Let’s talk about sequels

"Life is not so much about beginnings and endings as it is about going on and on and on. It is about muddling through the middle." ~Anna Quindlen

A sequel is used when a character reacts to their failure in a scene and thinks about a new plan of action. 

A character may be alone or with another character. This is a perfect chance to make use of your confidant character. 

Readers can get bored when too much time is spent trapped in a character’s thoughts and feelings. 

Remember that sequels should be shorter than scenes. Sequels are generally 300-800 words long. 

A book should have about 30% sequels and 70% scenes. 

For example: If a book has 70 scenes total, it will have an approximate balance of 50 scenes (action parts) and 20 sequels (reaction parts). 

Two Tips:

• If alone, show a character’s reactions using thoughts, body language, and actions. 
• If they‘re with another character, employ dialogue in addition to thoughts, body language, and actions to express their reactions.  

Use a sequel if:

• A character’s reaction to an event is strong, for example, they are devastated, bitterly disappointed, furious, or grief-stricken. 
• A character’s reaction requires analysis or weighing of options. 
• The action scene is momentous or life changing. 

Remember that the sequel is cathartic. It gives a character and the reader a chance to rest and take stock of what’s happened.

The Anatomy of a Sequel 

The sequel has four phases, in this order: 

Emotional

The character reacts with their heart. They could feel outraged, angry, insulted, frustrated, embarrassed, etc. 

Decision

They decide on a plan to solve the new problem created in the previous action scene. 

Rational

They calm down and react using their brain. 

Action 

They set a new short-term goal that puts them on the path to the next action scene.

Example: 

Following the scene where Jim found out that his daughter was ill, we move into a sequel where he must deal with this news: 

Emotional: Jim visits his best friend and breaks down. 

Rational: They discuss the facts of what has happened. Decision: Jim decides that staying with his wife is the only option for now. 

Action: He calls his lover, leaves a message, and heads home. 

TIP: A sequel is ALWAYS followed by a scene. Having consecutive sequels is boring and hinders successful pacing of a story.