Writing books in a Series
I write in series more often than not. I started with the 'Sasha' series of travel picture books, moved on to the 'Inspector Singh' series of crime novels and am now immersed in the sports 'Diaries' featuring Marcus, the world's worst sportsperson.
And as an author, I love doing so. There are various reasons for this, some good, some bad!
1. Familiarity with the central character. There is something very comforting in starting up a new document in Word but already knowing something about the central character. It's like meeting an old friend and yet suspecting that you're going to discover new quirks and habits as you get to know him/her even better.
2. Assuages the fear factor. I find beginning a new book absolutely terrifying. I have no idea what to write, only some half-baked ideas thats seemed good in the middle of the night but unworthy in the clear backlighting of my Mac in the morning. I would probably not overcome writer's block ever if it wasn't for the commonalities with previous books in the series that give me courage to begin.
3. Why let a good idea go to waste? I have to confess that I did not write the first book of any of the series mentioned above knowing upfront that they were going to be the first book in a series. However, when I enjoyed the process or writing the first one and they were well-received, it seemed a waste not to keep going ...
4. Laziness. I do fear that, because I am in my comfort zone writing sequels, that I occasionally eschew a new idea or a new project. I would hate to be lazy, to abandon a new dish and settle for seconds. After all, it might be the beginning of a whole new series!
5. Publishers. They really do love sequels as much as owners of movie character franchises. However creative you're feeling as a writer, there is enormous pressure to deliver the next one rather than a new one.
6. Readers. Once readers and the writer have developed a fondness for a character, it is very difficult to walk away and not write another one. It seems such an unfriendly thing to do. As many of my characters are somewhat autobiographical, it smacks of self-hatred too!
Have I left anything out? Let me know why you enjoy writing or reading series or prefer standalone books ...
With best wishes
Shamini
Shamini Flint
And as an author, I love doing so. There are various reasons for this, some good, some bad!
1. Familiarity with the central character. There is something very comforting in starting up a new document in Word but already knowing something about the central character. It's like meeting an old friend and yet suspecting that you're going to discover new quirks and habits as you get to know him/her even better.
2. Assuages the fear factor. I find beginning a new book absolutely terrifying. I have no idea what to write, only some half-baked ideas thats seemed good in the middle of the night but unworthy in the clear backlighting of my Mac in the morning. I would probably not overcome writer's block ever if it wasn't for the commonalities with previous books in the series that give me courage to begin.
3. Why let a good idea go to waste? I have to confess that I did not write the first book of any of the series mentioned above knowing upfront that they were going to be the first book in a series. However, when I enjoyed the process or writing the first one and they were well-received, it seemed a waste not to keep going ...
4. Laziness. I do fear that, because I am in my comfort zone writing sequels, that I occasionally eschew a new idea or a new project. I would hate to be lazy, to abandon a new dish and settle for seconds. After all, it might be the beginning of a whole new series!
5. Publishers. They really do love sequels as much as owners of movie character franchises. However creative you're feeling as a writer, there is enormous pressure to deliver the next one rather than a new one.
6. Readers. Once readers and the writer have developed a fondness for a character, it is very difficult to walk away and not write another one. It seems such an unfriendly thing to do. As many of my characters are somewhat autobiographical, it smacks of self-hatred too!
Have I left anything out? Let me know why you enjoy writing or reading series or prefer standalone books ...
With best wishes
Shamini
Shamini Flint
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Karen
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Apr 22, 2013 10:51PM
ANd once you're comfortable with the main character, you can start to develop the secondary characters more in later books. For example, I loved the emergence of Mrs. Singh in your India book. :)
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I like reading series coz subsequent book I would have known some foundation about the book . Something familiar. However I would prefer reading series in which each book can also be read stand alone. Not really fond of series which I have to chase book after book to know the ending. Lack of patience.
Also due to my "coconut" getting old and lack of space to store the story from book 1, 2 ...while waiting for book 3 to be publish unless the author would put a summary of what happen in book 1 & 2 to refresh my memory.
Karen wrote: "ANd once you're comfortable with the main character, you can start to develop the secondary characters more in later books. For example, I loved the emergence of Mrs. Singh in your India book. :)"Thanks, Karen - very good point that it gives one freedom to develop other characters. I was definitely itching to raise Mrs. Singh's profile!
Kathy wrote: "I like reading series coz subsequent book I would have known some foundation about the book . Something familiar. However I would prefer reading series in which each book can also be read stand a..."
Yes, you're right - should still be stand alone! Otherwise very confusing. I think an exception is for fantasy novels where readers sort of expect that the drama is 'to be continued'!
