Sequels vs. Story Arcs

I've talked about the sequels to Killer of Killers. The second book in the series is the upcoming Killer Eyes. And the third will be The Killers Guild. But those sequels are more than just sequels. They are actually three books that carry the same story line. AKA Story Arcs.

That is different than a plain sequel. For example, the James Bond movies are sequels. Each Bond movie is a separate story unto itself. Sure there is some continuity in them, but they don't carry the same story from one movie (or book) to the next. Meaning they don't pick up where the last one left off. It's a brand new story line.

Lord of the Rings, however, and even the Jason Bourne movies did continue from where the prior story left off. Especially LOR. It's the same story arc.

And so are the three Killer stories. Where book one leaves off, that's where book two picks up, albeit about a year later. And The Killers Guild. That will pick up several years later. But it does tie in with the prior storyline, and can be considered part of the same story arc.

If I write any Killer books after that, I really don't think it will continue that particular story arc. It will have continuity for sure. But it will be a different story arc, and thus be a sequel, not a continuation. It will still qualify as a series, though. After all, even in a series, story arcs end, and new ones begin. We'll see how it happens with the Trent Smith sage. Only time will tell.