In my third and last post (for now) on the work of self-published author, Patrick O’Scheen, I turn the blog over to the man himself for his thoughts and reflections on the art of series writing. Take it away Patrick.

One, two…three…four…more. A series starts somewhere. It grows from a simple story into an elaborate sequence of plots all tied together by a place, a time, a theme, an opinion, or a thread. They are multiples of the same…that are different.

Authors choose to divide a single story into a series of books for various reasons. Often the plot is too complex to be contained in a single tome, but usually it is a question of document size. Books beyond what is considered a normal word number are separated into volumes for the sake of magnitude. However, some authors also consider a cliff-hanger a way to bolster bookshelf sales.

Others tie several stories by location, time or characters to create multiple texts. Sometimes the reason is as simple as a continuation of similar plots or characters, like mysteries all surrounding a single detective. In fantasy we often create an entire world that continues in the reader’s minds long after our characters have played out their roles.

When I chose to write more than one volume in the Chronicles of Marithe, the decision was motivated by Dreamer, the first of the series. Underlying themes always spark my work, and I had left many things unsaid. Seer, book two, only begins to tell the entire story.

A story suggested by one of the characters in Dreamer when he outlines events of the past, yields the plot for the second book. Thornton tells two children about dragons. Although he is wrong in his limited knowledge, he explains history in his imperfect capacity. Not only does Seer clarify how dragons became hunted, it speaks of betrayal on the part of a king who would have everyone believe that peace is an impossibility. Seer speaks to the heart with refrains of unconditional love and undeniable betrayal echoed throughout the story.

The second work complete, I sat back and assessed the pair. They were a good beginning, but incomplete. I added two other novels to the series…and I still have many things to say.

For several years I kept my writing a private matter. I hoarded my words like a dragon’s treasure. Within the last year, I understood the selfishness of this action and began publishing. I can promise four books in the Marithe series and possibly–eventually a fifth. This series stems from my heart. Opinions shared are those of the author…

I can only say – many, many thanks for deciding to share your work.

Please check out O’Scheen’s latest offering in the Chronicles of Marithe – Seer