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Friday, June 29, 2012

Book Series



Do you like to read a single title book, or do you prefer series? 

For those who may not know, a single title is a book that stands by itself.  Book series can be several books using some of the characters from the first novel in the stories that follow.

Of late, I've been reminded why it might be a good idea to write stories in a series.  A woman called me and told me her mother had just read, The Catalyst, the first story in 'The Odyssey Mysteries,' and her mother was dying to find out what happened next.  She wanted to read all of my other books even the ones that weren't mysteries. 

When writing a manuscript, I may have secondary characters that become strong enough you have to write their story.  In the case of 'The Odyssey Mysteries', I planned to use two secondary characters, and I set up the plot for them.  If you set up the plot for a secondary character you don't have to go back to the original story and do the foreshadowing for the next book. 

I'm not a plotter, but I have ideas running around in my mind.  I write those ideas down and start incorporating them, so I don't have to rewrite so much. 

Because of my series three more of my books will sell.  I think it can be well worth writing a series.  What do you think?

Sandra K. Marshall
http://www.sandramarshallblog.blogspot.com
http://www.amazon.com/author/sandramarshall

13 comments:

Tina Donahue said...

To build a loyal readership quickly, I truly believe series are the way to go.

I never tried a series until last year with my Outlawed Realm. Book Two (Illicit Desire) is being released this Sept. Another series I've contracted (The Prophecy) will release in December with Book One - Come Fill Me.

Right now, I'm thinking series, series, series as a way to maximize readership.

Cora Blu said...

I write a fantasy series and am working on book II but have put out a novella a a short story with two characters from the first story. I had a lovely letter from a reader saying they were buying the next book sight unseen. Now there looking for my contemporary coming out.
I like reading series as well.
Great post.
Cora Blu

Karen H said...

As a reader, I love to read books that are connected either by plot theme and/or characters. Some of my favorite series are The Cynsters by Stephanie Laurens, The Hellions of Halstead Hall by Sabrina Jeffries, The Bastion Club also by Stephanie Laurens, The Merry Widows by Candice Hern....plus many more. In fact, very few authors I read write stand alone books. Well, actually their books can stand alone but characters past, present and future are generously mixed in. Sort of makes me want to come back for more!

Paris said...

I've found many new authors by becoming hooked on a series! My favorites are those that continue a theme but utilize characters that have already been introduced. I can never wait for their stories:)

Sandy said...

Tina, Cora and Paris, thank you very much for your comments.

Karen H, I'm so glad to hear other readers like series. At one time, I had heard they liked stand alone books best because they tied up all the loose ends. Thank you for your comment.

Anonymous said...

Every title of my last four historicals begins with "Almost", so that has created a series. I choose a character from one book to be the focus of the next which makes secondary characters wave their arms in the back of my mind and holler Pick Me, Pick Me!

Sandy said...

LOL I love the hollering of Pick Me, Pick Me, Polly. Those secondary characters are demanding.

jean hart stewart said...

I love writing series. Have two series, one on druids and one on mages, each series of eight books each. Fiery Pursuit is my first in a planned series on elves. I love finding out what happens to my characters through the years.

Cara Marsi said...

I personally am not a fan of series. But readers love them. I know indie authors who are making huge bucks on series. Readers eat them up. I'm now writing a sequel to one of my books. Might as well join the series frenzy. Good luck with your stories.

Janice Seagraves said...

I'm writer but I'm also a reader. I love reading series books and if I fall in love with a series I will hunt down every book in the series.

This year I'm writing my own series which I hope to launch soon.

Janice~

Sandy said...

Wow, Jean, druids, mages and elves.
I would like write a longer series where my readers learn about the characters over a longer period of time.

Sandy said...

LOL Now, Cara, you just might like series once you start. I understand how you feel. Sometimes, you just want your characters to be gone. Grin.

Sandy said...

Yep, I hunt those series down, too, Janice. Good luck on your series.

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