge the series in order.
Hybrid Series (what I write)
Definition: A hybrid series combines elements of both episodic and sequential storytelling. Each book typically introduces a new lead character or couple with their own story arc; but all books are connected through a shared world, timeline, central event, or overarching thematic thread.
Key Features:
- Each book focuses on a different protagonist(s)
- Shared universe or community
- Overlapping character appearances or events
- May contain a loosely connected series arc or emotional throughline
Examples:
- The Riverwood Chronicles: Each book features different main characters (law enforcement officers and survivors of violent crimes), but all are connected by a shared past event and support group called “The Survivors.” The setting and recurring characters create continuity.
- Romantic Suspense Series (this is what I write): Each book features a new romantic pairing and a new suspense plot but takes place in the same town, organization, or family, creating thematic and relational ties across books.
Why write this kind of series? Because:
- it offers both familiarity and freshness—readers get new stories but within a beloved world
- it enables greater flexibility in character focus while maintaining series cohesion
- it encourages exploration of different viewpoints while building a larger narrative puzzle.
Some think writing an episodic series is easier and new writers should start with that. I don’t agree. You have to track details no matter what, so if you want to write a series, go for it. I started with the big hybrid series and you can too. But having a tracking system will save you a lot of work and a lot of headaches. Trust me. I’m speaking from experience.
How about you? What kind of series are you writing and what drew you to that type?
