As an intro, I’d like to say that I’ve written loosely connected books (Desert Warrior & Craving Beauty are both linked by the same fairytale desert kingdom), and I’ve participated in a 12-author continuity (Awaken the Senses), but the Psy/Changeling series is my first series.
As I write this, I’ve just turned in book 5 (Hostage to Pleasure), and book 4 is about to release (Mine to Possess). I’m still stunned, amazed and excited the Psy/Changeling world, and I absolutely can’t wait to write the next book. So, what have I learned so far?
The first is that I ADORE writing a series. I love being able to revisit my characters and continue their stories. For example, Lucas and Sascha, the first couple in the series, have such an amazing future ahead of them and I don’t just have to put it in an epilogue—I can follow their development, watch their relationship grow and change with them. It’s a whole new ballgame and I love, love, love it!
As to practical matters—one thing I’ve learned is that I need to have the answers to questions before I pose them. What do I mean by that? For example, I have a character called The Ghost in the series. Nobody knows his true identity. Nobody that is, except me. I knew from his very first appearance exactly who he was—that way, I could write about him with confidence – ie. how would he react to a certain situation, would he be capable of doing x or y etc.
Another practical thing I’ve learned is that writing book 2 is harder when you don’t have complete notes on the events / characters / world of book 1. I wrote Slave to Sensation from my head basically. The whole world was in there. It still is. But with each book it grows, and I realized I’d need a guidebook quick-smart. So I have a series bible.
You can read more on the bible on the Behind the Scenes page of my website, but at the simplest level, it has character names, ages, eye color, height, hair color and familial links. For major characters, or characters for whom I’ve written a book, I’ll note down lots of other things. One example is Hawke, the SnowDancer alpha – he hasn’t had his book yet, but he’s been such a strong presence throughout the series that his bio is fairly complex already.
Yet, I know that even with the bible, I’ll have to go back through all the books and read the bits where Hawke is featured, before I write his story. The bible helps, but the books are the primary source.
I could keep going, but this post has already ended up a wee bit longer than I intended, so I hope I didn’t put anyone to sleep! I’d love to hear your thoughts on series—what’s your take? Do you enjoy them? What do you like most? Any other questions you want to ask on this topic?
Great topic, Nalini!!
My feelings about reading a series go back and forth.
I completely agree with you about being able to revisit characters. I love that. I love being able to see (for example) Lucas and Sascha and how their relationship gets stronger with each book. I love being able to see how my favorite characters impact the lives of soon-to-be written characters. I think that’s my favorite part of reading a series.
What I don’t like is when there is so much time between books that you forget. You forget what you love about the series, you forget why you loved the series in the first place. For me, Sherrilyn Kenyon is a perfect example. I started reading the Dark Hunter series when it first came out. After 7 years, we’re finally getting Ash’s book. My feelings on that are just ‘meh’. I’ll read it, but I’m not nearly excited about it as I once was.
I love your website! It’s probably my most favorite author website to visit because it’s just so informative.
I too am of two minds about series. In my case, it’s not the time between books (I’m still waiting for the next Outlander book, for example–impatiently as hell, but waiting all the same). For me it’s all in the execution.
When the universe has internal consistency AND the character development flows within the parameters set, series are teh BESTEST than EVAH!! Examples of looooong running series that (IMO) fulfill both these requirements are the “… In Death” and Suzanne Brockmann’s Troubleshooters series.
The appeal of the well written series for me is in becoming familiar with both a larger cast of characters and the world they move in. Being pulled into relationship dynamics beyond hero/heroine (or any combination of main protagonists), and into a larger group–team, family, etc.–and how the individuals grow into and through their interactions with the group.
I hope some of that made sense!
Hi Nalini,
I just want to say hi. I haven’t read any of your books yet but they are on my list. I have heard so much positve talk on them throughout blogland and I want to join in all the fun too!
Writing a series sound really complex. My hat’s off to you 🙂
If I love the world and the characters then a series is always a wonderful way to go. I’m very excited about Mine To Possess and knowing you have already turned in the 5th book is killing me 😉
I think Casee and Azteclady hit the nail on the head about series that go wrong. One, I don’t like to be baited. I loved Suzanne Brockmann – loved her! – but I couldn’t handle the over arcing romance that would take up to three books to get to. Sometimes even longer. After her Max and Gina book I realized that with that much anticipation it’s just that much harder for the author. I *think* there were 5 books with Max and Gina before they finally had their story and instead of reading about the *real* Max he became like all her other heroes. JMHO.
So yeah, staying true to character, true to the world created (Ward is starting to lose me with Virgin stuff and the fade) and having a sense of visiting with friends.
Cindys
I’m with Azteclady and Casee both. For me it’s both the time between and the execution. Casee mentioned SK, and I have to say her series is one I’ve gotten tired of. Not only because there’s so long between books, but also because she’s made her world so complex.
I’m an extremely anal reader. When an author creates a world and sets rules for it, I need her to stay true to them. The basic premise behind SK’s series is a fabulous one. But somewhere along the way, she lost it, and me. She broke the cardinal rules of her world, because she needed to make the HEA work. That bothers me a lot.
I think the best part about your series is that it’s something fresh. Everyone is writing vampires and werewolves, but you’ve taken it to the next level and opened a new door in the Paranormal world. I love it.
I also have to second Azteclady in the “In Death” series. I still anxiously anticipate each and every new book that comes out, and that’s pretty amazing considering there are, what? 30 books out now? That’s another series where the world is a fresh one. I’m not normally all about futuristic books, but your series and JDR’s series are so new and fresh..and totally believable.
Holly, yes! I’m so very anal about the internal consistency bits that I will stop in the middle of reading a book and back track to three or four books prior, if a sudden development/new rule pops up and changes the playing field. That drives me so utterly insane it’s not funny. (Well, not very funny at least)
Frankly, I admire writers who manage to keep this consistency going, while simultaneously finding points of tension between characters that, in some cases at least, have been introduced much earlier in the timeline.
And when each book keeps getting better- too many go the opposite way. I think then it should just end because it feels like the author is getting as bored with it as us!
(btw, Ms. Singh, your definitely keep getting better!!!)
Azetclady, I do the exact same thing. It drives me absolutely insane when characters/rules/etc change in the middle of a series. At that point I think it would be better for the authors to just quit.
I’m glad I’m not the only one. The girls here make fun of me for being so OCD about it, but really, if an author is going to create a world with set rules, I don’t think she should just break them to suit her purposes.
Exactly! Particularly when those rules are what drives the conflict in books one, two, four, and six, but don’t apply to books seven and on… or when the rules that do drive the conflict in books three and five NEVER have any bearing in the universe again!
WHA..????
*ahem*
(If I happen to come across as slightly insane… well, it’s ’cause I am)
Casee – thank you for the comment on the website! I’m really happy with how it’s going. My hope is that it’ll keep building up piece by piece.
Interesting comment about time – do you think if an author publishes consistently in the series (ie. 2 books a year or so), it makes any difference? Or do you think series should come to a close after x number of years?
Azteclady – I love the In Death books! And I absolutely see what you mean by the larger world. With the In Death books, we start out with Eve pretty much alone, then slowly she begins to get a family, until now, she has a very cohesive unit. I love seeing that development. This is one of the series that I still crave more books from after over 20 books.
Jill – hey! I hope you try them out. There’s a free short story on the website if you want to have a sneak peek :)(http://www.nalinisingh.com/princess)
CindyS – I hope you enjoy MtP! And with book 5 – I tell you, Dorian gave me a hard time LOL
I like what you said about visiting with friends. It really does feel like that for me, too, with favorite series.
Holly, thank you for the compliment 🙂 I have to admit that I’m fairly intense about rules too – continuity is really important to me because it’s what sets the foundation of a series. I need something to hold onto, to trust in, especially as a series grows.
Zeek – thank you! That means a lot.
I agree with the comments about the rules being consistent – it really bugs me when they suddenly don’t apply. Or if the deity of the series suddenly makes everything hunky dory. What was the point of the book if someones gonna wave their hand and make everything better?
Another thing about series are the characters. Theres a danger that the characters may become OOC from previous books. It annoys me when a beloved character turns into a complete prick during the course of the series.
Your series is amazing so far, Nalini! Keep it up!
So Nalini, can you see yourself continuing with this series like JD Robb and go all the way to book 30? LOL.
I am so exited about Dorian finally finding someone!! I think I have an idea who. Heh heh.
Azetclady,
THANK YOU! No, really. I’ve been ready to bang my head against a wall because of that.
Maered,
Excellent point about the characters changing in later books. I remember that happening in a favorite series by a favorite author and I about screamed.
Nalini,
To answer your question about X number of books, etc, I used to say 5 is a reasonable number for an author. But in recent years, I’ve found several series I’ve become addicted to that have way more books than that (just off the top of my head, The In Death series and The Stephanie Plum series). I think it all depends on the author and the way her series progresses.
But I think Casee meant the amount of time between books. Waiting 6 months isn’t too bad. Even a year (although I think that’s pushing it). But there a few series where it’s years between books. By that time, I know for myself anyway, I’ve forgotten half the stuff that happened to that point and although might have been excited about the new book at one point, by that time I’m over it completely.
Oh, something else that bothers me (Well, two things, actually) is when a series starts out with X number of books in Y amount of time (a book a year, or two books a year) then switches to a longer amount of time (say a year or two between books). Why tease us? 🙂
The other thing is when a series goes into hardback half way through. I’m not anal about how my books look (meaning they all have to be either hardback or paperback) but I do like my series books to line up.
Hey everyone 🙂
No HEA is ever absolute, so I love revisiting characters and seeing how they interact and grow as a unit as well as individually. I have to agree that waiting for the next book in a series is difficult (to put it mildly 🙂 I know that sometimes an author needs a bit of time away from the characters but…years is way too long (I’m thinking of Melanie Rawn here [OK, it’s fantasy not romance but the principle is the same] – who has yet to write the third book in her Exiles trilogy – the second book was published in 1997!!!).
I also like a series if there is diversity among the characters – not just what they look like but how they act/react. (The reason I say this is my best friend and I were discussing what we look for in a heroine and we both have very different ideas, but I think that is because of where we are in our lives at the moment.)
Oh, and I love the In Death books too (although I’m only up to ‘Remember When’).
orannia
Maered thanks! I do think characters need to develop, but definitely agree that they have to stay true to who they are.
Katie – if I can write books so interesting that people still want to read the series after book 20 or 30, I’ll be a VERY happy woman!! *grin* Seriously, though, it depends on the overarching story arc.
Holly – I understand your frustration with books that start out 6 months apart then switch to a year or so, but speaking as a writer, I can understand that (don’t all shoot me!).
Sometimes, with a long series, writers find they need to take a longer break from a particular series in order to come back to it fresh.
Orannia – I’m so jealous that you get to discover the In Death series! I’m hanging out for the next book – it’s very soon!
Hi everyone! This is a great topic, Nalini!
I confess to being a series junkie. I just love being able to read a book that focuses on a couple, learning bits about the secondary characters, anticipating those secondary characters having their own book, and of course following a complex (but not confusing) overarching series plot.
Having said that, everyone who has commented here has wonderfully articulated my same feelings about the successes and failures of many series on the shelves. In order for a series to be really outstanding, not only does the story line of each individual book need to be well executed, but the author must also be consistent and stick to the rules they have established in their world. Once an author makes arbitrary changes in those rules, the validity of the whole series just falls apart for me and the books are no longer enjoyable or satisfying.
I commend you, Nalini, for your attention to detail and the consistency you have upheld in your series. It has truly made reading your unique series a wonderful experience. I’m very much looking forward to all of your future books!
Speaking of future books, any idea how far away exactly Hawke’s book may be? (Sorry! I just couldn’t refrain from asking! lol)
I have to say that I don’t like waiting for new books, but I’d rather wait a bit more (say, a year between books) than have the books turn out sloppy because of author burn out.(So you should definitely take the time YOU need to write the very best books you can, Nalini. *ahem* If you don’t mind my saying.)
On characters changing, it’s all good if the change is in the sense of “growing up”–coming to terms with something, overcoming it, etc.–and really good if the reader has had glimpses of whatever underlying conflict could be there for a character (tormented hero, anyone?). But characters who are suddenly entirely different in their book than who they’ve been for the run of the series? Ack! Pulling hair time!
Or, conversely, characters who, once they’ve had their own HEA, are suddenly entirely different from who they were to begin with. Kill me now!
It is a delicate balance, and it takes skill to keep it for long. Frankly, not every writer can, or should–but those who succeed? Man oh man!!! It makes my day. Month. Year.
Not that I have an opinion or anything.
Christine – Hawke’s book – it’s not too far away. I don’t want to give a number because then I might make people grumpy *grin* if certain events cause the timeline to shift. But I won’t make you wait too long. 🙂
Azteclady – you’ve hit upon one of the things I personally don’t enjoy – when the HEA is made not so happy in the next book. I don’t mind the couple having challenges (like in the In Death books) and coming out of it stronger, but I don’t want something really awful happening to them!
Oh, and Azteclady – I’m good 😉 I actually get antsy if I stay away from the Psy/Changelings too long. I have all these tangent stories (sort of side roads from the main story) in my head that I’m going to have to write down one of these days!
So long as you don’t burn out, I’m a happy camper! Hey, is not as if I *want* to wait years between books! *impatient glance in the direction of a couple of authors*
*ahem*
Regarding tangents: oh I love those! When the universe is complex and complete enough that tangential stories with the same basic premise/rules can develop on their own? Joy!
It’s also an excellent way to avoid the original story arc/group of characters becoming stale.
Regarding happy couples in successive books, I don’t mind little bumps in the road. Orannia said it best, “no HEA is absolute”
However! If a hero/heroine who were tormented and brooding and menacing and dangerous and… Then, their book is done, and any time we see them again, they are all sunshine and kittens..? No, NO, please no! Why waste the character development and backstory like that? *head desk*
CindyS,
That’s exactly it!! I don’t like being baited. Suz Brockmann baited us with Sam & Alyssa then Maz & Gina. Both books didn’t live up to my expectations. I’ve felt baited by Sherrilyn Kenyon for years. Now JR Ward. I’ve gotten a little smarter though. Now I just refuse to let myself be baited (Side note to Nalini: Hawke aside. *g*)
So I think you stated it perfectly!
Nalini,
I think the time between books and the number of books just depends on the series. I can totally imagine the In Death series going on for 30 more books. I could also go a year between books (though I like the current schedule). I think the 6 months between books is good for new series’ because it doesn’t seem like very long.
This is a great topic. Like the others have mentioned, a series gets hard to take when the stories become more lame with time. Normally I would say a 3-5 book series is all I can handle but then there are people like Robb who have managed to keep me enthused for years. That’s a rare thing.
Nalini, I wonder how much pressure the author is under to get the next one out and if that contributes to the degradation in the story quality that we often see? It seems to me that there must be tremendous pressure on authors, not only from the industry side but from their readership. Another question, how much of a factor is the Internet in that pressure?
thanks 🙂
Laura
one more thing I should have mentioned up front…I love the Psy/Changeling series and am always eagerly awaiting the next one. No pressure but I sure do find Hawke compelling *grin*. Can’t wait for HIS story!
Nalini,
Believe me, I completely understand that an author may need additional time between novels, especially if a series is long standing and rather complex, it’s just frustrating as a reader when you’re used to having a book every 6 months and then all of a sudden it’s once a year. And even that isn’t so bad, but when it becomes years (or longer) between..well, it makes me wonder if it’s worth it to continue.
Holly – I totally understand your frustration with too-long waits. I tend to forget a lot of stuff if there’s a really long lag between books, and then it’s a case of finding the time to reread the whole series.
Question – if an author has a big lag between complete novels, but they’re putting out novellas in the meantime, would that help keep you interested?
Laura – I’m so glad you’re loving the series! Hope you fall madly in love with Clay 🙂
To answer your question – personally, I do feel a responsibility toward my readers, but for me, that means writing the best book possible each time. When the Psy/Changeling series first gained momentum, it was pretty head-spinning, but because I’d been published in category for several years, I was grounded enough to deal with things practically. When I go into my writing zone, it’s just me and the book.
But, for a newer writer, I can see that it might be tougher to deal with. It’s so easy to spend time on the internet and hear what people are saying. You really have to take a step back and figure out at what point it’s too much.
Hmm, interesting question. I’m not sure. It’s entirely possible, but I think it would depend on the author, series and time frame.
The thing is, I love to read, and when I fall in love with an author/character/series I want them NOW! I’m not sure I’d be happy at all, unless the books were releases weeks apart. LOL
So probably it goes back to the saying, “you can please some of the people some of the time…” 🙂
It is also a balancing act between keeping continuity (particularly when there’s a multibook spanning story arc), and making each book a full story that can literally stand alone.
I’m am obsessive enough that if I stumble upon an ongoing series, I hunt far and wide for the first book before committing to it–then I enjoy whatever books are out as fast as I can get them *ahem*
But there are people out there who may pick up the fourth or the seventh or whatever, and in order to hook them as readers, that one book has to be satisfying in and of itself.
Did that made any sense? I think I’m thinking in circles…
If I may, I love this topic and for once for it having been brought up. While reading through people’s comments here, I found myself constantly nodding at times and realized I wasn’t going crazy by being picky in long series.
When picking up books in a series, I tend to debate with myself. The wait, for one, is very hard. The second importance is (as everyone has mentioned) consistancy and quality (of the writing, characters, world, etc.).
Ms. Nalini, the issue of novellas-it does keep me going in long series. Kind of like snacking between very long meals. The wait does depend on the book itself since some authors would take years before the next book of a series comes out-being extremely good and interesting. Whereas some authors pump out 3-4 books a year and the quality becomes less than it could be.
I got tired of the In Death series about 7 books in, partly do to some of the aspects being not that believable. Although I do love seeing the characters continue to develop (especially with each other), the series didn’t really make me feel like I’m dying for the next book. I just read it when I think about it every few years. The Carpathians series by Ms. CF started with a great idea, but was not that strongly executed as it went on. It became a similar premise continually repeated in the same world. Now, she have 3 different series ongoing at the same time. I read every now and then, but like with the In Death series, there’s no driving need. Whereas Ms. SK’s Dark Hunter series mentioned early on did the exact same thing and on top of that, often gave me the feeling that it was continuing for continuations sake. I’ve basically stopped her books within the first few.
Long series often loses momentum. It can also starts depending too heavily on previously written novels, where I have to backtrack a few years just to remember why this person is upset with this character and what this world’s tiny loophole that was mention 5 books ago in one paragraph, only to find the author has not contradicted him/her self. Complexicty is nice, but not so much I stop enjoying it.
One thing I have found with every good writing/series is when I do stop reading the books for a while (waiting for the next novel), I go back to it and still find it fascinating. This is true with only a few authors I’ve read so far (romance and otherwise). I think azteclady put it best that series are a balancing act.
Thank you, everyone, for helping me feel that I’m not crazy.
Holly LOL – I guess that’s why it’s so cool when they do back to back releases of some series. But then you have to wait ages for book 4!
Azteclady – that’s an interesting point. With a series, especially one with an overarching arc, there probably comes a point where the author has to decide whether each book will stand alone. I think about this a lot as you can imagine 😉
Alice, hi! I don’t think anyone’s mentioned that yet – about taking a break from a series then coming back fresh. I think this is especially important when you find a series after lots of books are out and you just want to devour them one after the other! Sometimes it’s too much of a good thing.
One last question, I promise.
Is it possible for publishers to ask an author to write more stories than the writer would like?
I ask this because I was thinking about some of the asian stories I read/watch. In those cases, it is possible for the publishers to push authors to continue writing even when the author wants to stop a series.
Like with CF’s novels, I still race to get her single novels or short series, but feel as if her longer series are to fulfill novel quotas.
Am I making sense? I think I’m confusing myself.
Okiedoke, I’ll be quiet and lurk now. Many thanks again Ms.Nalini.
Is it possible for publishers to ask an author to write more stories than the writer would like?
Alice, no, I don’t think so – contractually speaking, an author usually has the right to walk away if they want (though they might have to fulfil some contract conditions ie. return an advance, to do so). Does that make sense?