Writing the Overarching Series

{or How I Sent a Clumsy Girl into Outer Space}

3D Fiction Fundamentals Collection, Volume 4

BONUS COMPANION BOOKLET

by Karen S. Wiesner

Writers Exchange E-Publishing
http://www.writers-exchange.com

3D Fiction Fundamentals Collection, Volume 4: Writing the Overarching Series {or How I Sent a Clumsy Girl into Outer Space} Bonus Companion Booklet 
Copyright 2026 Karen S. Wiesner
Writers Exchange E-Publishing
PO Box 372
ATHERTON QLD 4883

Cover Art by: GermanCreative and Sandy Cummins
 
Published by Writers Exchange E-Publishing
http://www.writers-exchange.com 

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission from the publisher.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Note from the Author

Overarching Series Worksheets
Worksheet 1: Arcs Bullet Point Summary (Simple Sheet Version)
Worksheet 2: Arcs Bullet Point Summary (Structured Table Version)
Worksheet 3: Series Premise Prompter 
Worksheet 4: Story Premise Prompter 
Worksheet 4: Resource Catalog Checklist
Worksheet 6: Culture, Society, or Race Building Profile Basics
Worksheet 7: World Building Profile Basics
Worksheet 8: Main Character Building Profile Basics
Worksheet 9: Culture Profile Summaries
Worksheet 10: Premise Orientation Worksheet
Checklist: Presentation Options

3D Fiction Fundamentals Collection

About the Author

Note from the Author

Dear Reader, 

Frequently I'm asked whether the worksheets, checklists, charts, examples, exercises, and/or other aids from my writing reference titles are available in a usable download format. While the original publisher of the main book did offer free copies of some of these in PDF format on their website, naturally these were only "usable" if they were printed out and written on by hand. 

My publisher and I wanted to offer a download of all of these that were in a usable format, which allows for cross-platform document exchange that most word processors are able to read or write to. In other words, the file allows you to type right into the document and use it over and over as needed. 

Writing the Overarching Series Bonus Companion Booklet contains all the blank worksheets from the main book. These are free to download from the Writers Exchange E-Publishing website. Follow the link to the collection in the back of this booklet. Please be aware that this file is provided as a supplemental to Writing the Overarching Series. The assumption is that you purchased a copy of that book and therefore have a working knowledge of the methods discussed in that book. For those who prefer print, a paperback equivalent is available for purchase. 

Remember that this material is copyrighted. It is illegal to distribute, share, or put it on your website for any reason. The material is strictly for individual use by the purchaser.  

Happy writing!

Karen S. Wiesner

Overarching Series Worksheets 

Worksheet 1: Arcs Bullet Point Summary (Simple Sheet Version)
Worksheet 2: Arcs Bullet Point Summary (Structured Table Version)
Worksheet 3: Series Premise Prompter 
Worksheet 4: Story Premise Prompter 
Worksheet 4: Resource Catalog Checklist
Worksheet 6: Culture, Society, or Race Building Profile Basics
Worksheet 7: World Building Profile Basics
Worksheet 8: Main Character Building Profile Basics
Worksheet 9: Culture Profile Summaries
Worksheet 10: Premise Orientation Worksheet
Checklist: Presentation Options

Worksheet 1:
Arcs Bullet Point Summary
(Simple Sheet Version)

Series Title:
Book Title: 
Volume Number:

Circle Installment Type: 
First (Provide Introduction{s})   
Middle (Provide Advancement{s})    
Final (Provide Resolution{s})

POV Characters in this Book: 

Approximate Size of Book (page numbers and/or word count):

	Initial Estimate/Aim: minimum/maximum

	Final: pages/ words 

Series Arcs:

•	#1:

•	#2:

•	#3:

•	#4:

•	#5:

Story Arcs:
Major Plots:

•	#1:

•	#2:

•	#3:

•	#4:

•	#5:

	Minor Subplots: (the number of bullet points listed should match the number of POV characters in the story)

•	#1:

•	#2:

•	#3:

•	#4:

•	#5:

Once filled in, try organizing the points in chronological order.

Worksheet 2:
Arcs Bullet Point Summary
(Structured Table Version)

Series Title:
Book Title: 
Volume Number:

Circle Installment Type: 
First (Provide Introduction{s})   
Middle (Provide Advancement{s})    
Final (Provide Resolution{s})

POV Characters in this Book: 

Approximate Size of Book (page numbers and/or word count):

	Initial Estimate/Aim: minimum/maximum

	Final: pages/ words 

Arc Type	Number and Detail	Summary Bullet	

		

	

		

	

Worksheet 3:
Series Premise Prompter 

Series Title:

Who (Series Main Character{s}):

What (Conflict or Crisis):

Why (Worst Case Resolution Scenario):

Worksheet 4:
Story Premise Prompter 

Series Title:

Book Title: 
Volume Number:

Who (Series Main Character{s}):

What (Conflict or Crisis):

Why (Worst Case Resolution Scenario):

Book Title: 
Volume Number:

Who (Series Main Character{s}):

What (Conflict or Crisis):

Why (Worst Case Resolution Scenario):

Book Title: 
Volume Number:

Who (Series Main Character{s}):

What (Conflict or Crisis):

Why (Worst Case Resolution Scenario):

Worksheet 5:
Resource Catalog Checklist

Series name:

Note: You'll probably need a separate page for each of the items listed below. If the items produce a considerable output of information, you might want to consider putting them in a binder with separate sections or even individual binders for each.

Series specific terms

Timelines and histories

Specific settings
	Descriptions (detailed summary)
	Blueprints (images)

Specific organizational charts
	Descriptions (detailed summary)
	Blueprints (images)

Important items
	Descriptions (detailed summary)
	Blueprints (images)

Travel specifics
	Descriptions (detailed summary)
	Blueprints (images)

Setting specific maps
	Descriptions (detailed summary)
	Blueprints (images)

Miscellaneous details
	Descriptions (detailed summary)
	Blueprints (image)

Worksheet 6:
Culture, Society, or Race Building Basics
Include pictures or sketches wherever warranted

Society Name and Idiosyncrasies:

Average Life Expectancy and Age of "Adulthood" (and any rituals associated with coming of age):

Society Appearance (clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, other items worn, genetic, or utilized by gender):

Society Personality (generalities and details on personal hygiene and what things are private or personal):

Society Manner of Speaking (generalities and details on specific ways of articulating and the sounds made/impact with speech):

Motto (unofficial or otherwise):

Marriage and Family, Sexual Relationships (including roles of men and women in all) Norms and Taboos (what's accepted, what's encouraged and what's discouraged?):

Religion/Beliefs/Superstitions/Practices (including types of religious officials and death & burial rituals):

Educational System (what form or repositories exist for shared knowledge?):

Technology:

Government/Law Enforcement Structure (including leader{s} and/or governing bodies and how they're chosen, how laws are enforced and what happens if they're broken):

Architecture of Living Spaces (specifically in what kinds of groups and what kinds of building styles?):

Entertainment (i.e., what do they value? what do they frown upon?):

History [including space travel (if any), enemies, whether there have been any wars among the inhabitants and the reason for the war(s), military organizations, favored weapons and armor]:

Worst Disaster Faced:

Most Famous Hero/ine or Most Infamous Villain:

Attitudes Toward New Societies (including dealings with other societies):

Monetary System, if any and the Governing of Jobs (what is the society's definition of wealth and poverty?):

Medical Issues (what can be healed and what can't as well as how/where children are born):

High/Holy Days/Holidays and Name of Special Day:

Timeline of Pivotal Events in this Society:

Magical or Other Special Powers and Mechanics:

Worksheet 7:
World Building Profile Basics
Include pictures or sketches wherever warranted

Setting Name and Location in the Galaxy:

Setting Appearance:

Setting Climate/Seasons/Weather/Major Features including 
Important Landmarks:

Setting Wildlife and Domesticated Animals:

Animals/Pets:

Planet Flora and Fauna (specify edible):

Modes of Travel:

Modes of Communication:

Food/drink (including eating/drinking habits):

Most Common and/or Valuable Resources as well as Most Needed Resources:

 

Biggest City:

Travel (and Mode of Travel) Specifics (short- and long-distance):

Communication Specifics (short- and long-distance):

Important Location-specific Details:

Worksheet 8:
Main Character Building Profile Basics
Include pictures or sketches wherever warranted

Character Name and Nickname:

Character Appearance and Distinguishing Features:

Clothing Style:

Health:

Character Society/Setting:

Personality/Sense of Humor/Quirks/Sleeping Habits:

Parents:

Siblings:

Birth Date:

Love Interests (past and present):

Other Important Relationships/Best Friend(s):

Education Completed/Intelligence:

Job/Career/Money:

Descriptions of Personal Living Quarters:

Community Status:

Hobbies/Recreations/Areas of Interest:

Philosophies, including Religion:

Best Memory:

Worst Memory:

Attitude Toward Own Society:

Attitude Toward Other Societies:

Favorite Food/Drink and Least Favorite:

Secrets:

Backstory:

Pets:

Worksheet 9:
Culture Profile Summaries

Culture Name:

Setting of Origin:

 
Average Life Expectancy:

Societal Norms and Education:

Government Structure:

 

Monetary System:

Living Spaces Specifics:

Travel/Mode of Travel Specifics:

Important Characters:

Worksheet 10:
Premise Orientation Worksheet

Title:
Series Book #:

ANCHOR: Connecting the bridge from the last volume to next (The When):

ORIENT: Remember, set up before setting out. (The Who, What, When, and Why)

Series Premise Prompt (series blurb):

Previous Story Premise Prompts (back cover blurb):
	Book 1:

	Book 2:

	Book 3: etc.

SET OUT WITH PURPOSE: Extend the bridge toward new developments. Give readers hints on what they may have to dread/look forward to in this next installment.

Checklist:
Presentation Options 

o	Can a very large installment be offered both in one volume as well as in a set of logical, smaller parts--and each for around the same price?

o	If a recap is included in subsequent books in a series, is it as condensed and tight as it possibly can be? No more than one or two (but one is better) page? If more is required, can the longer summary be offered elsewhere and pointed toward in the short recap?

o	Have you offered a "Fast Series FAQs" in appendix of each book in a series that's presented in a condensed, user-friendly way?

o	Can a series compendium be offered as a free ebook with the purchase of the entire series at once?

o	How many of these formats can the series be offered in?
•	Trade or Mass Market Paperback (one volume and a set of the smaller parts for the same price)
•	Hardcover
•	Ebook/digital download
•	Audiobook/file
•	Movie/TV Series/Podcast/et. al.
•	Graphic novels/manga/comic books/hybrid

o	Has your series been suggested for purchase to as many physical and library apps (like Libby, Hoopa, Overdrive, etc.) as possible?

Collection
by award-winning author Karen S. Wiesner 
covers the A to Z's of crafting the highest quality fiction including how to:

•	Brainstorm and work productively to ensure that each stage in the writing process from prewriting to polishing produces masterful results the first time around.
•	Create an outline so complete it actually qualifies as the first draft of your book, allowing your first written draft to be final-draft quality.
•	Develop realistically three-dimensional and cohesive characters, plots, settings, relationships, and scenes so life-like and memorable your readers will be diehard fans.
•	Effectively prepare for a series in advance to prevent painted-in-a-corner scenarios in order to keep fans coming back eagerly for each and every installment.
•	Learn innovative techniques to write a complex sequence of stories that require overarching series arcs and immense world- and character-building.
•	Craft sizzling back cover, series, and high-concept blurbs for describing, promoting, and selling your books.
•	Maximize your potential and momentum for becoming a career author indefinitely.

With step-by-step guidelines, instructions, and tips throughout that are flexible and clearly written, imparting a layman's ease of understanding and can-do motivation, this collection may be the only writing craft books you'll ever need. Each volume has a bonus companion booklet presented in editable digital format that includes all the aids from the main book you can use in your own writing--and extras! A print edition is also available.
The seven volumes and bonus companion booklets in this collection are:

 1. First Draft Outline and First Draft Outline Bonus Companion Booklet
Publisher: http://www.writers-exchange.com/first-draft-outline/  
Amazon: http://mybook.to/FirstDraftOutline 
	
 2. Cohesive Story Building and Cohesive Story Building Bonus Companion Booklet
Publisher: http://www.writers-exchange.com/cohesive-story-building/  
Amazon: http://mybook.to/CohesiveStoryBuilding  

 3. Writing the Standalone Series and Writing the Standalone Series Bonus Companion Booklet
Publisher: http://www.writers-exchange.com/writing-the-standalone-series/  
Amazon: http://mybook.to/WritingtheStandalone  

 4. Writing the Overarching Series {or How I Sent a Clumsy Girl into Outer Space} and Writing the Overarching Series Bonus Companion Booklet
Publisher: http://www.writers-exchange.com/writing-the-overarching-series/  
Amazon: http://mybook.to/WritingOverarching 

  5. Three-Dimensional Fiction Writing and Three-Dimensional Fiction Writing Bonus Companion Booklet
Publisher: http://www.writers-exchange.com/three-dimensional-fiction-writing/  
Amazon: http://mybook.to/3DWriting 
 	
 6. CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction {A Writer's Guide to Deep and Multifaceted Development and Progression of Characters, Plots, and Relationships} and CPR for Dead or Lifeless Fiction Bonus Companion Booklet
Publisher: http://www.writers-exchange.com/cpr/  
Amazon:  http://mybook.to/CPR

  7. Writing Blurbs That Sizzle--And Sell! And Writing Blurbs That Sizzle--And Sell! Bonus Companion Booklet
Publisher: http://www.writers-exchange.com/writing-blurbs-that-sizzle-and-sell/  
Amazon: http://mybook.to/WritingBlurbsThatSizzle

3D Fiction Fundamentals Complete Series Collection (7 books in 1 volume)

Amazon series page: 
http://mybook.to/3dFictionFundamentals

Find out more here:
http://www.writers-exchange.com/3d-fiction-fundamentals-series/ 

You can find ALL our books on our website at:
http://www.writers-exchange.com 

All Karen's Books at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/karenwiesner

 On our website: http://www.writers-exchange.com/karen-wiesner/  

If you enjoyed this author's book, then please place a review up at the site of purchase and any social media sites you frequent!

About the Author

	In addition to having been a popular writing reference instructor and writer, professional blurbologist and freelance editor, Karen s. Wiesner is the accomplished author of 156 titles published, which have been nominated/won for over a hundred and thirty awards. The books Karen has edited have won multiple awards, and she's judged numerous writing contests.

	Her nonfiction has included more than a half-dozen writing reference manuals that teach writers story crafting techniques as well specific facets of the book industry, such as author promotional techniques and the ins-and-outs of electronic publishing. 

	Karen is the author of sixteen fiction series which cover such genres as women’s fiction, romance, mystery/police procedural/cozy, suspense/thriller, paranormal/supernatural, futuristic, fantasy, science fiction, gothic, inspirational/Christian, thriller, horror, chick-lit, and action/adventure. She also writes children’s books and poetry. Karen may begin illustrating children's books starting in 2027. 

Visit Karen's website and blog at https://karenwiesner.weebly.com/. Visit her Writers Exchange E-Publishing author page at http://www.writers-exchange.com/karen-wiesner/.