I’ve spent a good part of the past few years in researching, devising and
finally writing an adult epic fantasy trilogy. So far, for A Seared Sky, books
1 and 2 are written and edited and, now I’ve started writing book 3, I’m
looking at publication of the first book. I delayed publication as I’m aware
that the initial books of trilogies have been released to readers in the past
only for them to learn that the story is incomplete and for those following
books never to actually appear. By waiting to publish book 1 until I’ve
actually started writing book 3, I hope to provide potential readers with the
confidence that this is a story that will be completed.
My request here, however, is for the views of readers on the
introductions to books 2 and 3. There is more than one convention at work and
I’d love to know what readers actually prefer. Do you want a synopsis of the
previous book (book 1 when reading book 2; book 2 when reading book 3)? This
sometimes takes the form of a descriptive opening chapter, sometimes a
prologue. Or do you prefer that the books each start as if the previous books
have been read and remembered, with a few references to past events to jog the
memory? Or, indeed, do you prefer an entirely different approach? If so, what?
Those are my questions and I really would appreciate your input. Please
be as detailed or brief as you wish. It’s your opinions I seek here.
