Episode 428: A Masterclass in Planning and Writing a Series – Interview with Helen Scheuerer

by Gabriela Pereira
published in Podcast

Today, Lori is interviewing Helen Scheuerer. They’ll be talking about some of the lessons in her new book How to Write a Successful Series.

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In this episode Helen and Lori discuss:

  • How to create, maintain, and use a story bible and style guide.
  • The importance of allowing your writing process to evolve as you change.
  • How to decide whether traditional or indie publishing is right for you.

Plus, her #1 tip for writers.

About Helen Scheuerer

Helen Scheuerer is the fantasy author of the bestselling trilogy, The Oremere Chronicles and the Curse of the Cyren Queen quartet. Her work has been highly praised for its strong, flawed female characters and its action-packed plots. More recently, she has also delved into publishing advice for authors with her debut nonfiction book, ‘How To Write A Successful Series’.

Helen’s love of writing and books led her to pursue a Bachelor of Creative Writing at the University of Wollongong and a Masters of Publishing at the University of Sydney. Now a full-time author, Helen lives amidst the mountains in Central Otago, New Zealand and is constantly dreaming up new stories.

You can find her on her website or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

How to Write a Successful Series

Do you want to learn how to design a series that will hook readers for life and set you up for long-term success?

Whether you’re a new or experienced writer, How To Write A Successful Series is a comprehensive guide that will have you writing addictive, bestselling book series that lay the foundation for a lucrative career.

In How To Write A Successful Series, you’ll learn:

  • The REAL reasons you should write in a series
  • How to approach a series from the start (for both outliners and discovery writers)
  • How to use foreshadowing and cliffhangers to create binge-worthy installments
  • How to maintain consistency across a long-running series for plot-hole free books
  • How to protect your career with series exit and expansion strategies
  • How to sustain readers over multiple books with a compelling cast
  • How to find and use your target market to satisfy hungry readers
  • And much, much more

Packed with actionable advice, numerous examples and personal anecdotes, How To Write A Successful Series is a must-read for all authors.

If you decide to check out the books, we hope you’ll do so via these Amazon affiliate links: How to Write a Successful Series, Heart of Mist (The Oremere Chronicles – Book 1), and A Lair of Bones (Curse of the Cyren Queen – Book 1) where if you choose to purchase via the link DIY MFA gets a referral fee at no cost to you. As always, thank you for supporting DIY MFA!


Instagram: @domwritesbooks
Twitter: @domwritesbooks
TikTok: @domwritesbooks

Heart of Mist

In a realm where toxic mist sweeps the lands and magic is forbidden, all Bleak wants is a cure for her power.

Still grieving the death of her guardian and dangerously self-medicating with alcohol, Bleak is snatched from her home by the Commander of the King’s Army, and summoned to the capital.

But the king isn’t the only one interested in Bleak’s powers.

The leader of an infamous society of warriors, the Valia Kindred, lays claim to her as well, and Bleak finds herself in the middle of a much bigger battle than she anticipated.


Instagram: @domwritesbooks
Twitter: @domwritesbooks
TikTok: @domwritesbooks

A Lair of Bones

A deadly contest. A vaulting ambition. How far will one cyren go to win?

Mighty cyrens have ruled the ancient lair of Saddoriel for centuries. A cavernous fortress, a subterranean labyrinth of tunnels and levels, powered by magic and music…

From the moment she was born, Roh, the daughter of an infamous criminal, has been despised by her own kind. Restricted to the Lower Sector and forced to work as a common bone cleaner, she has always believed she belongs above: where lies adventure… and power.

Opportunity arises in the form of the Queen’s Tournament, a treacherous set of trials that could see the victor crowned ruler of the entire lair. Up against the most cunning, dangerous cyrens in all the realms, does Roh stand a chance?

Link to Episode 428

(Right-click to download.)

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Until next week, keep writing and keep being awesome!

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