Like most authors, I was a voracious reader long before I decided to write my first novel. There is nothing I enjoy more than losing myself in a great story. Sometimes the writing is so vivid and the journey of the characters so compelling that I hate to get to the last page. I don’t want to read those two little words “The Endâ€. NOOO! Tell me more! I want to find out what happens to the hero’s brother and the pregnant wife who left him for all the wrong reasons.
Enter series writing.
The first series I remember losing myself in was the science fiction Freedom series by Anne McCaffrey. I love those books. I picked up the first one at the local library, not knowing it was a series until I was half way through. I immediately went to the library and signed out the second, only to discover (argh!) the library didn’t have the third. I drove to the local bookstore and picked up the third book in the series that day! Anne McCaffrey had pulled me into her world and I had no desire to leave until everyone got their happy-ever-after!
James Patterson also hooked me into his “Alex Cross†series. I diligently read each book as they came out, excited to find out what Mr. Patterson would do next to this poor man. Then of course, there were all the families Nora Roberts wrote about, each brother, sister, and grandparent with their own journeys of love to catalogue and enjoy. So many authors I love to read have wonderful series. I can’t name them all, but suffice it to say … I just love series books!
Hmmm … maybe there’s something to this.
When I sat down to write my first novel I decided I too would like to eventually hook readers into a world and keep them there. My first erotic suspense book, The Healer’s Garden stands alone, but it is purposefully open-ended so I could continue the series. (It’s one of those I’ve got sitting on the back burner.)
There are many types of series writing, but the one I enjoy reading and writing the most are trilogies. There is a major plot running through the series, but the hero and heroine of each novel resolve a minor plot and find their happy-ever-after and the major plot isn’t resolved until the end of the third book. Usually the characters in this type of series are related in some way, either by friendship, a curse, location or blood bonds. (Nora Roberts’ Three Sisters Island Trilogy or Ashlyn Chase’s Strange Neighbors series.) It is a challenge to keep the major plot line woven into the minor plot of each book, but the payoff is worth the work! I can’t put this type of series down until I’ve read all three books and I can’t stop writing them until I’ve given each character their happy ending.
But trilogies aren’t the only type of series available to a reader or an author. There are also the series where the author uses the same hero/ine in each novel. Each story resolves a major plot, but the arc of the main character is a slow progression. At the end of these books, you understand our hero/ine has much to learn and there is still so much more growth potential. I’m anxiously awaiting the next installment of Jessica Andersen’s Nightkeeper series. It’s one of the few series I’ve followed through more than three books.
What about you? How far are you willing to read in a series?
I’m currently working on the third and final book of my contemporary erotic romance XTC (Ecstasy) Resorts series. The first book, Maid for Master is available from Ellora’s Cave.
BLURB:
Treat herself to a carnal weekend at the hedonistic retreat, XTC Resorts? That’s not something Claire Calderwood, a three-time loser in the relationship department, would ordinarily do. But at forty-one, having a successful cleaning business is no longer enough. She wants a chance to let go of all responsibility, submit to a stranger’s sexual demands and satisfy her darkest fantasies.
Jonathon Brierton has known his best friend’s sister long enough to recognize her submissive nature. He would like nothing more than to have Claire bound naked and at the mercy of his flogger as he teaches her the sensual art of obeying her Master. At thirty-something, he’s a successful real estate developer, owner of a BDSM resort—and hopelessly in love with the older woman.
When Claire follows him to his resort, Jonathon is certain he can keep his identity secret long enough to convince her that being restrained in his stocks is something that will satisfy them both. But lies, deceit and broken hearts may not be so easy to overcome.
0 COMMENTS
Na S.
12 years agoI'm willing to read a series so long as it keeps me interested and along the way there is a lot of development and some resolutations. I recently started the In Death series and am liking the chemistry between Eve and Roarke and also need to read more of the Laurel K. Hamilton books. These two series are daunting because they are so long but we'll see 🙂
Nina Pierce
12 years ago AUTHORNa S – I have only one series, the Nightkeepers by Jessica Andersen, that I've followed past three books.