Writing a Duology

The first thing I can tell you about writing a duology is that when I wrote my first book, The Unexpected Tale of Bastien Bonlivre, I had no idea that I would end up writing a duology. Getting one book published felt like enough of a challenge!

But my brilliant literary agent pushed for a two-book deal, with my now publisher, Usborne, offering for my first book and a second – and very much untitled! – Bastien Bonlivre book. And although I can only speak from my experience in children's publishing, this sort of deal does feel like the norm.) For example, recently published and upcoming debut authors with two book deals include J P Rose (The Haunting of Tyrese Walker, Andersen Press), Laura Noakes (Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star, Harper Collins) and Alake Pilgrim (Zo and the Forest of Secrets, Knights Of).

From the moment I read Usborne’s offer, the cogs in my brain started to turn. I had to write a duology. Would this affect how I wrote - and edited - the first book? And then came the really big question:

What am I going to do for a whole OTHER book? 

Honestly, I'm not embarrassed to tell you that I was fairly stumped for a while. I didn't have an overarching story idea. My own ideas come from a lot of reading, watching films, researching, thinking, and free writing but I hadn't prepared to plot out an adventure for Bastien beyond the first book. Sure, I had some loose ideas, the equivalent of scribbled notes on scraps of paper, but nothing that felt strong enough to develop over the course of two manuscripts. 

But I had been given an incredible opportunity. Writing is what I want to do, and I was determined to do my very best.

Whether you're like me and need to feel your way through a story one step at a time, or you’re better organised and have a clear plan of what you want to write, here are a few tips that you might help with the development of your own work. But remember not to stress about anything beyond writing the first book. Without that, nothing else can follow.

Get to know your characters really well (and allow room for growth)

This piece of advice applies to all stories, but all the more so for writers of duologies and beyond. Your characters need to continue to develop and evolve. They can't be who they were at the beginning - or the end - of the first book. Along with a developing plot and the upping of stakes, your readers will expect your characters to go on their own personal journey. Of course, things like growth spurts and new hobbies can show this, but what you want to give your readers is emotional growth. This is key for them to empathise and forge a true connection with your characters. In my first book, Bastien Bonlivre is a boy who prefers to live life in his head. He is a born storyteller, having inherited this talent from his famous author parents, and finds refuge in the written work. Throughout his journey in the first book, Bastien learns that he is much braver than he could ever have imagined and that this, really, is down to the brilliant friendships he has forged. 

When it came to writing the second book, The Unexpected Tale of the Bad Brothers, I knew that Bastien had to change. I couldn't alienate him from the readers who had got to know him already, so I ensured that the 'worried and bookish' side of him still remained. (I couldn't possibly comment if I based him on myself) But with a new book came a new challenge. My villain Olivier Odieux was back with a grand plan and the need for justice is the catalyst that turns Bastien into an even more active character.

Karen Wall, a most excellent children's book blogger and teacher, recently wrote a review for my second book and said this about Bastien: 'His increase in confidence is clear to see; however, there are still times when the old Bastien rears his head, but bolstered by old friends and new, he perseveres (a quality I feel he oozes) and I love his determination.' It was heartening to see the mention of ‘old Bastien’ and how his Book One character traits are still there in Book Two, but that in this latest adventure he is recognisably more confident, mature and emotionally complex.

Wrap up your story…

The sweet spot in a series is writing a book that can stand on its own. There are no set rules to writing children's books, but I always enjoyed reading a book that came to a satisfying conclusion. Good normally does prevail (although it doesn't always have to!) and you don't want your readers to feel cheated. There are so many brilliant books out there, as well as a number of different entertainment options, so the fact that someone will pick up your book and dedicate their time to it is an actual gift. Your gift back to your reader is providing them with a payoff. A moment where they can punch the air in delight or shout 'I knew it!' as they turn the final page.  

...but leave a plot strand (sort of) unanswered

Okay, I know this next point is annoying. I'm telling you to wrap up your story, but leave a plot carrot or two dangling for the second book. Confusing much? But doing so gives you options to develop your story, should you need them. You want to satisfy your readers, but to also leave them with a spark of curiosity. Has your villain been truly defeated? Does your main character have an unanswered question about their past? These little flickers aren't large enough to make your readers feel cheated, but they'll certainly get them thinking. 

Plus, your duology might not always be a duology. If your first book sells well and there is enough interest, it might well be that your publisher offer another book (or more!) in the same series. Your duology could become a trilogy. There are no guarantees, but I think it's worth keeping in mind. As the writer, you don't want to write yourself into a corner. We've all watched a film or television series that has gradually turned terrible, where you can feel the writers were clasping at straws for a new plot direction. 

Read and watch for research

Feeling stuck? Like with all my writing, I return to my bookshelves for help. I accepted the challenge of writing a duology so I did some fun research. I read duologies, trilogies, quarters: any book that continued beyond the first. I paid close attention to how authors weaved in backstory, developed their main characters, grew the villains of their stories in fresh and engaging ways. Some of my personal favourites are The Mysterious Benedict Society, The Leap Cycle , and A Place Called Perfect.

I also watched a whole lot of TV and I still relish being able to tell my mum that I'm watching Spy Kids for work. Yes, seriously. I returned to my childhood movies and their sequels (for better or worse) and took notes once again, scribbling observations on how these characters grew, took on new responsibilities and developed friendships, while still maintaining the qualities that we initially fell in love with. Yes, Legolas and Gimli, I'm looking at you for excellent friendship development. 

Experiment with exposition 

I still worry about the first chapter in my second book being a bit of an info-dump, but I hope you'll excuse me. Personally, I think exposition is unavoidable in series. I also don't think it's as bad as some people make it out to be. Naturally, you don't want your characters talking and reminding each other of everything that happened in the first book. They know. They were there! But you can find other ways to weave it in, whether it's a flashback or your main character chewing on their thoughts that allows you, the writer, to remind the readers of key events.

In A Place Called Perfect series by Helena Duggan, there is a short summary - accompanied by brilliant illustrations - to recap what happened in the previous books. In the Pages & Co series by Anna James, the author provides a written recap so that the reader knows exactly where the next story picks up from. This is something that I would be sure to do for any future duologies/series. There can be long gaps between publishing two books and you can't expect your reader to remember everything that happened previously. So make it easy for them. If they know exactly where they are at the beginning of the next instalment, they will be able to immerse themselves back into the world of your stories much quicker.

Have you written a duology? What advice would you give to writers?