I’m a writer blog

Guidelines for writing Poems, Stories and Tales

Can the first book in a series have a sad ending? (The antagonist wins)

How do you end a first book in a series?

6 Ways to End a Book in a Series

  1. Make it a forgone conclusion:
  2. Leave the boss villain in play:
  3. Cliffhanger it:
  4. Shut the door, but open a window:
  5. Include the first chapter of the next book:
  6. Don’t transition, create a standalone with close ties:



Should my first book be a series?

Yet, in spite of the above, I still advise my students to avoid writing a series as their first novel. With a few exceptions, most new writers are better off writing a book that will stand completely on its own. No planned sequel. No seven-book story arc.

Can the antagonist defeat the protagonist?

The antagonist’s goal is usually to defeat or hinder the protagonist, or to cause them harm, but as a villain, they may also be trying to achieve a personal goal, such as taking over the world or stealing something valuable. Whatever their motives, villain antagonists are typically described as evil or immoral.

Can there be no antagonist in a story?

While your fiction doesn’t have to include an antagonist, it must have a series of compelling and persuasive obstacles that the main character must negotiate. What’s the difference? An antagonist is a specific presence that returns again and again throughout the fiction.

Can the first book in a series have an epilogue?

No, not all books with a prologue have to end with an epilogue. The choice to include an epilogue or not is completely up to the author and depends on the story they are trying to tell. An epilogue can provide closure or additional information, but it’s not a necessary component of every book.

Can a book in a series end with a cliffhanger?

A cliffhanger ending is really a non-ending ending. It’s really just a way of splitting a single plot across multiple books. And it only works if the moment of high tension you end on is in fact dramatic enough to sustain readers into a second volume.

What is the most liked book series?

The Harry Potter series is far and away the highest-selling series of novels ever. Written by British author J.K. Rowling, the series has sold at least 500 million copies, 150 million more than the next-highest selling series.

How long should a book series be?

If you had to come up with a number, only 3% of the readers thought a series should last between 10 to 15 books. 6% thought 3 to 5 was the perfect series length. A much larger 12% decided 5 to 10 books was just right.

How long is too long for a first novel?

If you’re writing your first novel, the general rule of thumb for novel writing is a word count in the 80,000 to 100,000 range. While anything over 40,000 words can fall into the novel category, 50,000 is considered the minimum novel length. Anything over 110,000 words is considered too long for a fiction novel.

How do you get to the end of a book series?

The End of an Era: How To Deal with the End of a Book Series

  1. Delve into something new. Nothing is better than to wipe out the past by losing yourself in something new.
  2. Find the Next Best Thing.
  3. Write your own.
  4. Watch the movies.
  5. Stalk and kidnap the author until a new book is written.



How do I end a book I just started reading?

It may well be worth getting up earlier for! Try to schedule a set time each day to return to the book. If this isn’t possible, schedule set times per week. Read at least a chapter at a time, breaking it down into digestible chunks and finishing at logical end points.



How do you write a good ending to a series?

How to Write a Satisfying Ending for Your Novel

  1. Know your ending before you start writing.
  2. Build tension in the leadup to the end.
  3. Try different endings on for size.
  4. Leave room for interpretation.
  5. Ensure that your ending makes sense.
  6. Evoke emotions.
  7. Make sure your ending resolves the storyline.