What Writing a Serial Taught Me (That No Outline Ever Could)
A couple of weeks ago, I wrapped up my first 8-week reader event. I received messages and comments from readers who were fascinated by how fast I wrote the weekly episodes.
I had to laugh—because the truth is, I didn't write it fast. I reworked it fast. Big difference.
Writing After Grief Recovery Method
During this event, I was also walking through the echoes of personal grief. After losing my son, I wasn't sure I'd ever return to writing. But this serial became something more than just story. It became a container for my healing. A space to show up, episode by episode, and stitch my voice back together again.
I shared more about this journey on Substack in a post called The Storm After the Silence [LINK], where I reflected on how writing through grief became sacred work for me. If you've ever struggled to reconnect with your creativity after loss, doubt, or silence—know this: You're not alone. This story was for my son. And for every storm we've survived to tell the tale.
When Stories Take on a Life of Their Own
I started the event with a full rough draft. I'd outlined the entire season, revised it once already, and let it rest for a few months. You'd think that would make the weekly release process smoother, right?
Yeah… no.
As soon as I began sharing the serial publicly, something shifted. Characters who felt solid on paper didn't hold up under the spotlight. Plot points unraveled. I started questioning everything.
And then—something magical happened.
The story came alive.
Reader comments, quiet DMs, and even loving feedback from my husband (who became emotionally invested in one character—Kiran) began reshaping the narrative in real time. His insights helped me realize Kiran needed more space, more breath, more emotional depth. I rewrote him. Expanded him. And in doing so, the emotional stakes across the story landed in ways I hadn't anticipated.
Lessons from Serial Storytelling
Each week, I had to rethink, re-feel, and realign.
And it taught me this:
- A complete draft doesn't mean a finished story.
- Feedback is a gift—but only if you're willing to change.
- Serial fiction is both an art and a performance.
- Writing is hard. Writing while sharing is something else entirely.
It also reminded me how much I love event-based storytelling. The giveaway, reader milestones, and live weekly structure added a heartbeat to the story. It wasn't just content—it was community. It was ritual.
Was it intense? Absolutely. Would I do it again?
Yes. In fact—I am.
Thank You to My Readers
To everyone who subscribed, followed, binged, commented, or just read quietly in the background—thank you. Your presence during this journey meant more than you know.
And to those discovering me for the first time through this post—welcome. There's so much more to come. Sign-up here for the Special Sentinel List [LINK]
What's Coming Next
Here's a glimpse of what's coming:
- The Oya Warrior Goddess Lore Book will be available soon—aiming for Juneteenth or earlier. This mythology companion expands the spiritual core of the serial and invites readers to explore the divine truths behind Oya's storm.
- Season One of my Sentinel Vigilante Series launches in July 2025. Eight powerful episodes of supernatural justice, ancestral rage, and vigilante power. You'll meet Tia Jackson, a grief-stricken attorney turned divine weapon—and you'll see how her story ties into Oya's mythos in surprising ways.
- The Oya Warrior Goddess Journal—a sacred space for the cycle breakers, superheroes, and spiritual warriors in our community—is now available in my shop. It's already gaining momentum on Pinterest and was part of our event giveaway. Explore the journal here [LINK]
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