CerysAnne
asked
Kristen Ashley:
So far, the books of yours I've read are in a series, but they're all standalone novels. Do you prefer to write standalone's? And would you ever write a series that's all about a certain set of characters? (
Kristen Ashley
This is actually a complicated answer!
Okay, I'll get started.
First, I like the idea that if someone happens on to one of my books, and it isn't the first in the series, that they can enjoy that book without feeling they have to stop reading it and find the first book in the series. Though, when this happens, it'd be awesome if they wondered who all the other characters were and went back to discover them! :-)
Though, there are books I've written in a series that may have a new couple in that series, but it helps to have read the others. Specifically my Fantasyland series. There's a LOT of world-building going on there and if you don't know what's happened before, I can imagine it'd get super confusing.
Now, second, I'm an instant gratification type of girl. Way back in the day, when someone shot JR on Dallas (and I'm one of the few who can still wear an "I Shot JR" T-shirt, ha!) I don't know how I survived the summer!
Although a book isn't instant gratification, I personally don't like to be left hanging at the end. I like to know when I start a book that when I finish it there will be a resolution for the characters I've been spending time with.
This doesn't mean that I haven't done cliffhangers (MATHILDA, SUPERWITCH is a cliffhanger, though I didn't think I'd be leaving that hanging for so long! GAH!) or I haven't left threads dangling I intend to pick up in later books. I have. But it does explain why I prefer to focus on one couple for their book and leave them in a good place before I hit another book in the series.
That said, I never say never except to say I never would say never! I don't know what will inspire me or capture my attention. Anything could happen. I could delve into a series that is about a certain set of characters that could take the entire series to see the various resolutions. It's just that this hasn't happened...yet. :-)
Okay, I'll get started.
First, I like the idea that if someone happens on to one of my books, and it isn't the first in the series, that they can enjoy that book without feeling they have to stop reading it and find the first book in the series. Though, when this happens, it'd be awesome if they wondered who all the other characters were and went back to discover them! :-)
Though, there are books I've written in a series that may have a new couple in that series, but it helps to have read the others. Specifically my Fantasyland series. There's a LOT of world-building going on there and if you don't know what's happened before, I can imagine it'd get super confusing.
Now, second, I'm an instant gratification type of girl. Way back in the day, when someone shot JR on Dallas (and I'm one of the few who can still wear an "I Shot JR" T-shirt, ha!) I don't know how I survived the summer!
Although a book isn't instant gratification, I personally don't like to be left hanging at the end. I like to know when I start a book that when I finish it there will be a resolution for the characters I've been spending time with.
This doesn't mean that I haven't done cliffhangers (MATHILDA, SUPERWITCH is a cliffhanger, though I didn't think I'd be leaving that hanging for so long! GAH!) or I haven't left threads dangling I intend to pick up in later books. I have. But it does explain why I prefer to focus on one couple for their book and leave them in a good place before I hit another book in the series.
That said, I never say never except to say I never would say never! I don't know what will inspire me or capture my attention. Anything could happen. I could delve into a series that is about a certain set of characters that could take the entire series to see the various resolutions. It's just that this hasn't happened...yet. :-)
More Answered Questions
Gea
asked
Kristen Ashley:
I'm really curious about something, might be silly, but how do you think Roxie reacted when she heard about everything that happened in the 'bur? If I'm not wrong, even though she's younger than them, she grew up there and she'd probably known them all her life! And what about knowing her parents still live in the 'burg and went through all that craziness? did Trish give her daily updates? Is Herb a regular at J&J's?
Elaine
asked
Kristen Ashley:
Hello Kristen, I just finished the first 4 books from the Colorado Mountain series. Before starting Book 5, just wonder the February is the same one from the Book 1 of the Burg series? ? Also want to tell you I love all your books I read including the unfinished hero series. Top 2 I like are the Creed and the Gamble. Will always remember them.
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