With my sequel in the works, I’m officially on the continuity course. It’s a metaphor, but still a challenge that even the greatest authors, writers, and directors struggle with. Sometimes the sequel strikes gold again, other times it crumbles into dust and ruins the reputation of the entire franchise and creator. Writing sequels is a high risk, high reward endeavor, but it brings more opportunity. The Continuity Course lets you flesh out characters more and expand your universe than you would be able to with a one and done story. Not there’s anything wrong with stories with only one book, they have their places and purposes. For example 984 doesn’t need a sequel, we all know how it would end. It’s perfect the way it ended, down to the last minute detail.
The Continuity Course Isn't Smooth
Not everyone passes the continuity course. Look at classics like Grease, Jaws, and The exorcist. They struck gold the first time, but fell flat in their sequels. However, others like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Harry Potter captured lighting in a bottle multiple times. Thus becoming immortalized by completing the continuity course. It’s not easy to keep characters, motivations, and the laws of your world consistent while still telling a compelling story. I do hope my sequel ends up being beloved as my original has, but it’ s on me to pass the continuity course. The audience isn’t to blame if a sequel flops, the writer must take accountability for their art.