Why So many Books?

     While at conventions and discussing being a self-publishing author I have been asked many times, "Why a series? Why so many books?" In 4 days something is about to happen that has been 7 years in undertaking, the writing of the end of Laurels journey, and the Gliserwood Series. While this post may be long winded I wanted to write it to my readers.
     From the onset of writing I knew a few things: First, that I wanted my main character to be a female. Second, that I wanted my story to start off as so many do. That it was to have elements of the classic fairy tales that make you say “hum… well this is a lot like that.” Three, and probably most important, I wanted those elements to create a world, a world that you could constantly rejoin, that kids could pretend was real. And so while the classic elements were there I would add new things to grab the imagination, different dragons then what we had seen before, Flipityflops, Mcgongers, Purgers, Reedweavers.
Fourth and lastly, Laurel would be my muse and creator for this world. Through her story, I would start creating the fey world. The world I have dreamed about, that I want others to experience and dream about. It would take four books, I said. The first to introduce the world and my muse. The second to focus on magic, the third to bring focus on the conflict. And the Fourth, to resolve and reconnect to the world I had created. To finish the creation I had started, and allow at last for the Muse to rest, after creating a world of wonder.
     Again people ask me, “Was four books the best idea? It could have been one. It might have sold better.” For me that was not what Laurel was calling. Her song from the first words, were “Four books, Titles: Gliserwood, Winterthorn, Purger, and Summoning Seasons (that has never changed). Listen to my song,” Laurel called to me. “Listen and I will help you creature a world that different, fuller characters and creatures can fill. A place where future books can take place, under my love and protection.” 

    Ultimately you have to follow the Muse who is telling the story. Not the dollar signs you might get. So for those of you who have waited, and read four books instead of one. Thanks!