Mastering Retcon: Elevate Your Fantasy Series with Retrospective Continuity
For authors of epic or high fantasy series, retrospective continuity (or retcon) is a powerful tool. After finishing the last book in a series, some authors choose to revisit their earlier works—refining the storyline, addressing plot holes, and adding depth that aligns with the now-complete narrative. Retconning is not just about editing; it’s about transforming a story into its best version and rewarding loyal readers with an even richer experience.
Why Retcon?
When you reach the end of your series, you’ve gained a complete understanding of your characters, plot, and world. You know where the story ultimately goes and what resonates with your readers. This knowledge allows you to reshape your beginning to align with the end.
Working with one author on retconning their first book after completing the series, we found ourselves able to:
- Add subtle foreshadowing to enhance the storyline.
- Deepen character backstories and arcs.
- Strengthen thematic connections.
It’s also a chance to address issues stemming from the growth of the author and the story itself. Writing a multi-book series takes years—often a decade or more. During that time, the author evolves, and elements that felt groundbreaking in the first book may feel lackluster in hindsight. Retconning allows you to apply the wisdom and skill you’ve developed throughout the series to earlier works.
The Benefits of Retcon for Readers and Authors
For readers, a retconned story provides added value. A revised first book can make the entire series more cohesive, providing clarity and enriching the experience of rereading the story.
For authors, it’s an opportunity to boost sales and engagement. When the revised series is presented as a polished, complete bundle, it gives readers a compelling reason to revisit or invest in the story.
Consider the example of my friend who reread Harry Potter in an anniversary book set. She remarked, “Now it makes a lot more sense.” The continuity and polish of a retcon can elevate a beloved series to timeless status.
The Risks of Retcon
While retconning has its advantages, it’s not without risks. One common pitfall is misunderstanding what readers loved about the original. This issue often arises in other storytelling mediums as well—such as the gaming industry.
Take Devil May Cry, for example. The first game captivated players with its strong storyline and atmospheric depth, though its gameplay had some rough edges. In the sequel, developers focused heavily on improving gameplay but neglected the narrative and aesthetics, alienating fans. The franchise only struck the perfect balance in the third installment.
Similarly, authors must avoid stripping away the elements that made their first book compelling. Readers form emotional bonds with characters and specific story beats; disrupting these can lead to disappointment.
How to Retcon Effectively
Here are key strategies to make your retcon a success:
Stay True to Characters
Characters are the heart of your story. Maintain their core traits and flaws, especially those that readers resonate with. Retconning isn’t about rewriting personalities but about deepening them.
Preserve Continuity
Retcons should enhance, not contradict. Ensure the revised story stays within the established timeframe, worldbuilding, and technological constraints of your series. Avoid introducing elements that raise questions about why they weren’t present later.
Example: In Harry Potter, a common critique is why the Basilisk venom Harry was exposed to in Chamber of Secrets didn’t destroy the Horcrux within him—a plot hole that arises when revisiting earlier books after the seventh.
Focus on Foreshadowing
Use retconning to weave in hints that enrich later revelations. Readers love “aha” moments when earlier details click into place.
Mind the Prologue Trap
If adding a new prologue, ensure it’s relevant and meaningful. It should tie directly to the main storyline, offering insight or intrigue rather than an unwelcome shift in tone or setting.
Research Your Readers
Take stock of what your audience values in your work. Beta readers, reviews, and fan discussions can provide valuable insight into which elements of your story to preserve and expand.
How Retcon Complements Worldbuilding
Retcon isn’t just about fixing; it’s about expanding. For epic fantasy, maps, cultures, and history are as much characters as the protagonists. Retconning offers a chance to enhance these aspects:
- Show cultural growth over time.
- Flesh out geopolitical conflicts.
- Add depth to magical systems and histories.
For example, retconning could add details about trade routes or environmental factors that explain why one kingdom invaded another. These enrich the plot and deepen reader immersion.
The Emotional and Narrative Payoff
War scenes, pivotal deaths, and major conflicts can gain emotional weight through retconning. By revisiting these moments, you can create parallels, callbacks, or contrasts that weren’t possible when you first drafted them.
Short, impactful sentences can quicken the pace of action scenes, while longer, descriptive passages can draw readers into emotional or reflective moments. Retconning allows you to refine this balance.
Final Thoughts
Retconning is an art that, when done well, can elevate your fantasy series to new heights. It’s not about rewriting history but about reimagining it in a way that feels authentic, cohesive, and enriching.
Remember, the best retcons don’t just fix—they illuminate. They show readers new perspectives, add layers of complexity, and make the entire story stronger. Done thoughtfully, retrospective continuity can turn a beloved series into a masterpiece that stands the test of time.
