Joyce Palmer: Writing and Reading Series (Contest)

Thank you, Delilah, for inviting me to post on your blog. I appreciate your never-ending support of authors. May the seeds you’ve sown in us continue to reap a harvest of dreams beyond your greatest imagination.

The topic I’ve chosen to post about today involves the recent trend toward series romances. Since the beginning of my writing journey many years ago, with lots of starts and stops through the valley of life’s reality, I’ve written several standalone stories. Having created a fictional town that I called Edison Bay—inspired by the place I have lived my entire life—I set many stories in that location. But I didn’t connect the characters except for a brief mention here and there.

With almost every title, someone asked for the supporting characters to get their own story. I didn’t pick up on it then, but I realize now my readers were calling for a series.

Personally, I love reading romance series. It allows us readers to get to know the people, fall in love with them, and follow their lives as their connections are further established. I find myself thinking about the characters as if they’re real people. I know many of you do, too. It’s kind of comical.

If you’re like me, you enjoy series that include a great number of stories, and sometimes there are so many that it’s difficult to keep up—especially if you read them out of order. Don’t you just love the ones where the author provides a family tree at the beginning? Some even offer a download list to help the reader keep track. I’ve started keeping a notepad listing of favored authors’ series stories, marking them off as I read each one. Of course, if you use Amazon or Goodreads, or maybe there are other programs, the record is available. Who knew reading could be so much work, right?

Sometimes, we come across a brand-new series and enjoy reading them as the stories get released. Guess that’s why they started the practice of Pre-order. Just the knowledge that another one is coming keeps the interest flowing. It’s as if the emotional low when you’ve finished reading a heartwarming tale and realize the people will forever be merely a memory blossoms into excited anticipation when there’s another story featuring the characters you’ve grown to love. Except when you reach the end of the series. Kind of like binging on a television series and the letdown when it’s over, canceled, or someone dies, and the saga must end.

Sad, but now the memories are greater, filled with more stories, more details, and more of those characters we love. Sometimes, they inspire fresh stories and a new series; the creative prospects are endless.

At the beginning of 2024, I dusted off my writing hat and went to work after taking a few years off. To keep up with the trend, I ventured into writing my first series of three stories. With the memory of the pressure of deadlines, my plan was to write all three stories before submitting to a publisher. This worked out well because it allowed me to make changes within any of the three stories for enhancement and consistency. Also, I had the time to proofread many times for inconsistencies.

As you can see, writing a series can be rewarding, especially if you can hold off getting it published until you’ve completed the set. There are also challenges. Not the least is making every one of your characters have their own unique personalities, with likes and dislikes, talents, and flaws consistent throughout every story, and their own speech patterns. Does the hero call the heroine baby? Or sweetheart? Or something completely unique? Is the heroine a bath or shower person? Does she wear bikini panties or G-strings? Does he wear boxers or briefs?

Many times, I cried. Wondering what have I done? Am I crazy? The answer is YES! The challenge is fun!

Now that I’ve successfully completed my first series, and the stories are being published by Evernight Publishing, I’m working on a new series. This time, I’m not asking myself if I’m crazy. I know I am, as I’ve decided this one needs to be six stories. It’s exciting. I want to talk about it here, but it’s not the time yet.

Most likely with this series, which I’ve entitled Taylor Made for Love, I won’t be able to hold off until completion of the entire series. I have a publisher, and it’s important to keep myself relevant, which will require the writing of more books. It’s a challenge, but fulfilling. If you’re interested in learning a bit about my new project, you can check out my current work in progress page on my website: www.joycepalmer.com.

Maybe Delilah will invite me back to discuss something related to those stories when the time comes. Until then, please check out my current series entitled Seduced by Mr. Right.

LOVING AMANDA, Book 1, is a friends-to-lovers, age-gap contemporary erotic romance featuring Amanda Reynolds, who has always had a thing for older men. Her best friend’s father, Detective Daniel Garrison, a widower and seventeen years her senior, sets her body on fire, and her heart into overdrive. Released August 1, 2025.

CAPTIVATING BARBARA, Book 2, is an enemies-to-lovers, contemporary erotic romance featuring Barbara Ryan, a woman of unwavering independence who longs for a soulmate to fulfill her dream of a traditional family. The last man she expected it to be was Detective Adam Sinclair, the commanding, overbearing detective who keeps meddling in her life, stirring her body and emotions in unexpected ways. Released today, October 3, 2025!

EMBRACING NICKI, Book 3, is a neighbors-to-lovers, contemporary erotic romance, featuring Nicki Hamilton, an amazing friend with male trust issues. If she is to gain her dream of true love, like her friends, she will need to step out of her comfort zone and take a chance on her hunky next-door neighbor, former pro footballer and current assistant state attorney, Trent Brannigan. Not yet released!

Each story is a true sequel, starting where the previous one leaves off. If you’re inclined to purchase and read, I appreciate you very much. I hope you find my stories as enjoyable to read as I enjoyed writing them. And I hope my characters live in your memory longer than in a passing moment because you find them irresistible.

I’d love to hear what you think about romance series. Do you like your stories to continue with supporting characters? Or, because of our fast-paced lives these days, do you prefer a quick read and then move on to the next with no connection between them?

Comment for a chance to win a Kindle copy of Seduced by Mr. Right, LOVING AMANDA, Book 1 and CAPTIVATING BARBARA, Book 2.

Seduced by Mr. Right (2 book series) Kindle Edition

The post Joyce Palmer: Writing and Reading Series (Contest) first appeared on Delilah Devlin.