It's been a little over two weeks since the exciting release of my second book, Jasmine’s First Bank Account! Launching a new book is such a rewarding experience, and it's especially meaningful to continue my journey in financial literacy for kids. As a self-published author, though, I’ve learned that writing a book sequel presents new challenges—especially when you’re committed to creating a series with lasting impact.
In this blog, I want to take you behind the scenes of writing Jasmine’s First Bank Account and share how I kept the momentum going after releasing my first book in the Money Lessons with Dad series. If you’re working on a sequel or thinking about starting one, these insights might help you stay on track!
1. Expanding Jasmine's story
When I wrote Jasmine’s First Piggy Bank, I didn’t initially plan for a series. But as feedback poured in and I saw the need for more financial literacy books for kids, I knew the story had to continue. The first step in writing a sequel is thinking about how you can expand on what you’ve already created. In my case, the next logical step after saving with a piggy bank was teaching kids about opening their first bank account.
Whether it’s financial literacy or any other theme, it’s important to build on the foundation you’ve laid in your first book. Ask yourself: What more can my readers learn? What new challenges can my characters face?
2. Keeping the Tone Consistent with a New Illustrator
One unexpected challenge in creating this sequel was switching illustrators. My first experience with an illustrator wasn’t easy, and finding a new one for Jasmine’s First Bank Account was both exciting and a little frustrating. Having a new artist meant some of the visuals look slightly different, and I had to work to maintain continuity in the look and feel of Jasmine’s world.
If you’re working on a sequel with a different illustrator, communication is key. I spent time discussing color palettes, character expressions, and the general atmosphere with the new illustrator to keep the transition as smooth as possible.
3. writing a book sequel : Balancing Familiarity and Growth
One of the biggest lessons I learned during this process is the importance of balancing familiarity with growth. Readers come back for the characters they know and love, but they also want to see those characters grow and face new challenges. In Jasmine’s First Bank Account, I focused on Jasmine’s excitement and nervousness about going to the bank for the first time—emotions that many kids can relate to.
In your sequel, think about how your characters can evolve without losing the traits that made them special in the first place. Growth keeps the story fresh and exciting!
4. Setting Clear Goals for the Series
Creating a sequel can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re working on a series. I know now that Jasmine’s story isn’t stopping here—I plan to write at least two more books in the Money Lessons with Dad series. With that in mind, I focused on setting goals for each book that build toward a larger vision.
My goal with Jasmine’s First Bank Account was to help kids feel confident with basic banking concepts while learning about independence. Keeping a clear focus for each book has helped me stay motivated, even during the more challenging parts of the process.
5. Listening to Readers’ Feedback
One of the best parts of writing a sequel is connecting with my readers and learning from their feedback. Parents, educators, and kids shared what they enjoyed most about Jasmine’s First Piggy Bank, and I kept their insights in mind when crafting the storyline and themes of Jasmine’s First Bank Account.
This feedback loop is invaluable, as it not only makes the story more relevant but also helps build a stronger connection with my readers. Their input has inspired me and is already helping me shape the next books in Jasmine’s journey.
Writing a sequel is a journey full of growth, discovery, and sometimes a few unexpected challenges. If you’re a writer working on a series, remember that each book is another step forward in sharing your story with the world. And if you haven’t already, you can check out Jasmine’s First Bank Account on Amazon and join Jasmine on her latest adventure!
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for the next chapter in Jasmine’s journey to financial empowerment!
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