Today I thought I'd talk about the length of stories in book form. Because not all stories are created equal when it comes to size. Some are perfect as standalone novels and others beg to be expanded into epic, multi-part sagas.
So yes. Today is all about what I consider to be the pros and cons of series, companion novels, and standalones. Here we go!
So yes. Today is all about what I consider to be the pros and cons of series, companion novels, and standalones. Here we go!
Trilogies and beyond
- What are they?
Trilogies are generally when one story is told in three books. Sometimes one story is told in slightly more than three books (ie: the Inheritance Cycle). Series tend to be episodic stories about the same character told through many, many books and an overarching plot isn't 100% necessary. See Nancy Drew. - Why are they awesome?
Trilogies and longer works give an author so much space to stretch and breathe and discover who the characters really are. They allow for complicated plots and intricacies that just aren't possible with shorter works. Think of it this way: what would Harry Potter be if it was only one book? If it was only three books? Cramped. - And when aren't they awesome?
Because the nature of a trilogy is relatively strict and the arc of the story can suffer. Because if you're writing a 30-novel series, you might be forcing your characters into situations that just don't have any life anymore. A good example of this would be the late Animorph novels. Also, trilogies are big, and maybe a bit overdone.
- What are they?
Companion novels are when a "sequel" to a novel features different characters, though the two stories are definitely linked. It's kind of a messy classification, especially since a lot of sequels technically are companion novels. For example, the Abhorsen Chronicles: Lirael is more of a companion novel to Sabriel than a direct sequel. - Why are they awesome?
All of that world-building and fabulousness put in your first book, can be re-used for the second one. It's possible to explore faucets that you weren't allowed to cover the first time around, and you don't have to stick with the same characters while you do it. Also, sometimes a companion novel is worthy of a sequel, and then you get the beloved trilogy! - And when aren't they awesome?
Sometimes the world isn't worth it. Companion novels have to be about the world, because the definition of a companion novel requires that you have different main characters. That's why it's a companion instead of a sequel. If you're curious, an awesome companion novel is The Dead-Tossed Waves and it's direct sequel, The Dark and Hollow Places.
- What are they?
Stories that are told in one book. There are no sequels or companions. Everything is singular. - Why are they awesome?
Because a story can be just as potent and powerful without all of the space afforded in a trilogy. See Chime and Liar and Water for Elephants (amongst a billion others). It's wonderful to sit and read something, and have everything come together in one book. Standalone-length stories are classic for a reason. - And when aren't they awesome?
When one book isn't enough. When the reader wants more from the world and the characters, and isn't going get any more. If you're lucky, this is where a companion novel or the second two books in a trilogy are brought into the light.
So what do you guys think? Do you prefer reading standalones, companion novels, or multi-book sagas? And what do you like to write? I'm fond of trilogies since I, uh, tend to plot long, but standalones make me happy too. Tell me your preferences in the comments.
