There are plenty of books in the world, but only a select few can be called classics. What makes these stories so special? Why do they endure for centuries while others are forgotten?

It’s not easy to become a classic. A book must have something that speaks to the human experience, that touches on universal truths and emotions. It must be well-written and well-conceived, with a plot and characters that engage readers on every level.

But most importantly, a classic must be timeless. It can’t be tied to a specific time or place, or reflect the values of a specific era. It has to speak to all people, in all times.

1. Plan your series before you start writing

2. Create a timeline for your story and stick to it

3. Use secondary characters to your advantage

4. Keep track of your plot points and make sure they’re consistent

Are you struggling to come up with an idea for your next series? Are you worried that your current plot is getting stale? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. A lot of writers find themselves in this position at one time or another. But don’t despair, because there are a few things you can do to create an unbeatable series guide. Let’s take a look at four of them.

Outline your series before you start writing

What is your series question or questions? What universal truths and emotions are key to your story? What themes do you want to hit? What’s the emotional journey you’re taking your readers on? These are all important questions to consider before you start writing your series because once you start, it can be hard to change course. It’s helpful to have a general outline of where you’re going, even if you don’t know all the details yet. That way, if you find yourself veering off track, you can refer back to your original vision and make sure you’re still headed in the right direction. So take some time to think about your series before you start writing, and you’ll be glad you did.

Create a timeline for your story and stick to it

Creating a timeline for your story is essential for staying on track and keeping your plot moving forward. Determine where you must be rigid and where you can be flexible, but always keep the end goal in mind. Too often a story veers off course because of a new idea that doesn’t work well with what has come before it! By mapping out a timeline, you can avoid this pitfall and keep your story flowing smoothly. So grab a pen and paper, and get started on drafting your timeline today.

Adhering to a timeline can be crucial for the success of your story. Determine where you must be rigid and where you can be flexible, but know that too often a story veers off course because of new idea that doesn’t work well with what has come before it! By having a timeline in place, you can more easily catch these errors and get your story back on track. Even if you don’t strictly adhere to the timeline, it can be a helpful tool for keeping your story focused and on point.

Apps such as Scrivener, Scapple, or Aeon Timeline, can help you map out your series timeline more easily. They allow you to quickly add and delete information, as well as make changes on the fly. And if you’re looking for a more analog approach you can never go wrong with a simple corkboard and index cards. As a person who has leaned towards digital writing for my novels since childhood, I’ve recently discovered that using an analog approach while composing helps to create the perfect atmosphere in which I feel as though I am truly a writer, instead of merely pretending. So if you’re only using a digital approach, I’d encourage you to use a hybrid method.

Use secondary characters to your advantage

As any good writer knows, secondary characters are just as important as the main character in a story. After all, they provide contrast, comic relief, and added depth to the story. However, they can also be used to your advantage. For example, if you want to show how self-centered your main character is, you can use a secondary character who is always giving and never demanding anything in return. Or if you want to highlight the main character’s flaws, you can use a secondary character who acts as a foil, or someone who contrasts with your hero, thereby highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Don’t underestimate the power of secondary characters. Use them wisely and they can take your story to the next level.

Keep track of your plot points and make sure they’re consistent

As any writer knows, plotting is essential to telling a good story. Not only do you need to keep track of your characters and their goals, but you also need to make sure that your plot points are consistent. Otherwise, you run the risk of confusing your readers or simply boring them. Luckily, there are a few tried and true methods for plotting your story. You can start by brainstorming a list of potential scenes and then arranging them in a logical order. Alternatively, you can create a plot outline that includes all of the key elements of your story. Whichever method you choose, the important thing is to be consistent and clear in your plotting. Otherwise, your story is likely to suffer.

Conclusion paragraph:

Ultimately, writing a great story requires planning ahead and paying attention to the details. Mapping out a timeline for your story can keep you on track and help you avoid being sidetracked by new ideas. Additionally, using secondary characters to your advantage, as well as keeping track of all plot points, can take your story from average to amazing. How do you keep track of all those pesky details? Let me know in the comments below–I’d love to hear from you!