The Insecure Writer's Support Group is a community of writers who share ideas and encourage other writers. It's a great place to express doubts and concerns as well as offer and receive tribulations and guidance from other writers. IWSG posts the first Wednesday of every month. I think you'll find it to be a great writer's resource that's well worth your time. Be sure to stop by and visit with some of the other IWSG writers/bloggers at IWSG Members.
The awesome co-hosts for the April 6 posting of the IWSG will be Megan Morgan, Chris Votey, Viola Fury, Christine Rains, Madeline Mora-Summonte, L.G. Keltner, Rachna Chhabria, and Patricia Lynne!
After my most recent series binge, I found myself thinking more about writing a series - which led me to wondering: How many authors accidentally stumble into writing a series - stretching a successful first "standalone" book into a previously unplanned series? Or how many authors always start out by planning to write a series from the moment they begin writing book one, page one?
My current w-i-p took root from an idea for a standalone novel, but I now see the potential for carrying the story/characters forward in a series. I'm left debating whether to go with my original plan and tie things up with a bow in this book or leave a few lines dangling for the possibility of future books with these characters who are demanding more time. My gut instinct is to write a satisfying ending for readers (not a fan of huge cliffhangers!) while leaving the door open for exploring more books. My dilemma is figuring out the best way to do that.
So, tell me . . . Are you Series*ously Addicted to reading and writing series? As a writer, which approach to writing a series do you take? Are you a stumbler or a planner?
I do enjoy a good series. Your cartoon says it all. I'm about to read The Gunslinger by Stephen King, and that series has 8 books. Woot. As for writing, I agree that you want even the first book in the series to have a satisfying ending. Just leave room for your characters to grow and for new challenges and mysteries in the future. Happy writing.
ReplyDeleteI think my longest series read to date is the In Death series by J.D. Robb...43 books & counting. I'm on my 3rd reread of the series! Crazy, right? Thanks for the advice, Shell, and for stopping by today!
DeleteI love a good series. I don't always find them right away. Nelson DeMille has a series of books that feature John Corey and his wife Kate Mayfield and they're clever, intense and generally hilarious. The same goes for Alex Delaware. I have NOT read the Gunslinger series by Stephen King and will have to check that out! The old 87th Precinct series by Ed McBain I read over and over! Thanks for letting my be your co-host this month! Viola Fury, aka Mary
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting this month, Viola! I, too, have to check out the Gunslinger series by King. I'm such a fan, but haven't read that.
DeleteHi Sandra, Catching up with IWSG 'cause April was just crazy for me. Love your eye catching title. I've read series e.g. Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich, M is for Murder by Sue Grafton, The Mitford series by Jan Karon. I usually lose interest after book 4, except for Jan Karon's stories. I have never written a series...all stand-alone mysteries, but I see possibilities of re-visiting my characters to at least add a sequel or prequel. Best wishes on taking on another series!
ReplyDeleteI'm a total series addict, Janet! I love a good standalone, but also love following a family or couple through several books in a series. Thanks for taking time to stop by!
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