Mastering the Art of Concluding a Trilogy

The process of crafting the last piece in a series or trilogy is both satisfying and intimidating for an author. The intention of not ruining what has been formed, coupled with the ambition to enhance it further, poses challenges. The essence of continuing with the same characters throughout multiple books is because they grow close to our hearts. This stands true for readers as well and entails several factors to be considered when creating the concluding book – reader’s anticipations, the narrative arc, evolution of characters, adherence to the source narrative, and the emotions readers experience when they finish the story, to name a few. The prime focus for me in fiction writing commences and concludes with the characters.

Superior fiction is predominantly driven by strong characters that have the ability to keep the readers engaged through multiple volumes. When creating a series, authors have to display a dexterity of maintaining the core essence of their characters yet allowing room for their growth and evolution. In comparison to a standalone novel where the character’s evolution is limited within that narrative, the final book in a series calls for scrutiny of character development across both the final book and the series in entirety.

Several questions arise, such as: Has the journey of each character reached its conclusion? Are there evident signs of growth? When we juxtapose the starting point and endpoint of each character, does it appear logical? Along with the principal characters, new ones could also make an appearance in a series. For instance, in a trilogy, specific characters may be present throughout the series, while some might appear in one or two of the books, requiring them to have meaningful narrative arcs that complement the overall narrative.

Not only do we continue to write about characters we are fond of, but we must also have an engaging story to narrate. Each volume of a series should serve a narrative purpose, whilst maintaining an intriguing storyline. The last book has an immensely critical narrative responsibility. As we pen down the series, we need to construct the narrative of the book alongside the overall narrative of the series, hence managing two sets of narrative structures – one for the final book and another for the series.

I consider scripting the conclusion of the last book in a series as an exciting yet challenging task. The ending of a series leaves a profound impact on the readers and presents us authors with an opportunity to bid farewell to the characters we have grown to adore. Paying homage to the entire series and its principal characters becomes essential at this juncture. To achieve this, I prefer to recollect and reference the first book’s essential points—this offers a sense of closure and conjures thoughts of what may lay beyond the written narrative.

The readers, who invest their time and trust in reading a series, play a significant role in the process. Comprehending and fulfilling their expectations and desires is pivotal. One must consider the reader’s potential emotions when they turn the last page. Personally, I believe in delivering beyond a reader’s expectations, by adding a final surprise, a memorable sentiment or a profound revelation that leaves readers feeling satisfied, nostalgic, or exhilarated. On a more personal level, something that evokes the complete journey and hints at the possibilities of what may lay ahead. An unexpected twist or eloquent phrase could be the key. These are reflections of my inner romantic.

I recently sought to pen a romance novel involving a group tasked to produce a film that dwells upon the meaning of life. Set during a summer, the group finds accommodation in an inn. As part of their summertime venture, they invite a philosopher friend known for her free-spirited nature. The Hollywood star is immediately captivated by the arrival of the philosopher, sparking a romance soon after.

Mirroring reality through art, the film’s production explores grand existential queries, prompting introspection among the stars about their personal lives’ crossroads. Following their shared experience, they depart to their respective homes. Meeting months later, the profound influence of their collective past becomes apparent. This novel is titled ‘The Location Shoot’. The decision to extend this story into a trilogy came naturally, with each succeeding book being inspired by its predecessor.

While the original characters were maintained or at least offered due homage, new characters emerged in the narrative. I was drawn towards weaving the stories of the adult offspring, which became the theme for the last book in this trilogy. With the mother character bearing the persona of an inquisitive philosopher, the exploration of love’s varied facets over a lifetime intrigued me. A similar curiosity prevailed regarding the evolution of her relationship with her partner.

Furthermore, a contemplation arose. What does it signify to devote a lifetime to creating art? How would an artist retrospectively view their journey? These curiosities were the driving force behind the final book in the trilogy. Spanning over three decades, the trilogy allowed a comprehensive exploration of these characters’ lives.

The completion of the trilogy was a sheer delight. The familiarity with the original characters, akin to knowing old friends, and the fresh essence of the new characters, sparked my imagination. The concluding book also beckoned an opportunity to thoroughly unravel one character that had been lingering in the background. The filmmaker who united everyone into this compelling narrative only played secondary roles in the initial two books. The concluding book allowed a closure to his narrative arc.

Throughout the writing process, the desires and anticipations of the readers never strayed far from my consciousness. I endeavored to provide all the specific elements they might long for, including reconciling all characters from the initial book, either literally or metaphorically. I aimed to offer readers a sense of continuity in the characters’ lives, hoping to present a comforting notion to the audience.

For me, this trilogy is an in-depth exploration into the pursuit of appreciating the inherent beauty of life. It reflects our endeavor to experience and appreciate life’s chaotic charm, its tragedies, its hopes, and its unlimited possibilities. At its heart, it heralds a celebration of life, love, and art.

In conclusion, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment having successfully explored these themes throughout the trilogy. By doing so, I have paid an earnest tribute to the journey that the story encompasses and the characters that resonate with readers and have become an integral part of their reading experience.