tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post1980382315045636171..comments2024-02-20T07:57:47.756-08:00Comments on Carol Hedges: Serial Killers: A series versus a one-off book?Carol Hedgeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10359578624109905400noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-30993519950954400512015-06-18T06:07:20.586-07:002015-06-18T06:07:20.586-07:00Thanks for dropping by Elyse.... I have just decid...Thanks for dropping by Elyse.... I have just decided to change my detectives for Book 4...but still keeping the same time and style.... thus widening the possibility of running it as a longer series...Carol Hedgeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10359578624109905400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-46084788252993224172015-06-18T04:09:38.309-07:002015-06-18T04:09:38.309-07:00Great Blog and I totally agree with how you are in...Great Blog and I totally agree with how you are interpreting books 1-5. I'm at that point right now, writing Book #3 in a thriller series. What I've done to try to change it and not regurgitate book 1 & 2 is use characters from the previous books that did not have a lot of "air time" and give them some. I also move the setting somewhere different. Book 1 was in Tibet, Book 2 was in Egypt and now Book 3 is in Alaska. BUT, it's so hard. I'm so nervous like you said that this is "the pivotal book" and hope I do it justice, but I find myself stalled on chapter 5. I think I just need to try to spit it out and clean and fix later. Great blog. And for the record - the only authors that think series are cop-outs are the ones that CAN'T DO a series, so they mock. A series requires a ton more work than a stand-alone. It has to stand the test of time. Keep going, you sound like you can do it if you just keep trying!Elyse Salpeterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09857264377836261431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-88147726894665427302015-06-16T09:32:14.004-07:002015-06-16T09:32:14.004-07:00I really enjoyed your 2 Stride & Cully books s...I really enjoyed your 2 Stride & Cully books so am glad to hear #3 is on its way. Whichever direction you choose - just keep writing! :)Blondeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02491492455111869622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-35478230630593049302015-06-14T05:08:34.392-07:002015-06-14T05:08:34.392-07:00I think if the characters are well-established, it...I think if the characters are well-established, it is hard to let them go.<br /><br />My first novel was most definitely a stand-alone (though it started out just as a personal project). I've had an idea for a possible sequel to my second one, but that's still very much at the concept stage. The editor of my third one (just released) told me that she'd like to see the same characters come back in another book, so who knows?Broad Thoughts From A Homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08798249743031672360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-52910874173552939872015-06-14T04:23:34.192-07:002015-06-14T04:23:34.192-07:00Janet Evanovitch and Donna leon. would be my names...Janet Evanovitch and Donna leon. would be my names.Carol Hedgeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10359578624109905400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-23479809603606999622015-06-14T04:23:04.582-07:002015-06-14T04:23:04.582-07:00I take my hat off to to you and Lesley! and I do s...I take my hat off to to you and Lesley! and I do see that they can be restricting..BUT they must sell well as the bookshops are full of them... maybe a different story if you self-pub..though with the amount of work you (and I) do, I think we'd hack it.Carol Hedgeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10359578624109905400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-22936019200285672902015-06-14T03:54:02.781-07:002015-06-14T03:54:02.781-07:00Great post, Carol. When I wrote The House at Zaron...Great post, Carol. When I wrote The House at Zaronza, I never envisaged taking it further. Now, I am thinking of another 2, possibly 3, although that won't take me to the magic 5. I think writing a series is a double-edged sword. You get the impression that some authors rest on their laurels and that the later books in the series are distinctly inferior. I won't name any names. But I'm sure it's difficult to keep up the momentum. Good luck, anyway. I'm looking forward to your nos. 3 & 4.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-45610532415995370892015-06-14T02:05:26.090-07:002015-06-14T02:05:26.090-07:00As a reader I think 5 books in a series is a bit m...As a reader I think 5 books in a series is a bit much - unless I really love it. As a writer, I don't know why no-one sees the downside of the idea of a series. It's fine if you've got a supportive indie publisher, or are trad pubbed, or are a self-pub who's really nailed it, but if you're just an average seller it's so restricting. Unless they're real standalones, like yours, the sales for book number two will be limited to those who've bought and enjoyed the first one enough to want to carry on reading about those characters, whereas if you write a lone novel you could pick up new readers from anywhere. I think I need to write a post about this, too!! (I write 2 book a year, too, btw, and have no other life :^D)Terry Tylerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15077413235902203848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-91695644135426588012015-06-14T01:57:50.662-07:002015-06-14T01:57:50.662-07:00TWO books a year? Amazeballs! I had to produce one...TWO books a year? Amazeballs! I had to produce one every 18 months for Usborne. Couldn't possibly do 2 a year. When do you get out into the real world?Carol Hedgeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10359578624109905400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-21294872959315912142015-06-14T01:44:54.900-07:002015-06-14T01:44:54.900-07:00We-e-el, now... The first book in my current serie...We-e-el, now... The first book in my current series was bought by the publisher before it was finished, and I was asked then if it could be the first of a series. I said yes, of course, because I read crime/mystery series and loved them, but to be honest I didn't expect to get further than two books, if that. Now, 15 books in, I'm stuck with it. I'm contracted to do 2 books a year and I no longer have the energy to do something else as well.Lesley Cookmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10699182779296799170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-56903583652371232562015-06-13T15:06:26.001-07:002015-06-13T15:06:26.001-07:00Very interesting post Carol and I do love a series...Very interesting post Carol and I do love a series but it takes quite a bit of commitment from a reader especially when there are so many other books out there to distract you. Having said that I am on W of Sue Graftons Alphabet series and haven't flagged yet!! <br /><br />Mine was always going to be a series but of only 3 - no plans beyond that though I've made mistakes here in that in my opinion you do need to start at the beginning and read them through rather than jump in half way - years ago I guess it would have been just one big blockbuster rather than a series.Georgia Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08617952846902258246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-89598631448542177972015-06-13T06:35:24.945-07:002015-06-13T06:35:24.945-07:00As a reader, I can get drawn into a good series by...As a reader, I can get drawn into a good series by the main protagonist(s). However, I tend to have a few series on the go, in that I keep liking different styles. But I suppose that means that I can jump ship, when I get bored.<br /><br />Maybe that applies to my writing too. Debut novel - a mystery - has two sequels in the pipeline. I am plotting a series of three mysteries set in North Wales. And there is more, so I can't see there being a 4th or 5th. Chop & change seems to be my life... about to move house too. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-69166795572078996082015-06-13T05:12:33.679-07:002015-06-13T05:12:33.679-07:00Yikes.Yikes.Carol Hedgeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10359578624109905400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-41652323901285204612015-06-13T05:12:16.441-07:002015-06-13T05:12:16.441-07:00will do. I've been asked so often to write ano...will do. I've been asked so often to write another book about my sulky teen heroine of Jigsaw Pieces...which backs up your experience.Carol Hedgeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10359578624109905400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-8266661405888465182015-06-13T05:11:23.030-07:002015-06-13T05:11:23.030-07:00I think standalone ones work AFTER a series is est...I think standalone ones work AFTER a series is established ..as you say, readers like what you write, so will read anything else. I'm not sure how you keep on writing standalone novels and attract the same readership...Carol Hedgeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10359578624109905400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-208046649263925982015-06-13T05:10:09.055-07:002015-06-13T05:10:09.055-07:00Didn't cover this, but it is a good point. Som...Didn't cover this, but it is a good point. Sometimes better to do a series of shorter books rather than try to cram it all in... Donna Tartt comes to mind...Carol Hedgeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10359578624109905400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-85943255197117159682015-06-13T04:34:58.434-07:002015-06-13T04:34:58.434-07:00I may write in a different genre, but had the same...I may write in a different genre, but had the same thing happen. The story wound up stalling out on me as I was working through it. When I stopped and actually looked at why it was stalling it was because I was trying to cover too much ground for a single book. There were two distinct story arcs included. <br /><br />I broke out the second, figuring that would be the end of it, and the dagnab story took into its dear little storybook hands to explode on me. Now, I'm wrapping up book 3 out of a 5 book series, and there are spin offs trying to bubble up to take the limelight. (I'm managing to keep the lid on those for the time being... want to finish one before I get bogged into the next.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-53774027290075532522015-06-13T04:09:35.505-07:002015-06-13T04:09:35.505-07:00I see the series as providing the commitment I req...I see the series as providing the commitment I require from a lover. The long term security of familiarity but with enough excitement to keep me on my toes. Whereas a one-off is a bit like a one night stand...great at the time but over far too quickly and not always leaving you with a sense of fulfilment. Lynn Gerrardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18061020895933480996noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-80015475075683818562015-06-13T02:59:25.832-07:002015-06-13T02:59:25.832-07:00Couldn't agree more. Shaman's Drum was mea...Couldn't agree more. Shaman's Drum was meant to be a stand-alone but books 3 (and 4) are now in the pipeline. Readers demand, we supply. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-31657789981126018802015-06-13T02:51:45.516-07:002015-06-13T02:51:45.516-07:00What a great post, Carol. I recently asked my youn...What a great post, Carol. I recently asked my young adult Facebook followers this exact question and they all opted for a series. As a reader, I agree. Getting involved in the evolving life of a character is wonderful. I read YA so devoured Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series (8 in total!) and I'm waiting for book four of Sarah Maas's latest series. <br /><br />When I wrote my first YA book it developed a life of its own and I now have book two at editing stage, and book three at plotting. I've thoroughly enjoyed developing my characters over several books. <br /><br />I'm also extremely excited about your series, so please keep um coming xShelley Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07513209160436996810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-41072770579040339892015-06-13T02:00:41.265-07:002015-06-13T02:00:41.265-07:00Such a good post and I agree with what you say abo...Such a good post and I agree with what you say about book 3 - currently starting work on it (the Psychic Surveys series) and whereas book 2 developed organically out of book 1, I suspect in book 3 there's going to have to be something besides plot to keep readers interested, a rift between the team perhaps that seems as thought it can't be mended - still mulling it over but there has to be something 'else' to take it onto book 4. Having said that, after this I'm going to write a standalone - the readers might not want a break but the writers often do! Thanks, Carol. Shani Struthershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03988486534525356138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-74485328821267251522015-06-13T01:53:40.955-07:002015-06-13T01:53:40.955-07:00No such thing as cheating. No such thing as rules!...No such thing as cheating. No such thing as rules! Go girl!Carol Hedgeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10359578624109905400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-49126642543475481952015-06-13T01:50:45.772-07:002015-06-13T01:50:45.772-07:00I too had no intention of writing a series, but wh...I too had no intention of writing a series, but when I got to the end of No Stranger to Death there seemed to be a lot more about to happen to my characters so I decided to continue. The challenge to make it more than a rerun of Book 1 is huge, although that worry is balanced by the comforting thought that I'd done it once so I could do it again. However, the Scottish Borders, where the books are set, is such a safe place that I couldn't possibly have the same (non-police) main character stumble upon yet another murder. What I've decided to do is take one of my policemen and give him another case elsewhere in the region. That way I'll get the best of both worlds: I can call it a series but Book 3 will deal with different characters, settings and issues. Or is that cheating?Janet O'Kanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17171856638576748169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-88189469350743727882015-06-13T00:40:26.290-07:002015-06-13T00:40:26.290-07:00Funny ho you 'never set out to' write a se...Funny ho you 'never set out to' write a series..you confirm my suspicions...they do creep up on one!Carol Hedgeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10359578624109905400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2681775564258628407.post-51679758098756063542015-06-13T00:36:55.042-07:002015-06-13T00:36:55.042-07:00What a question! And it has to be ... It depends! ...What a question! And it has to be ... It depends! As a reader, I think some series are wonderful and I devour every one (I can't wait for the next Jane Smiley to come out in paperback) while others seem to fizzle out.<br /><br />And as a writer - I didn't set out to do a series of travel books. And deliberately broke the chain this year when I didn't write about Malaysia. So who knows when I'll write next ... I've 'thiings' lurking (will tell more when I'm clearer) but I only ever write what feels right at the time.JOhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03127111575563904349noreply@blogger.com