Advice on how to introduce a sequel to a story

[Dearelliot]

I'm seeking someone to edit just my sequel's opening paragraphs.

Two or three years ago I wrote a story, "A Soldiers Diary." A story about a retired American soldier who returned to Berlin in search of Elizabeth, a professional Dominatrix he had met and lived with 16 years earlier when he was first stationed in the divided city of Berlin. In the first story, he finds Elizabeth sitting in a bar and she agrees to move in with him. The Sequel begins with them leaving the bar and going to his apartment.

 

[StillStunned]

The way I see it, you can do either of two things:

Firsts, include a short summary ("Author's note: in the original story, this and this happened, now you're up to speed.") Keep it to an absolute minimum, try to make it lighthearted and appealing. You don't want to scare your readers away.

Second, just skip the summary and assume your readers are familiar with what happened, or can figure it out from the information you include in the new story. Because let's face it, it's rare for any reader to be anywhere near as invested in your story as you are. Most of them just want to read, and not have to think too much about what's gone before.

Either way, be sure to include a link to the first story in an author's note at the beginning, preferably with a disclaimer along the lines of "This is a standalone sequel. You don't need to read the first story to enjoy this one."

 

[Dearelliot]

Yes, thank you...I'm hoping someone ..sort of an editor type, would read the two paragraphs I've written introducing my sequel and express an opinion.