Would this fly?

Hedgetrimmer · Jan 12, 2010

I have a completed novel that I think has the potential of being turned into a series. Of course this is hinged on getting the first book published and racking up nice sales.

The book is narrated in first person by Jace. I have begun joting down notes for a second book, also narrated by Jace. Now, I have an idea for a third book, but it would focus on different character and be narrated either by him or in third person. The thread that ties them all together is an ancient legend surrounding a tract of land.

Would this work for a series, switching the focus onto a different MC, or do I need to figure out a way to keep my star the star?

Sneaky Devil · Jan 12, 2010

I think that if it's done in the right way, then it is surely possible. I've read books in the past written in that manner and enjoyed them for the most part. The ones I didn't enjoy were due more to the writer's style than anything else. The view I take when writing is this; just because it is not the norm, that doesn't mean you can't make it work. As long as there's some form of transition to the character in the third book, some history on him/her in at least one of the previous two, then I think it would be an great idea and interesting to see how it would turn out. I would definitely read it if I had the chance.

Hedgetrimmer · Jan 12, 2010

You're right. Just because it hasn't been done doesn't mean much at all. I simply can't think of anything off the top of my head that's been done that way. Thanks for the feedback.

veinglory · Jan 12, 2010

Sure it has been done. My fav trilogy of all time (starting with "Damiano's Lute) by RA MacAvoy does this.

Hedgetrimmer · Jan 12, 2010

That's good to know. I'm not looking to be original in everything I do on the page.

Some may even argue nothing I do is original.

The Lonely One · Jan 12, 2010

Or even that nothing anyone does is original.

I'd say don't sweat it. Do it the way you think it will be the most engaging.

*puts 2 pennies in hat.

Hedgetrimmer · Jan 12, 2010

Thanks, Lonely One.

I just want to add that after posting this, I saw an almost identical question raised by Libbie yesterday. Sorry about that, but it's just so much good stuff on this board I can be kind of slow getting to it all.

shaldna · Jan 13, 2010

I don;t think changing the MC would be detrimental. I've seen writers handle it well - Like Garth Nix for example, or Terry Pratchett.

The one thing I wouldn't like however would be the change from first to third person. Having read the first two books in first person, I would personally be put off by the change. That said, that's a personal preference, and it may actually work well.

However, you should bear in mind that abrupt changes like that can alienate your readers, so you should handle them carefully.

Lady Ice · Jan 13, 2010

It might be a bit strange if 2 of the books in the trilogy are first person him and then it suddenly changes.

veinglory · Jan 13, 2010

In the RA MacAvoy series the original protagonist is dead--so, Lovely Bones etc aside, it might be more strange if he held onto POV

Danthia · Jan 14, 2010

John Scalzi's "Old Man's War" series starts with one character in first person in book one, switches to multiple third person with other characters in book two, then back to first person in three.

Anything can be done if done well.

Would this fly?

Hedgetrimmer

What happened, just there?

Sneaky Devil

Tale-spinner

Hedgetrimmer

What happened, just there?

veinglory

volitare nequeo

Hedgetrimmer

What happened, just there?

The Lonely One

Why is a raven like a writing desk?

Hedgetrimmer

What happened, just there?

shaldna

The cake is a lie. But still cake.

Lady Ice

Makes useful distinctions

veinglory

volitare nequeo

Danthia