Writing Chapter 1 of an Anticipated Sequel

 Sawyer Petrick is a passionate screenwriter who authored two screenplays that received high honors from The New School in New York. Sawyer Petrick also served as a writer at Whole Picture Films from 2018 to 2019, where he worked on multiple feature film writing scripts.

Sequels are similar to second installments to already-rated stories, and writers need an extra set of precision and punctiliousness when writing these stories. Great sequels are very challenging to write since the writers need to meet the expectations of devoted fans who have seen the prequel and anticipate more.

While fans have different theories as regards what the next line of events should be, historically, great sequels introduce unpredictable events. As a writer, you should address the questions from your story's fans in a less predictable style.

Successful sequel writers lead the second installment with an independent plotline. The first chapter should feel as though you are starting from scratch rather than using the prequel as a preliminary. For example, if your prequel is about a series of events that occurred during the winter in a school, you may lead the sequel's first chapter with events that occurred during the summer vacation. A moderate time-lapse is required at least.

The chapter one of a sequel should summarize the changes within the gap. For example, you should tell your story's fans how many changes have occurred in a character's life during the time-lapse. Your prequel fans may want to know what the characters are up to. You can dedicate the first chapter to these questions.