I highly recommend reading as many trilogies as you can if you plan to write your own. There are so many ways to go about achieving these ends. That said, if your story can’t be reduced to two books but you’re still worried about keeping readers engaged, I recommend going back to basics. Consider the methods authors employ to create new conflict and stimulate character growth, how each book in their trilogy ties together, and what changes they make to ensure each book feels fresh and exciting. So, you needn’t worry that limiting your series will somehow drive readers away. Though they're nowhere near as popular as their three-booked companions, duologies have found their way into the limelight in recent years.

Instead, consider writing a duology - a two-book series. In my opinion, if you’re struggling to create a stimulating second installment for your trilogy, it’s likely your story shouldn’t consist of three books in the first place. Writers who feel pressured to write a trilogy when their story’s plot doesn’t justify it will often fill book two will contrived conflict, ramping up meaningless drama and increasing shock factor in an attempt to keep readers engaged until their series’ finale.

Trilogies often suffer from saggy middle syndrome with book two acting as filler, its sole purpose being to connect the establishing conflict of book one to the big showdown of book three. Question #1: How can I ensure each book in my trilogy engages readers without relying on cliffhangers or other gimmicks?

Outline trilogy