Writing a series, I've discovered, requires focusing on more than one book at a time. Last month Checked Out for Murder, the fourth book in my Haunted Library series came out. This required months of promotion: Facebook parties, guest blogs, a virtual book tour, etc. At the same time I've been writing and editing Death On the Shelf, the fifth book in the series. And following my agent's instructions, I've started to outline Book Number Six. Then there are the price reductions and unexpected activity involving earlier books that demand my immediate attention. Is it any wonder I occasionally mismatch titles and murder suspects in my head?
The nice thing about writing a series is that your main characters and setting are already established. I'm very fond of my sleuth Carrie Singleton, Evelyn the ghost, and the others who populate my books. I enjoy writing about their experiences and relationships, and, of course, the mysteries they solve as the series progresses. Carrie works in the Clover Ridge Library. Her life is filled with colleagues, friends and relatives. As head of programs and events, she also has the opportunity to meet new people—very important to a series as each book in a series requires new situations, events, and themes. Personal issues arise as well as problems facing the community—all fodder for a murder mystery.
A cozy series provides readers with well-loved characters, a familiar sense of place, and the knowledge that all will be resolved in the end. At the same time, each book must offer new mysteries and new directions—a challenge to the author and not for the faint of heart.
coming up with new topics, or a new perspective on an established topic, is always a challenge.
ReplyDeleteReading a book in a favorite series is like visiting old friends. And the thrill when a new one comes out! The major frustration is that the author can't write any where near as fast as the reader can read.
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine how confusing it is for those who write more than one series! Was the promo more time-consuming in this age of COVID-19 or was it easier because all could be handled from home?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments, Margaret, Kathleen and Kait.
ReplyDeleteKait, I have friends who write 2 and 3 series at the same time. I marvel how they manage to do this timewise. At this point in my life, I could only write one series at a time.
@Marilyn, I agree. I have a friend who writes multiple series in multiple genres - I would definitely lose my mind and have my romance heroine hot on the trail of my serial killer showing up in my cozy while my sleuth baked cookies in the thriller! My admiration to those who can do it.
ReplyDeleteIn multiple genres! That is impressive! I'm with you, Kait. What I would like to do if/when I get some free time is 1) finish a children's book, the third in a series and 2) write a few short stories.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on writing a successful series! It's a tribute to your talent, creativity, and hard work that you've accomplished so much.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Saralyn. You are very kind. And it's true about the hard work. I find I'm doing more and more "book-stuff" related to my books. We're in a mystery writing community and even in this Time of the Covid we are very active Zooming and in communicarion with our readers and with each other via social media.
ReplyDelete