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.comhttp://www.amazon.com/author/sandramarshall
13 comments:
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.
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
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!
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:)
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.
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!
LOL I love the hollering of Pick Me, Pick Me, Polly. Those secondary characters are demanding.
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.
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.
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~
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.
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.
Yep, I hunt those series down, too, Janice. Good luck on your series.
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