For the last ten months, I’ve been supplementing my income by writing serials on a platform called Vella, which is managed by Amazon. For more info on how Vella works, check out my older blog posts on this topic (here and here).
I’ll also be presenting on this topic at our upcoming RMFW conference!
Writing serial novels, or serializing in any genre, brings a wealth of benefits and sacrifices. To further the conversation and help RMFW blog readers consider their own options regarding writing serial novels, I asked veteran Vella author Robert Grayson to share his experiences with us. Grayson pens the acclaimed young adult fantasy serial The Wizard’s Kin.
Robert Grayson, what made you decide to publish your project on Vella?
It came from a desire to just get something out there in front of people! I also thought it might be a great way to encourage myself to keep on writing, and I was right in that respect. I’ve had a difficult time in the past finishing anything, and if I ever do, it will probably be a story on Vella.
Yes, I’ve seen that many newer authors have flocked to Vella, and sometimes they experience some “genre shock” as they try to convert novels to serials and chapters to episodes. How has this process been so far for you?
At first, it was somewhat of a struggle. I tried adapting a novelette I’d written, and in order for that to work in serial format, I had to chop it up quite a bit. After that, I started with a fresh story specifically tailored for Vella. I think that looking at what the other authors had to offer helped me decide what to do, and the people I’ve met along the way have been very helpful! I’m in a much better place now.
How would you rate the ease of the publishing process, especially for newer authors?
Very simple from a technical standpoint. The interface is easy to use, and any questions will be quickly answered by those who have been on the platform since the beginning—all you have to do is find those people (it’s not hard).
Yes. It seems to me the richest Vella communities live on Facebook, which presents its own set of pros and cons. On that note, how has writing for a live audience affected your creative process?
I suppose my process has changed a bit. Not only have I tailored my stories to a selected audience, but getting feedback as I write is great! I have learned a lot from this audience, and I find myself improving my technique more quickly than writing in solitude. On the other hand, I have always written “by the seat of my pants,” and that hasn’t changed.
One of the reasons I was drawn to your serial is because it’s written for and about teens (two Elven teens, to be exact) but has a sense of “high fantasy” to it that I find appealing as an adult. What has it been like writing young adult fiction on Vella?
Honestly, it’s easier than I expected. Not only are there several examples on Vella to learn from, but putting myself into the characters of such a story—one in which the world is slowly revealing itself to them—makes writing by the seat of my pants a little less strenuous. Storytelling in this way makes it easier, also, to break the story into shorter chapters, as there are many surprises which can also be translated into cliffhangers!
Yes. I find it’s crucial to hook readers at the end of each episode. I also noticed that you have a good deal of worldbuilding, but you are not using extensive author notes to supplement this as some serial writers do. Has writing on Vella affected your worldbuilding?
The process, I suppose, is really the same. The only issue is that releasing these stories in small chunks (and doing so as a “pantser”) means trying to keep consistent with of all the world building. You’ve already put things out there, and though it’s not too difficult to go back and edit to make everything track, people have already read those episodes!
Do you have any concerns about this process or platform?
While there are improvements that could be made to the platform (and I know we are still rather early in its development), I’m currently using it simply as a way to keep myself going. In the end, my stories will probably become books, but for now, I’m just beginning to build a library—the rest seems so far away that I’m not concerned with it yet.
(*Note: Currently, the Amazon/Vella TOS allow authors to publish their Vella works in other formats).
Robert, will you publish on Vella again?
For now, I’m working exclusively on my two fantasy stories, but there are always ideas swirling around in my brain.
Well, folks, that’s the end of my interview with Robert Grayson! If you want to see an interview with him, and me, and hear some more examples of serial novels on Vella, check out this link. Wherever your serial-writing interests lie, tooling around on the platform is the best way to get a feel for whether or not the endeavor might appeal to you.
I hope to see you at the conference this fall! Please feel free to follow up with questions for Robert (I’ll forward them) or questions about Vella or serials!
Here is a direct link to Robert Grayson’s serial, The Wizard’s Kin.
(*As always, the first three episodes of any Vella are free.)
Great interview! I’m also a big fan of Wizards Kin on Kindle Vella. Robert has a real knack for adding a sense of wonder and plenty of interesting detail in each episode. I love the characters, and at age 52, reading this series brings back fond memories of my younger years, when I first started reading fantasy novels. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves traditional fantasy!
Hi Peter! Thanks for commenting. Do you have any input or insights about writing serials? You write middle grade fantasy, yes?
Hey, Kendra. One of my Kindle Vella series is borderline Middle Grade/YA Fantasy, and the other I would classify as YA and up if that makes any sense. I may be in the minority on this topic, but I don’t think writing serials is that much different than writing in other formats, the only exception is maybe shorter chapters/episodes, with more cliffhangers. Some of the vellas that I’m currently enjoying read more like novels, with longer episodes, while others are much quicker with shorter episodes. Both are fine for me, and at the end of the day, a good story is a good story, no matter what the format is. There are many talented writers on the Kindle Vella platform, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.
That’s interesting! I find that sometimes I have trouble with continuity, but I’m not sure why. I think I see the world as through the lens of novel arc and smaller chunks confuse me (As a writer, more than a reader). Maybe I’m trying too hard to create a cliffhanger. It’s certainly a learning experience writing serials!!
It’s been very surprising to me to see how many book authors are flocking to Kindle Vella, since I started on KV specifically because I was looking for a platform to write serial fiction. I’ve really enjoyed the author community and I’m reading more now than I have in well over a decade! There’s so much quality work being produced, and I’m a pretty picky reader. There are definitely some growing pains, but overall, I’ve loved writing for (and reading on) KV.
Thanks for the great article. It’s always nice to read others’ perspectives!
It’s good to hear you’re having a positive experience! I am reading solely on Vella at this point, other than what I edit. For now it keeps me busy!
I love The Wizard’s Kim. Robert is a wonderful writer and I think his serials and novels will bring joy to fantasy YA readers like me for many years to come. Thanks for showcasing such a fine author.