Comments on: The Pros and Cons of Writing a Series (plus a Giveaway)

By: Laurie Schnebly Campbell

Laurie Schnebly Campbell — Fri, 29 May 2020 19:39:26 +0000

In reply to Laurel Greer. Laurel, what a lovely tribute to a writer whose series inspired you to create your own for the same line -- I hope one of these days you two wind up at a Harlequin party together! I've still never met the author who made me choose Special Edition (she lives in England), but we had a nice chat via email. And who knows when you'll hear "you inspired me" from another writer in the chain?

By: Laurel Greer

Laurel Greer — Fri, 29 May 2020 15:21:36 +0000

Writing and reading series is the best! One of the series that stands out to me that's from years ago is Jessica Bird's Moorehouse trilogy. One of my favourite Special Edition reads that made me want to write1 for the line.

By: dholcomb1

dholcomb1 — Thu, 28 May 2020 21:19:05 +0000

In reply to Laurie Schnebly Campbell. I didn't mean it was a bad thing, more of an unexpected blessing for some. And being pushed out of a comfort zone can lead to better writing.

By: Laurie Schnebly Campbell

Laurie Schnebly Campbell — Thu, 28 May 2020 14:57:23 +0000

In reply to Michael Mock. Michael, it says a lot about consistently enjoyable authors that they're comfortable (AND able) with both series and stand-alones. That's the mark of a writer who's at home with all kinds of stories, and that makes their work a lot more varied -- to the point where we never get tired of reading 'em. :)

By: Laurie Schnebly Campbell

Laurie Schnebly Campbell — Thu, 28 May 2020 14:53:55 +0000

In reply to jeannenicholas. Jeanne, what a great line about devouring all the scraps a beloved author has ever produced...isn't it a joy discovering obscure bits of writing that haven't made it to the easy-access sources? Even if the writing is the same quality as everything else that author's done, ti feels a whole lot more precious!

By: Laurie Schnebly Campbell

Laurie Schnebly Campbell — Thu, 28 May 2020 14:51:28 +0000

In reply to dholcomb1. Denise, being "cornered into a commitment" might be one of the most compelling reasons to write a series! That'd be an interesting question for series writers: how many of them got started because of a publisher's demand, when otherwise they would've stayed with stand-clones? Hmm...

By: Michael Mock

Michael Mock — Thu, 28 May 2020 14:24:23 +0000

Coming in late on this one, but yes: I have ideas for both standalone books and series. And, not surprisingly, the authors that come to mind as consistently enjoyable generally do both, though looking at my mental filing cabinet I don't seem to have any favorites that are known for open-ended series... or, well, there's one (Modesitt's Recluse series) but it's less an ongoing series than a collection of single books and duologies or trilogies all set at different points (historically and geographically) in the same world.

By: jeannenicholas

jeannenicholas — Wed, 27 May 2020 15:25:51 +0000

I'm writing a series. finished book one, half of book two, and the outline of book three, but its an ongoing series...not a trilogy. And I have about six books ongoing that are stand alone but could be continued with at least additional adventures. My favorite authors were Edgar Rice Burroughs Tarzan series, and Jean Auel Clan of the Cave Bear series. Their books were excellent examples of each one could stand alone but knowing the series was there was epic. I also love specific books within each series and tend to grab that book and read over and over. Is that a stand alone wannabe? I also enjoyed Wheel of Time series until the author decided to let someone else finish (boo). Those books were heavily dependent on the continuation of the series to find out how the author tied up the loose ends. I'm a series loving woman. My shelves of books however are eclectic and include a ton of stand alone books. But I really think that's just happy accident of trying new authors. Once I find a writer that I love to read, I devour all scraps they've ever produced.

By: dholcomb1

dholcomb1 — Wed, 27 May 2020 02:45:01 +0000

I read both.

I think it can depend on a publisher, too. Some may want a series proposal, and you can be cornered into committing to that if it's a chance for a contract.

denise

By: Laurie Schnebly Campbell

Laurie Schnebly Campbell — Tue, 26 May 2020 19:15:31 +0000

In reply to Sarah Andre. Sarah, it's always nice to see a fun party still continuing. :) And you've provided a great look at why somebody might want to switch from stand-alone to series...as well as why they might rather go in the other direction. But, either way, congratulations on taking a major step for a card-carrying pantser -- I bet you'll do it beautifully!