I'm always up for a good series. I like them, because if I really am fond of a book, I don't want it to end! Since I wrote Book II of the Nightshade Chronicles (which comes out any day now), I've been thinking a lot about series, and what makes one successful against another.
Recently, I read a middle-grade series that started off great. The first and second books were really entertaining, and the third book was good, though I did skim a little with that one. By the fourth book, the writing felt completely different--and not in a good way. The author seemed genuinely bored with the plot, and the writing was rambling and clunky, not to mention the book was 500 pages. The story seemed to be copied from the first two books, just with different characters and settings, even the action sequences reeked of past scenes from earlier books. It was a real disappointment, at least to me, though I'm sure others loved it.
When I had a talk with my editor about Book II, she told me flat out the book has to be super special, perhaps even more so than the first. That was kind of a light bulb moment for me. Readers want what they read in the first book, but they don't just want a continuation; the book needs to be extraordinary on its own. I think if you're going to write a series, each book needs to be standalone great! Characters need to evolve, as does the story...not just continue.
What is your take on writing an amazing sequel or series? What are some series you've read that were in your opinion successful?
Oh, and I really just liked the cat in the above picture. Don't think I'm hinting that I didn't like the Harry Potter series! A. I've never read it. B. I don't want hate mail!! ;)
It's funny that you brought up HP. To me, that's a perfect example of a great series. Read it! When you have time of course! :)
ReplyDeleteTammi
I love to read books in a series, but I am not certain about writing a series. (Well, actually, I have a series of easy readers, but they could be read in any order. And actually, I have written a chapterbook series, but again, it could be read in any order.) But as for novels, I think I am in stand-alone land right now.
ReplyDeleteLove HP!
Shelley
I love a good series. I think it helps when new characters are introduced and new plot problems. I love so many series--Septimus Heap, Harry Potter, The Healing Wars by Janice Hardy, HP of course, The Iron Daughter and sequels by Julie Kagawa, Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver & rest of books, etc. And of course your sequel! You did a super job. It was a super fast read. I couldn't put it down.
ReplyDeleteFor me the first book has to really call for a second book. If I feel I can predict what happens in the next book I won't read it. I've read a lot of firsts but not many seconds. I think you are right. It needs to be standalone material with more exciting twits and turns and characters you can cheer for. HP did a great job with that.
ReplyDeleteTammi, I know, I know, I HAVE TO READ HP! I will, promise. Just some day after my kids are in college and I've retired! If I get in a whole ten minutes of reading some days I'm floored!
ReplyDeleteShelley,
I love a great standalone, but I always get so sad, because I know it's over! I'm writing a standalone right now, getting close to the grand finale! ;)
Natalie, I need to read Septimus Heap! And you are truly my new BFF with your comment on TWA! I'm glad you thought it was faced paced! I really wanted the book to move! :)
Chandra, it's so true. In the above series I mentioned, I have not finished Book 4 and I doubt I'll make it to Book 5. The enjoyment is all but gone. :( I'm loyal though, so I'll probably still give it a go!
xoxo -- Hilary
I would say that the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, and A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket were both very successful. I'd definitely read them both again.
ReplyDeleteSusanne, I LOVE Lemony! :):) That is a great example of a rocking kid's series!
ReplyDeleteThe fact that you haven't read HP blows my mind, but I'll let that one alone.
ReplyDeleteI have series ideas swirling around my head, but I have never acted upon them. I suppose I'd rather have a great book that wants to be continued and then take that step.
I am not a fan of the word trilogy. I just hate the sound of it and I don't want to have to say it in front of crowds at a reading.
Jon, who has that kind of time? ;) You are funny! Instead of trilogy, you could say triptych or book cubed? :) Sometimes I feel like lots of books can be series, all depends on who dies at the end! ;)
ReplyDeleteI love the new look of your site, Hilary!
ReplyDeleteI do like trilogies, because I am sad when a great book ends. then there's more to look forward to.
But then again, I loved all of the HP books. Only one seemed to be less than stellar, but I still enjoyed it.
(Loving your sequel!)
ReplyDeleteI think sometimes the writing changes because the writer is rushed on the later books.
I love your new look. :D
Hilary, I didn't have time to read much of HP either, but the audio with Jim Dale reading every single one of the characters in different voices...was priceless. I'd listen on my way to anywhere...and it was awesome. And I finally had to finish the series or be shamed by all my HP crazy family.
ReplyDeleteI love sequels if done well and they bring a fresh new plot. I'm personally terrified of writing one, I'd be so paranoid it wouldn't hold up to the first. Kudos to you for doing it well!