Books in a Series
Just yesterday, I was hanging out at one of my favorite blogs, Smart Bitches Trashy Books, when a discussion came up about putting (or not putting) warning labels on books.
That’s not what I’m going to blog about because frankly, that’s absurd.
BUT in the midst of that rather contentious conversation (which is another reason why I’m not blogging about it here because at Plotmonkeys, we prefer NOT to “do” contention) several readers commented that they didn’t like books that were in a series.
This isn’t the first time that I’ve heard readers rail against books in a series. They get mad at authors for “tricking” them into buying their books by making it a series. They go apoplectic when an author introduces the hero’s brothers or the heroine’s sisters because “Oh, God…it’s a series!” They consider a series to be a devious marketing ploy by authors to somehow bamboozle the reader into buying more than one book.
This attitude perplexes me. I think, however, that the railers are part of a very vocal, but very small, Internet-based minority. Because all the readers I talk to–and me, too–love a good series.
And for the record, yes, all authors want you to buy all the book in their series. There. The secret is out. Authors want readers to buy their books. Gasp!
But that’s not why we write series. Or is it? I mean, if readers seem to love series and authors love to write them because she gets to spend a lot of time with characters she knows and loves…what’s wrong with that?
My favorite series is one that can be read out of order. Honestly, when I picked up my first Stephanie Plum book, it was the 5th one. I read it, loved it, went back and picked up 1-4. While it was great to read the books in order to understand the character’s growth and to “get” all the inside jokes, it wasn’t essential in order to understand the story.
I think readers have a love or hate relationship with series books. They love them because they are familiar. These are characters you know and grow to either love or hate. Look at Harry Potter. Even today, a 13-year old wrote to Dear Abby to complain about people spoiling the book for him. Harry Potter would not have become a phenomenon if it had been just one book.
That said, I think romance readers in particular have very definitive needs that must be met by any writer who wants to have a successful romance SERIES. (Take the grain of salt here…I’ve yet to write a successful romance series.)
If the book is labeled as a romance, they want closure/commitment of some kind between the hero and heroine. They want the main conflict of that particular book to be resolved. They do not mind if a big story arc is left open so long as the immediate story question in the book is answered definitively.
I think that’s it.
When I wrote my Marisela series, it was never conceived as a romance. It was an Action-Adventure series with a strong romantic subplot. Even then, I tried to give each book a very definitive romantic ending. At the end of DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS, Marisela and Frankie are going to be partners in the “secret agent” biz and in the bedroom. Marisela hates Ian. At the end of DIRTY LITTLE LIES, Marisela and Frankie break up as partners in the agency, but probably not personally. Marisela and Ian come to respect each other. I had so much more planned…oh, well. Someday. I never heard any romance readers complaining about the fact that I didn’t tie up all loose ends with that series. Of course, maybe they hated it, but never told me.
In my new series for NAL, I have six books envisioned (yes, the hero has brothers…and a sister,) but only two books contracted. I’ve laid the foundation for the over-reaching story arc, but I know in my heart of hearts that a reader doesn’t have to be interested in that storyline in order to enjoy the books. I decided, after Marisela got cancelled, that I wouldn’t introduce the most important parts of that storyline until after the fourth book was sold. (Honestly, I did the same for Marisela…there was another storyline going on for which I’d laid the groundwork, but that I didn’t bring out because I knew after book one that the series continuing was iffy.)
Most of the series books I read, however, are not romances (plotmonkey books notwithstanding!) I just finished the first two books in Stephanie Bond’s BODY MOVERS series, which I loved, loved, loved. You all know that I’m a huge fan of Julie Kenner’s Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom and Diana Peterfreund’s Secret Society Girl. None of these are romances, though they all have some pretty steamy stuff in them.
One reader at SmartBitches said that she likes romance series that have different heroes and heroines…and honestly, with the exception of JD Robb’s Eve/Rourke books (which to me, are not romances at all…though I love them), can’t think of any series that have the same hero/heroine over and over. I remember when Jayne Ann Krentz used to do two books for her heroes and heroines…but each book had a definitive ending and it’s own storyline.
Are there others?
Do you, as a reader, need to have all the books in a series before you’ll read the first one…even if the books are going to be released five years apart?
Tell me what your reader expectations of a series are…I’m very interested! And I’m sure my Plotmonkey pals are, too!
I love series, but I admit, I’m anal and MUST start at the beginning. When I first got hooked on the In Death series, I read book #1 and had to go and buy ALL of the other 12 or so books (that’s all there were at the time). Insanity prevails.
I do understand a reader’s frustation when it’s in regards to series. It can be frustrating when every book you find out there is connected to a series, and when you pick up book #3 first, yet the store doesn’t have book #1 & #2, it’s a pain. Yes, there is ordering, and Amazon, and other stores, but this reader desires instant gratification. Also, this may sound strange, but sometimes a reader just wants the one book. We are happy with it from start to finish, but we don’t want to read about the heroine’s sister or best friend or whatever. Let me give you Pirates of the Carribbean for example. That series would have been more perfect if it wasn’t a series - if it ended with all resolved. I say this because #2 & #3 were disappointing, whereas #1 was just right. I know others who feel the same way.
Diana Gabaldon’s time travel series has the same couple - Claire & Jamie.
Comment by Stacy ~ — August 30, 2007 @ 6:31 am
Me, personally, I love books in a series and don’t think that you lure the readers into anything they don’t want to read. I think that’s total nonsense. I love books that are connected to others in a series, I actually prefer them so keep writing those great series (even if there are some jerks that tell otherwise).
In case you’re wondering why I’m already answering: I’m from Germany and it’s already almost 1p.m.
Love all you plotmonkeys and your books
Comment by vero — August 30, 2007 @ 6:34 am
I love reading series books. But I do like to read them in order. If I pick one up without knowing I’ll read it & go back to get the rest if I liked it.
Comment by Stacy S — August 30, 2007 @ 6:39 am
hey, it’s me again. I have to add that I was talking about series with up to maybe five books because if there are more, you lose track andit sounds too made up. I would never read a series with 12 books connected to each other. But like I said, if the number of books connected in a series is right , it’s real fun to read.
Comment by vero — August 30, 2007 @ 6:46 am
Wow Julie…I sense a theme here…personally, I prefer to buy all the books in a series and read them in order…however, if I don’t know a book is a part of a series and I read it, but find out later that it is in fact a part of a series, I try my best to find the ones before it and I will reread it again in order…One doesn’t necessarily know that a book they first encounter is a part of a series until they actually look at the inside of it anyway…when I find new books, I always look on the inside pages, at least nowadays, to see if there were any books that came before it…even if I can’t tell it is part of a series, I buy the book anyway, because it wasn’t the fact that it was written as a continuation of some overarching plot or subplot that made me buy it in the first place…Sometimes I read books and fall in love with characters, hoping that when I am done another book will come out to talk about the lives of secondary characters…that is a personal preference…there have been some series that I read out of order…like Robb’s In Death series, but once I found out that there were more, I went out and searched for the others…I hope that this makes sense…I believe authors write books for people to enjoy and if their audience want books that are in series then they should be glad because now they have a fan for life…if an author didn’t want someone to read and buy their books, then what is the point in writing them for publication…
BOO HISS to those people at Smart bitches that pissed you off…to them I say
Peace and love,
Comment by Paula R. — August 30, 2007 @ 7:29 am
Stacy you and I are alike…I love instant gratification too…if there is a long BL for a book I picked up in the middle of a series, I try to get all the others so that I could read them all…I did that with John Sanford’s Prey series too…If I can’t get them all, I try to get the first four through six so that I can just get into the story…as I near the end of my fourth book, I go looking for the rest until I catch up…Stuart Wood’s Holly Barker and Stone Barrington series are like that for me too…It seems as if I have a psychological block if I don’t have them all and I can’t enjoy the one that I have, so I solve the problem by getting the others if I can…Right now, I am working on getting Janelle’s BL for the Wilde series and these titillating excerpts that she puts on this site are really sucking me in…but I need to read them in order so that I won’t be thinking about what happened in the previous books…I know, I got issues, but hey…this is my one vice and I indulge myself….that’s how it is with Leslie’s Trouble books too…I have had She’s No Angel for a while now, but I can’t get into because I need the others…I am slowly building the BL there…
Peace and love,
Comment by Paula R. — August 30, 2007 @ 7:35 am
If I know a book is part of a series, I will not buy it until I know I can get all of the previous ones. I need to know that I’m reading “in order”.
Comment by Michelle — August 30, 2007 @ 7:39 am
OK, I see a couple of different things here. Strictly series, same characters, etc. like Stephanie Plum and Harry Potter, I have to read in order. Fortunately, I did find One for the Money first so I was able to start at the beginning but I immediately went to the library and got the remaining 9. Then I was irritated to have to wait a year for 10…another year for 11…etc. Like I’ve said before, I’m sure I’ll still be at the bookstore opening day though for 85 because they make me laugh and they’re very entertaining to me. I can read one in a day and they’re simple.
Romance that involves brothers/sisters, etc. don’t really seem like series to me. The obvious one is the Wilde guys. They are very free standing, you don’t have to read them in order (I didn’t) to understand any of it, and honestly, by now I feel like I’m one of them at the family cookout. I still keep asking if there aren’t some more long lost cousins out there somewhere ’cause I hate to see it end.
As an aspiring writer, I have about 3 more books partially plotted and brewing in my mind that are spin-offs of my first WIP. As I’ve written, I’ve fallen in love with the hero’s friends (who have surprised me by being deeper characters than I would have ever thought) and I want to tell their stories too - whether or not anyone else ever reads them, who knows - but I want to get to know these guys even more. But I don’t think that makes them a series. Does it?
I guess there’s different ways of looking at it because on the “cigar” blog Janelle was guesting on yesterday she talked of branding and how the “Wilde” name has gotten to be a branding tool for her. One person called it “pure genius” the way she had worked it and I’m sure that’s what most writers are going for. Something that helps them to be recognizable but not really considered a series even though some of the same characters are involved.
Gosh, sorry so long!
Comment by Jodie — August 30, 2007 @ 7:41 am
What I find I like about series as a reader is the fact that it’s comforting. I prefer series books where the first hero and heroine don’t make a huge reappearance, just a peripheral one. I like to create NEW characters … to me, introduce the sister, make her peripheral, and give her her own story. Hunter and Molly in CMH were the only characters I’ve ever left DANGLING as a couple and only because they DEMANDED their own story be told and they not be secondary. If a writer is good and it’s a series, I can’t wait to read that writer again … it wouldn’t matter if the next book is series or not and if I have to wait a year for a series (i.e. Rachel Gibson has friends who are writers but she doesn’t LABEL the books as a series), I FORGOT what happened to hero and heroine in book one b/c she writes a year apart. And THAT’S OK b/c I want … at the end … to read a GOOD STORY. Series is a perk for me. A draw. Brings me back … but I’d be back anyway!
Comment by Carly — August 30, 2007 @ 7:43 am
personally I love series books and I have just stumbled upon a series book and then got so excited to know there was more ahead of it the only down side to me is waiting for the next book in a series to come out I am impatient ! I feel like alot of authors have had a lot of success with series books . One of my faves is Jackie Collins with her Lucky Santangelo character and really the whole family I mean that is what true life is all about . Keep up the good work plot moneys!
Comment by TAMMY — August 30, 2007 @ 7:46 am
I LOVE a series whether the books involve brothers, sisters, friends of the hero and heroine etc. I will buy all the books in a series if I have fallen in love with the characters in book one. And yes, I like to read a series from the beginning because I’m very linear when it comes to story. I don’t want to miss anything. For me there’s nothing like finding a series with characters I love. The only frustrating part is having to wait for the next book to be released.
I read all the Stephanie Plum books and wish I could go back and read them all again for the first time. I also read the Molly Murphy mystery series by Rhys Bowen. I love Robert B. Parker’s Spencer books and also his new series with Jesse Stone and his Sunny Randall series. I also love J.D. Robb’s series with Eve and Roarke. I loved all the series that Nora Robert’s wrote for Silhouette as well. She has written other single titles that were part of a series–usually 3 books–and most of them I have read as well.
My husband who doesn’t read romance LOVES a series and he will go to the store and buy every book in the series if he loves it and smiles all the way home.
The key to getting me hooked on a series is the characters. I have to LOVE them. If I don’t I won’t read the series. For example: I LOVE to watch The Closer, House, and Ghost Hunters because I LOVE the characters. I don’t watch them for the plot lines. I couldn’t tell you the plot of a single show but I can tell you a lot about the characters. I used to watch Star Gate, Star Trek and Firefly for the same reason. Again, I can’t tell you the plot lines of any of those shows. It’s the characters I remember.
As far as readers getting annoyed about a writer’s so called “trickery” in getting them to buy their books by writing a series–well, I’m sorry but here’s a big fat raspberry for them! I mean
If I ever come up with a good idea for a series you can be darn sure I’m going to write it and hope the readers like it and buy the books!
Cher
Comment by Cher — August 30, 2007 @ 8:24 am
I love series books!!!!!!!!! But, I will admit that I would like a label saying book 1 of … or trilogy, duet something. I get attached to the characters I am reading and when I like them, I don’t want their stories to end. If I know ahead of time that the family line will continue I will hold off reading book one until the time that book 2 or 3 is ready to come out. (Not always easy (Janelle - I couldn’t wait with the Wilde series - books were to far apart - though I have read each story at least 2x)
Comment by Barbara-Jo — August 30, 2007 @ 8:54 am
Great topic Julie! I love series. I enjoy the familiarity of the characters and the feeling that I’m revisiting a favorite place.
Mostly I read them as they are released because I can’t wait. I’m pretty good at remembering the details when I read the next book in the series.
There have been exceptions, such as Nora Roberts’ trilogies. I usually wait until I have all 3 books because I find her stories have a definite beginning, middle and end that spans across the series.
I too read the Stephanie Bond “Body Movers” series and loved them. Can’t wait to keep reading about Carlotta’s adventures even though I have to wait until some time in 2008 for the next installment.
Comment by Carolyn A. — August 30, 2007 @ 8:55 am
I like books that are in a series. I admit I will always go back and buy the first if I pick up a book in a series that is number 3 or 4 in the series. I have found several series books that can stand alone, but I agree that if the series has 2 main characters (ie Eve and Roake from the In Death series) you can see the character growth if you read them in order. I personally don’t feel like the author tricked me into buying more books because the books came in a series. If I like an author I’ll buy the books if they are a stand alone book or a series book.
I am happy to say I’ve found some really good writers buying more than one book for a series(I never thought I would enjoy JR Ward, but loved the first and bought what was available in the series the next day and read them within 4 days). I will now get off my
.
Comment by Liza — August 30, 2007 @ 8:58 am
Another huge fan of series books here. I would have to say that my favorites are series…you get to learn/grow/what have you with the characters.
I am anal about reading in order and it drives me crazy when my mother reads out of order. If I discover a book I’m reading is part of a series, I’ll find the others and read them in order (usually skipping the one I’ve already read).
So bring on the series. Doesn’t matter what genre either. The majority of my TBR pile are series books.
Comment by Julie — August 30, 2007 @ 9:24 am
I love series books! Even if there are more than 3 books I read them all. Especially in order. I like to see how people progress and there are little things you miss when reading books out of order. Since I am such a book junkie, I will look at an authors website and see what books go in what order so I can get all the books. I think that if those who complain when they don’t realize when buying a series must not pay attention, most books do mention somewhere that it is part of a series, if its harlequin you can look in the back and generally see if the next one is coming out next month and now they put it on the back cover, or on the front with the name of the series. Some people just like to complain and yes, no duh authors what you to buy all their books. It’s not really that much of a surprise!
I also think that if you like an author, you will buy them no matter what.
Comment by Jess — August 30, 2007 @ 9:33 am
As a reader, I love series books!!! I get very attached to well-written characters and I want to keep reading and reading and reading. I don’t care if I read them in order, however. My first Stephanie Plum book was #6. I did go back and read 1-5, but not in order. I’m a glutton and can’t get enough of a good thing when it comes to favorite reads. As a writer, I also like doing series books. They are very challenging, particularly when writing the same main characters over and over. A friend of mine writes a series, but it’s always a different main couple (these are straight romances). I think readers like both. I can’t imagine anyone not liking a series? I mean, really, if you love a good book, don’t you want more? To me, it’s like befriending someone, falling in like and then saying “ENOUGH” and breaking the friendship. I always want to hang out more. Love Julie’s DEMON series. I also love the Bubbles books, as well as Meg Cabot’s new Heather Wells mysteries (Size 12, etc.).
Comment by Kimberly Raye — August 30, 2007 @ 9:41 am
I’m a big series fan, too, both as a reader and as a writer. There’s something fun about “catching up” with characters you met and loved in previous books. I don’t necessarily need them to take center stage, but I love seeing a h/H a few years down the road, seeing what they’re like as a married couple or as parents.
There is, of course, a downside to series. Like Julie, I certainly had planned an overarcing storyline for the Trouble books and had layered elements of it from the very first book. Alas…no more Trouble books. That’s hard as an author, not to get to tell the stories you really would like to tell. I think, looking forward, that I wouldn’t do another series unless I’ve actually sold the right number of books to tell the “big” story that I want to tell.
Comment by Leslie — August 30, 2007 @ 9:50 am
Wow, OK, I went to the link for yesterday blog and read through most of it. And I got to thinking…you guys should do a blog of your favorite blogs. In one of the Sat. blogs you talked about familiaring ourselves with the business and having a good “inside” idea of what’s going on. Yesterday’s Smart Bitches blog was pretty contentious but it was also informative as to why/why not.
So…if someday, someone needs a topic, can you fill us in on where you guys go and what you’re favorites are?
Comment by Jodie — August 30, 2007 @ 10:25 am
I love series books
! I read them as they come out, especially if they are like Jean Auel’s books, I’ll re-read the others before the next one comes out…12 years between books last time…I sure hope we don’t have to wait that long this time!
Now if you have the series that come out sometimes like 1 a month like Cherry Adaire’s Edge series, I’ll wait until they are all out before I start.
The biggest reason I like series is that you get a more fleshed out story instead of a rushed version.
YOU JUST KEEP WRITING THOSE SERIES AND I’LL KEEP READING THEM!
Don’t like series books…Get a grip! No one says you have to read them all!
Comment by Darla — August 30, 2007 @ 10:27 am
First let me wish Jodie a very
As for series, I have a love/hate relationship…lol I love the continuing story especially when I really connect with the characters, I just hate waiting…lol I’m not very patient, but I always buy the next book.
Comment by Tina Martinesi — August 30, 2007 @ 10:50 am
I think of series books as novels that feature the same characters over and over. Sweet Valley High - series. Stephanie Plum: series. Suz Brockmann’s books that feature romantic pairings of a group of main characters, rotating through the group? Not what I am talking about when I discuss how I dislike series books. Those have different protagonists each time.
Here’s why series books that feature the continuing story of the same protagonist don’t work for me: I think that a LOT of them start without a finite end in mind, and I get very frustrated with a plot that has no direction, that’s sustained through multiple books with no end in sight. A good part of the reason I read romance is that there is a Happy Ending. The keyword there: ENDING. So if I think that life support has to be applied to the series to keep it going because the love triangle has deflated entirely, I stop reading.
Series that work for me: JD Robb’s series, because while there is a larger story arc of Roarke and Eve’s relationship, each book has (a) a resolution to the mystery at hand, and (b) a smaller happy ending, either for R&E or for a secondary character. There is always a resolution. This is why trilogies work for me, and series such as Gleason’s Gardella Chronicles - I know there’s going to be an End Book where the story will finish. I’m reading toward a goal.
Series that don’t work for me? Anita Blake. Merry Gentry. Stephanie Plum. Series that try to sustain a love triangle - or a love menage - with no end in sight. I don’t trust that there’s a resolution in mind, and if I can’t trust that the story has a happy ending, or that the author/publisher knows how and even WHEN the story will end, I don’t usually keep on reading it.
Comment by SB Sarah — August 30, 2007 @ 10:53 am
My problem is that I typically read them out of order. Since I am new to a series or the genre, I find a book that sounds good by an author I like and I typically end up reading it out of order, so it gets all confusing! That’s okay, though. For example, I just got into the ‘demon soccer mom” series…okay, read #2, #1 and I haven’t found the third. The Wilde series, I have totally read them out of order. The Bachelor series, in order. So, you can see I am over the map.
I like series books if it is a character(s) that I enjoy. Hopefully, the books are able to stand on their own with me reading them out of order.
Could I have some good thoughts….I am going to have a tough meeting today….need lots of good thoughts/prayers today….Sorry to solicit it!
Comment by katie — August 30, 2007 @ 10:53 am
Comment by Tina Martinesi — August 30, 2007 @ 10:56 am
Happy Birthday Jodie!
And good luck, Katie! We’re here to cheer each other one whenever we need it so never hesitate to ask!!!
Comment by Leslie — August 30, 2007 @ 11:08 am
>>Series that try to sustain a love triangle - or a love menage - with no end in sight. I don’t trust that there’s a resolution in mind, and if I can’t trust that the story has a happy ending, or that the author/publisher knows how and even WHEN the story will end, I don’t usually keep on reading it. <<
Ahh…gotcha.
I hadn’t read the SBTB thread (though I do love the blog…and how cool, our own SB visiting here, welcome Sarah!) I was thinking along the lines of series that have different h/H in each book, with a HEA resolution in each book, but that are connected in some way. By family, setting, friendships, etc. Those are the ones I love. Where you don’t have to read any other book to enjoy another, but if you did, it can be a nice little perk.
I don’t think the series you’ve specifically mentioned here are really considered “romances” though, are they?
I know it’s a different medium, but this whole problem is one reason I really lost it with the show The X Files…and almost lost it with Lost. Too much meandering from the main storyline, not enough resolution, and no clear belief that the producers themselves knew where the heck the thing was going to end up.
Comment by Leslie — August 30, 2007 @ 11:12 am
SB Sarah - I understand what you’re saying about the Stephanie Plum novels and their lack of resolution. That’s why I’ve joked and said I’ll be standing in the book store on opening day waiting for Snazzy 85, reading the last page to see if it’s Morelli or Ranger, even when I know good and well it won’t ever be one of them for sure. But I’m prepared for Stephanie to never age, Rex and Grandma to never die, and Stephanie to never pick. But I go into them knowing those things and so I’m not let down by an unsatisfying ending. If I expected it to be different then I’d be very unhappy with the ending.
Comment by Jodie — August 30, 2007 @ 11:31 am
Katie - here’s sending you tons and tons of positive vibes!!
Comment by Jodie — August 30, 2007 @ 11:32 am
Tina - you’re awesome. Thanks for being such a great cyber friend.
Thanks, Leslie!
Comment by Jodie — August 30, 2007 @ 11:34 am
ooooohhh, Tina!! I just got my Myspace birthday greeting.
thank you!!!!!!!
Comment by Jodie — August 30, 2007 @ 11:37 am
Jodie, It’s my pleasure, now go check out your myspace, I sent you a little eyecandy to brighten your day
Comment by Tina Martinesi — August 30, 2007 @ 11:37 am
lol
Comment by Tina Martinesi — August 30, 2007 @ 11:38 am
Honestly it depends on the series. Some you can pick up in the middle, but others you just can’t (ie Harry Potter) because there’s so much backstory you need to know. I don’t percieve an evil plot on an authors part to make you go out and buy a book in a series. Usually I find that a book brings you in (Stephanie Plum, In Death series) and you want to see whats coming next, you want to know whats happening. So you go and buy the books. I am a fan of series books (sometimes), because I just think one book can never really cover a character - for example Patricia Cornwells Kay Scarpetta series. One book was never going to be anough, Kay is this strong character, and you get entrenched in her life, and the first book you get a sense of Kay, but never the entire Kay. Still today even with all the books out, I don’t feel we, the readers know Kay completely.
If I find a book in a series then I will try to get the books in the series, I am neurotic, I want to know whats happened before and after. But sometimes I can live without the series too. The one true series I am addicted to is the Stephanie Plum series. When I am down I pick up the series and I am laughing my tail off. I am standing and waiting for the next one.
I think really it depends on the reader and their connection with the characters as to whether series are good or bad. I think I also like Authors who have a series, but the books can stand independently also.
I am for series - I say keep writing!!!
Comment by Stephanie — August 30, 2007 @ 12:10 pm
Katie sending you positive vibes here
I hope that your meeting goes well…just know that we are rooting for you…
Peace and love,
Comment by Paula R. — August 30, 2007 @ 12:24 pm
Hmmm…I like reading series, but I’ve got to read them in order. I always feel like I’m missing out on some inside joke if I don’t start at the beginning and read through. Which is why I don’t read many series. But when I do, I’m loyal through the end.
Happy Birthday Jodie!!
And Katie, good vibes coming to you on your meeting, although I don’t think you’ll need them. You’re going to do just fine!!!
Comment by Lori Borrill — August 30, 2007 @ 12:30 pm
Okay, first I have to get over my excitement that SB Sarah is commenting on my blog.
Thanks for coming!
I used to think of series the way you did–I consider books like mine more as spin-offs than series. Like Frasier to Cheers. Except I do have an overarching storyline…hmmm…more like Angel to Buffy, I guess so that storylines can interconnect, but can also stand alone.
But readers seem to use the word series for everything and the negative vibe I get about series from some readers worries me since it directly contradicts what other readers say. They like spin-offs! So I think we can agree that spin offs are great, but series with the same characters and one love story is dicey. Only good if handled well (ala JD Robb).
Maybe this is just a love or hate thing. I, for one, can promise that all my books CAN stand alone, but that reading the books as a series will provide added insight and enjoyment. But after being burned myself by books that just STOP rather than have real resolution, I would never do that to someone who has shelled out their hard earned cash in support of my writing.
And Katie, take this to your meeting:
and maybe this: 
Or perhaps…
Try not to experience this:
or 
or 
There’s no way to avoid this:
But when you come back and report, we’ll all give you this:
Comment by Julie Leto — August 30, 2007 @ 12:56 pm
I am going to answer this before reading everyone elses answers.
I read series. Let me qualify that with a “If they hook me.”
What I amtryingto say is that I try to read in order.
If I start in the middle and like the book,
I try to go back to the beginning before going on.
Do I mind series not really.
I sometimes wish I didn’t have to wait for the next one.
Guess that is the only downside for me.
The downside for the author is that if I don’t like,
one I may not buy the rest.
I look at Janelle’s Wilde and CAN HARDLY WAIT FOR MORE!
I am missing more Marisela hope to see more!
I loved Carly’s simply series.
and Yes, Leslie, I like your Trouble books.
I have read all the Plum books, I am waiting not so patiently for JR Wards
next brotherhood book. I read Chtistine Feehans series as released,
as I do those I was introduced to here at Plotmonkeys: like Cindy Gerard,
rocky St Claire.
I read everything Lori Foster. (Love her new Causing Havoc and
Simon Says are looking like a series now)
Sandra hill is a favorite to and heaven knows she has enough viking books.
As for warning labels I’ve read some books that have
“really hot book on them” or sexually explicit (like ellorah’s cave) and
I think that should say it all. They certainly aren’t for everyone so I can
understand that type of a warning. but “Blaze” says it too doesn’t it?
I read Lora Leigh and some of her books are a little over the edge for me
but that hasn’t stopped me yet.
Lacey Alexander and Vivi Anna too!
Hey as a reader I overall like series. Are they a hook? Sure. Do I mind?
No. I think the bigger risk is to the author if they don’t stand up to the
readers desires they won’t buy more. Hugs to the Plotmonkeys.
Have a great day all.
Rabies shot, nails clipped she sure is fiesty and a real fur ball.
Comment by jeannie — August 30, 2007 @ 1:03 pm
Katie- I’m sending great wishes your way. Kick butt in your meeting.
Comment by Liza — August 30, 2007 @ 1:08 pm
One aspect I have not seen mentioned here is the “one author vs. multiple authors in a series” question. I consider myself quite flexible in some respects - I enjoy a 3-4 part series and I’ve been known to read up to a 12-part series. I don’t need to read them in order. But so many series nowadays seem to be written by a group of authors with nothing in common. Case in point the recent Raintree series by Linda Howard et al. They all live in Alabama, yes. That’s about the only similarity I found; they don’t write at all the same. So while I might be sucked into a series of which one story is written by a favorite author, I find myself not enjoying the rest of them, and that taints the reading experience of the whole series story arc for me. If author voice is not similar throughout the series (it doesn’t have to be the same) I really find it jarring and may even discontinue reading the series. So, some of what you are hearing about readers hating series may be coming from that …
Comment by Lynne — August 30, 2007 @ 1:15 pm
Comment by Yolanda — August 30, 2007 @ 1:20 pm
Comment by jeannie — August 30, 2007 @ 1:27 pm
I enjoy reading series too, but it’s got to be in order. Spin offs? Love them! And I’m beginning to get a little put off by the Stephanie Plumb books. I’ve read them all and darn it, I want the happy ending already. So I have to say, I agree with SB Sarah and need some resolution or I won’t keep reading.
Happy Birthday Jodie!!
I hope your day is going great!
And best of luck at your meeting Katie!
Knock ‘em dead!
Comment by Robin — August 30, 2007 @ 1:37 pm
Lynne Good Point,
1 author verses many, hmmm!
I recently read the Raintree trilogy (read all three)
Linda Howard’s #1 was good. The other 2 were lacking.
I had wished Linda Howard had done them all when I finished.
I guess I often only read the author I like.
Take Janelle’s Bad Boys with Red Roses.
Her story was the only one I read. then to the “tbr pile” for the
others
Okay got to walk 
Comment by jeannie — August 30, 2007 @ 1:50 pm
I love series books & I like to read them in order. Sometimes I wait until I have all the books & sometimes I read them as they come out! Just depends! Nora Roberts usually writes trilogies & I wait until I have all three books, but Leslie’s Trouble books I read as they come out, there is no ryhme or reason to this, it just is!!
Connected books, series, spin-offs I like them all! 
I don’t feel like I am being forced into buying more books because I’m not going to buy something that I don’t enjoy. Usually I tend to buy books by favorite author so I’m pretty much assured that I will like whatever that author is writing.
I hope you have a wonderful day.
Jodie,
Katie, good luck in your meeting.
Comment by Donna M — August 30, 2007 @ 2:13 pm
I’m so behind today!!! The reason is because I had to seek out the PERFECT hunk for Jodie’s Birthday today! So, first comes the special birthday wishes:
And now, the birthday hunk. Jodie, he’s at your beck and call, and ready to fulfill your every desire! Enjoy your day!!!
Comment by Janelle — August 30, 2007 @ 2:43 pm
Katie — Good luck with your meeting today! I think with all the positive, wonderful vibes on the blog today everything is going to go super well for you! Big hugs!
Comment by Janelle — August 30, 2007 @ 2:47 pm
I have to agree that there should be a warning on the books about which book in the series it is. I’m one of the people who absolutly has to read a series in order. Unlike those people though, I actually enjoy series but when I read them out of order it’s like I’m missing something.
Comment by Jen — August 30, 2007 @ 2:56 pm
Hi Julie. I do not need to have my books in order to read them. I read Sue Grafton’s “E is for Evidence” before I even knew it was part of a series or that wow, she planned to do all 26 letters of the alphabet! I then went back and read them, but not in order as the first two were difficult to find at the time( early - to mid 90’s, I think).I do have freinds and family who NEED to read in order or they feel like they are missing something.
. I did try to send you a thank you e-mail but I am not sure I sent it to the correct address.
Sue
I am cool with it. And I read the Stephanie Plum books out of order as well,LOVED ‘em .
F.Paul Wilson connects his books and they kind of become a series sometimes. Again, if I read a book out of order, I just go back, and read the other one, and I find it fun to fill inthe gaps.
BTW , The “Julia “Candle prize I won about a month ago arrived very fast and it looks beautiful and smells so good. It is temporarily bunking out in my linen closet and when I open the door, it acts like a sachet. It smells divine.You can send me any book you want from your backlist- I can get the others , you know out of order
Comment by Sue Mont — August 30, 2007 @ 2:58 pm
I of course meant in series order, not in order, like physically there
), to read ‘em.
Sue
Comment by Sue Mont — August 30, 2007 @ 3:00 pm
Lynn, I understand what you are saying…I get disgruntled when some of the multiple author series I read have no connect, but the place where the story takes place…BUT, yep there’s a big one…I have found many that were great despite there being multiple authors…of course this is just my humble opinion…I read the Tyler series that Harlequin had in the 90’s I think it was Presents, and they were great to me…I discovered a lot of new authors and revisited some old ones with that series…they not only connect because of the town, but there is an overarching plot that makes each book gel…there are about 12 books…can’t remember and they are color coded too…There is also the SE series Stockwells of Texas…I loved this series too…check these out an let me know what you think…
Jodie, I hope you enjoy your hunk…he looks devine…
Peace and love,
Comment by Paula R. — August 30, 2007 @ 3:16 pm
Count me in the love series camp–I do prefer to have them all before I start, but sometimes life doesn’t work that way. Great topic, Julie!
Comment by Fedora — August 30, 2007 @ 4:43 pm
I love series, and no I don’t have to read them in order.
Comment by Estella — August 30, 2007 @ 4:46 pm
Ok Janelle, I’m fanning myself, he is yummy!!!!!!! Jodie any chance you’ll share??
Comment by Tina Martinesi — August 30, 2007 @ 4:48 pm
Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes, it’s very sweet and I appreciate all of them.
Julie, I can’t believe you didn’t suggest Katie use this one
if things got really out of hand.
Tina - of course I’ll share…he’ll be available tomorrow morning! Better give him until late morning…
Comment by Jodie — August 30, 2007 @ 5:32 pm
I love series books, but I will admit that I like to read them in order. I picked up Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Match Me If You Can, loved it and had to go back and get all the other Bonner Brothers/Chicago Star books.
Comment by Erika — August 30, 2007 @ 5:58 pm
Wow. I don’t know of many romance series with the same set of main characters. I’d love to see them, because I really believe that the story isn’t over when the characters hook up. (And when you’re talking about paranormals / romantic suspense, it’s not like their lives are going to be particularly mundane anyway.)
As a whole, I like series — but more in fantasy than in romance. Sorry, but when there’s thirty bajillion series spawned out of the hero or heroine’s family, it gets a bit old. Especially when certain authors have relatives popping out of the woodwork.
No offense meant at all, but for me it falls into the same, er, vein as certain paranormal critterage: There’s so much out there, it had better be different and damned good to catch my interest.
(The Black Dagger Brotherhood is always an exception. ^_^)
I like my series to have an overarcing story line through the books, and I very rarely see that in romance. Usually, if there is a consistent plot thread, it’s picked up by a different set of characters… which annoys me, esp. when the end of the first book was a perfect set up for a sequel. *siiiigh*
Comment by Nonny Morgan — August 30, 2007 @ 6:21 pm
I love a good series too. I loved your Marisella books and was disappointed to see them not continue. I refuse to say end. I hope they get picked up sometime.
One of my favs, besides the JD Robb are the LK Hamilton books. Of course neither series is labled romance, but they have them in them. And I love knowing what some of my favorite characters are doing with their lives and keeping tabs on them. Is that stalking???
Comment by ev — August 30, 2007 @ 8:28 pm
I absolutely adore series books and can’t believe anyone would believe it is a trick to get you to buy more books. Hard to believe with all that is going on the world some people would rail about this. I so llook foward to the next book in each series; if you want to call it a trick then that is your opinion, but to me it is a gift to look foward to. Just my two cents.
I do not have to read series books in order, and these books stand alone anyway. I love hearing about past heroes and heroines and revisiting with them. If I happen to come across a book in the middle of a series and like it, then I will find the others.
Comment by Pat L. — August 30, 2007 @ 8:42 pm
ev, you and me both! I’m not ready to give up on Marisela and I do hope we can find her a home in the future.
Comment by Julie Leto — August 30, 2007 @ 9:36 pm
I love series books too. I also read Evanovich. I like Tori Carrington’s Sophie Metropolis series which reads alot like Evanovich. Harlan Coben’s Myron Bolitar series. Tess Gerritsen’s series. Allison Brennan’s trilogies. Harry Potter. Oh and I read both Stephanie Bond books also!! Loved Body Movers 2. Nancy Bartholomew has a 4 book series which she doesn’t write in anymore but they’re so good and alot like Evanovich too. They’re the Strip series and have titles like Strip Poker, etc. They’re really fun.
Comment by RachaelfromNJ — August 30, 2007 @ 9:39 pm
Oh I forgot to mention that I started reading Evanovich when the 8th book came out in paperback. The hardcover for the 9th book came out the same day I beleive. I went to her signing in NJ for the 9th book and waited on line for 4 hours and I only had read one of her books at the time! I can’t remember if I went back and read the books in order or not. I think I did. I loved the last two books Twelve Sharp and Learn Mean Thirteen. They were her best ones. I think Evanovich doesn’t kill anyone or make any drastic changes in Stephanie’s love life because she’s afraid her readers will get mad if she picks Ranger over Joe or Joe over Ranger. She’s playing it neutral with how she has the books. I would love a big shake up in Stephanie’s life though. Something more realistic.
Comment by RachaelfromNJ — August 30, 2007 @ 9:42 pm
And Julie I loved your Marisela series and am so sad that Pocket didn’t sign you for more. They were really great books so stop all that nonesense woman! I loved those books!
Comment by RachaelfromNJ — August 30, 2007 @ 9:43 pm
Thanks, Rachael. Hopefully, Marisela will get a life somewhere else at some point!
Comment by Julie Leto — August 31, 2007 @ 8:12 am
Sorry I’ve been AWOL for a while , but I saw this blog entry and wanted to comment.
I love series books. I love series books by themselves, out of order or I can read them in order.
Rarely do I get to read them in order. Books are a form of entertainment and escape for me. I don’t understand why all the fuss about series books.
As long as the content in the books are about the same and consistant I have no complaints.
Comment by Gigi — August 31, 2007 @ 9:48 am
In response to SB Sarah’s comments, I do think there are series where there’s “no end in sight” (Like LKH and JE) and you start to wonder where the characters are going. BUT, there are also series that have a definitive plan and ending, like Colleen Gleason’s Gardella Vampires (Five books I think it is, and she’s said over and over that she knows who Victoria is ending up with and what’s going to happen). The same is true of my series, Secret Society Girl. I was picturing it as four books from the time I sold the first two in 2005, and since I sold the second two in February, I’ve been able to move on with my plans and arcs. I know what’s going to happen. And it’s all going to be over in 2009 with book four. I think with books like ours, you’re looking at something like a season of a TV show, and individual books are like individual episodes. They each have their own plots and arcs which bundle into a season-long arc.
Regarding series, I love them. I also love stand alone books — I have different moods for them both. One thing that bugs me, though I don’t think this has as much to do with series as with series-done-poorly, is in the romance-style series, the (and now we get the best friend/brother’s/villain’s story kind), I hate it when the writer commits character assassination. Such as the following:
1. The heretofore totally together, angst-free best friend who told the H/h what’s what in the previous book suddenly develops all kinds of psychological hurdles they must overcome, because now they are the main character and need to be angsty.
2. The heretofore angsty hero has found true love, so now it’s HIS turn to treat everyone like they are idiots for not being as happy go lucky as him (it’s like he’s on mood altering drugs all the time!) This goes double for the formerly feisty and adventurous heroine who, now that she’s married, has settled down to become a meek, homemaker and baby machine.
Comment by Diana — August 31, 2007 @ 10:07 am
Diana - those are great observations and something for an aspiring writer to be aware of - and make sure doesn’t happen to our characters! Thx
Comment by Jodie — August 31, 2007 @ 2:28 pm
I love series books — I think that is why I have about 1500 books, most of which I have collected in the last 5 years. I am very anal and have to get all of them if I like the series, and even if I don’t I still have to read all of them before visiting the used book store again to sell them back. If it is a longer series then I will read the books as I can find them and then reread them when I buy the last one. But short trilogies or smaller series I will wait to read them in order from start to finish. It also depends on if the series is a new publication or old harder to find series. I’m so anal about them that I had to create a database so that I could keep up with what I had and what I needed to get to finish out the series. To me the only annoying aspect of a series is when you think you have finally collected them all or at least only have one remaining to be found only to have another spinoff of the series arrive in stores (Montana Mavericks Multi Author Line). One book from that series started this mess (I didn’t buy to collect them before that) and when I finally tracked down book 76 of 77, the next day I walked into walmart to find book 2 of a another 6 books added to the list.
but that doesn’t mean that I will stop collecting them and then once I do I will go back and reread them in order.
Comment by Brandi — September 4, 2007 @ 6:52 pm
I love to read series books, but like so many others posted here I HAVE to read them in order. Sometimes it’s hard to find the older books.
That’s my quirk. When I started reading Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake series I had to start from the beginning. I’ve missed the last couple of books and when I finally get those books I’ll start from the beginning again to reacqauint myself with the characters. I”m a bit nutty that way.
Comment by bluecat — September 5, 2007 @ 9:49 am