Thank you for all this wonderfully useful information. I absolutely loved this post, especially since I have been thinking of writing a serial novel myself.
Aah. Having been rambling on about serialised fiction for the last half-decade, it's so exciting to see it gaining such traction lately. I have a guide to writing serialised fiction which might be of use to interested writers: https://www.wattpad.com/story/86532927-how-to-write-serialised-fiction (you can get a PDF by subscribing to my own newsletter)
I should probably update that guide, as it's several years old now and a bit Wattpad-centric. There's a lot of process tips in it, though, so hopefully still useful.
It's interesting how some forms - comics, radio, TV - have continued embracing serialisation for decades without every really stopping, while others have abandoned it almost entirely (literature). It's also been interesting to see popular cinema increasingly going down the serialised route over the last couple of decades (Harry Potter, Star Wars, and especially Marvel etc).
What an informative, entertaining, and well-written article, Jackie. I am sure many readers and writers will find all the links very useful and interesting. And I want to give you a huge super thank you for listing Space Traveler Fargone!
The only company I hadn’t heard of was Curious Fictions, which now I have to dissect UX wise before they shut down.
My fam and I lived in Round Rock for a year in 2017, and took art classes at Laguna Gloria. We miss P.Terry’s, Torchy’s, Gourdough, Magnolia Cafe, and more :)
Finally got around to reading this! Very interesting.
Regarding your comment about "whether or not an existing novel can—or should—be adapted to a serial format" I think it's all about language. I mean, if I said "I'll be posting the chapters of my novel online," I doubt anyone would bat an eyelash. However, if I said, "I'm going to serialize my novel," that might raise a few eyebrows.
It's funny, because the end result would be identical. But serials come with certain rules, so certain things would be expected of it.
Simple solution: don't use the word 'serial' if you're going to publish your novel online and that it doesn't have that serial feel to it ;)
Thank you for all this wonderfully useful information. I absolutely loved this post, especially since I have been thinking of writing a serial novel myself.
Aah. Having been rambling on about serialised fiction for the last half-decade, it's so exciting to see it gaining such traction lately. I have a guide to writing serialised fiction which might be of use to interested writers: https://www.wattpad.com/story/86532927-how-to-write-serialised-fiction (you can get a PDF by subscribing to my own newsletter)
I should probably update that guide, as it's several years old now and a bit Wattpad-centric. There's a lot of process tips in it, though, so hopefully still useful.
It's interesting how some forms - comics, radio, TV - have continued embracing serialisation for decades without every really stopping, while others have abandoned it almost entirely (literature). It's also been interesting to see popular cinema increasingly going down the serialised route over the last couple of decades (Harry Potter, Star Wars, and especially Marvel etc).
Exciting times!
What an informative, entertaining, and well-written article, Jackie. I am sure many readers and writers will find all the links very useful and interesting. And I want to give you a huge super thank you for listing Space Traveler Fargone!
Great overview and history!
The only company I hadn’t heard of was Curious Fictions, which now I have to dissect UX wise before they shut down.
My fam and I lived in Round Rock for a year in 2017, and took art classes at Laguna Gloria. We miss P.Terry’s, Torchy’s, Gourdough, Magnolia Cafe, and more :)
This is a great article, Jackie - it's an exciting time to be writing serial fiction!
Finally got around to reading this! Very interesting.
Regarding your comment about "whether or not an existing novel can—or should—be adapted to a serial format" I think it's all about language. I mean, if I said "I'll be posting the chapters of my novel online," I doubt anyone would bat an eyelash. However, if I said, "I'm going to serialize my novel," that might raise a few eyebrows.
It's funny, because the end result would be identical. But serials come with certain rules, so certain things would be expected of it.
Simple solution: don't use the word 'serial' if you're going to publish your novel online and that it doesn't have that serial feel to it ;)
Thank you so much for this deliciously informative newsletter. This post on serial novel writing is really helpful.