i think a lot of 19th century serial writers wrote like TV writers of today. many of them kept a master outline and worked toward cliff hanger "chapter" or "episode" endings. but they also hired people to do their research, add filler, etc. some of them were sloppier about tying up all the ends than others (i'm thinking of Dumas compared to Dickens here).

i originally started this project as a single novel. then it was several novels. then suddenly many novels. it got so that the story was so enmeshed, it seemed almost like even though each book could stand on its own, they worked together a lot better ~ and it was the only way to make the overarching premise "work". so in many ways, Reconstruction is self-contained stories with themes that connect them toward an amalgamated ending.

if that makes sense?

: D