tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post1771620377397158164..comments2024-03-27T18:06:04.484-04:00Comments on Murder by 4: Writing a SeriesMarta Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14126647102399666578noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-40982574185562041102008-06-09T14:23:00.000-04:002008-06-09T14:23:00.000-04:00Great explanation, Marta, and so very true! Series...Great explanation, Marta, and so very true! Series are addicting. :-)s.w. vaughnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09102544611773720262noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-6491900668450643652008-06-08T07:01:00.000-04:002008-06-08T07:01:00.000-04:00Same here, Marta. Great question, Diana. My charac...Same here, Marta. Great question, Diana. My characters are my parallel universe, and the way I satisfy my need for someone "new" is with the feature characters. Bets of both worlds, that way. ;o)<BR/><BR/>Marta - got ya about marching forward in time. Misunderstood your initial intent, but get it now! Just blame it on the heat wave!!Aaron Paul Lazarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06117814221437165664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-83008320566959139282008-06-07T23:09:00.000-04:002008-06-07T23:09:00.000-04:00Great question,Diana. I began writing the Sam Harp...Great question,Diana. I began writing the Sam Harper books four to five years ago and the reason I turned it into series is because I liked these characters. I wanted to see what other situations they could get themselves out of. <BR/><BR/>I remember the day I finished the first book, I felt as if I was saying good-bye to old friends. One author described it as going through a grieving process ... I couldn't wait to write another one. :) <BR/><BR/>I have several other books in mind to write that are not Sam Harper mysteries, but I don't think I could ever get tired of writing this series.Marta Stephenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14126647102399666578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-8704366305693457292008-06-07T22:34:00.000-04:002008-06-07T22:34:00.000-04:00I've often wondered if authors get tired of series...I've often wondered if authors get tired of series-writing. Do you ever get bored with a character? Or are they more like friends (or acquaintances or - worse - enemies)?<BR/><BR/>I suppose you can just "get rid of them" if they start to annoy you!<BR/><BR/>Great piece, Marta.Diana Raabehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12253218231229616447noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-36329924072821047812008-06-05T09:22:00.000-04:002008-06-05T09:22:00.000-04:00That's an interesting observation about people wan...That's an interesting observation about people wanting to buy the first book first. It sounds logical though. Based on reader comments, I know SILENCED CRY has been read by 2-3 times the number of people who have bought it (borrowed from a friend or family member. Checked it out at the library). But I suspect (hope) that those who enjoyed reading it (and don't own a copy) will want to purchase both. After all, where's the fun of reading a series if you don't have the entire collection, right? Sounds reasonable to this author. <BR/><BR/>I do have to correct you on thing, my friend. :) The Harper books do march forward in time. There's a subtle reference in each book to a character or event in the previous book. I'm not sure if I'm ready to let Sam Harper grow old yet though. LOLMarta Stephenshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14126647102399666578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-44068680016681110942008-06-05T09:00:00.000-04:002008-06-05T09:00:00.000-04:00Oh, and I meant to say I loved your article!!! LOL...Oh, and I meant to say I loved your article!!! LOL.Aaron Paul Lazarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06117814221437165664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6001825743960552008.post-4266574943145808292008-06-05T08:59:00.000-04:002008-06-05T08:59:00.000-04:00Marta - I get the same questions at book signings ...Marta - I get the same questions at book signings about my LeGarde Mysteries. Although I wrote them to stand alone and be perfectly able to read out of order without confusion, they - as opposed to yours - do march forward in time. With the exception of two flashback books (one to 1964 and one to 1969), they progress sequentially. So - here's a tip for all you writers who do series. When you go to book signings, expect to sell MANY more of your first book than any others. Even though you may have a new book, hot off the press, most of the people who come to the table (especially at my winery book signings) are meeting you and your characters for the first time. And they always - almost ALWAYS - want the first book in the series. <BR/><BR/>I read lots of my favorite authors' series books out of sequence, and loved them all. But I guess folks like to start at the beginning when they have the option. My readers have said they prefer this order: DOUBLE FORTE(2004), UPSTAGED(2005), TREMOLO: CRY OF THE LOON(2007-the prequel!)Aaron Paul Lazarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06117814221437165664noreply@blogger.com