Today, I have this interesting Guest Post, an author's take on writing a series or a sequel, connecting B.J. Scott's own Fraser Brothers Trilogy. Alongside the post, you'll also find a book promo on Highland Homecoming, a short excerpt and the author links. Take a look at the giveaway below and comment to enter please.
B.J. Scott will be awarding a $50 Amazon GC, Scottish shortbread cookies, can cooler and mouse pad (US/CANADA ONLY) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and a beaded book thong with silver charms, book marks, pen, and canvas tote to a randomly drawn host (US/CANADA ONLY)
Writing a Sequel or Series
Will my book stand on its own or be part of a series?
When an author writes a book, one question often comes to mind. Will this be a single title or a series? There are pros and cons to both. The beauty of a single title book is that once the book is finished and published, the author can move on to the next story. But all too often as the first story evolves the characters start to take on individual traits and personalities of their own. The secondary characters, while meant primarily to round out the story, but are supposed to stay in the background, can take on a strong personality that hits a cord with the reader. When the book is done, it is not uncommon for readers to ask for a sequel. They want to know what happened after you wrote the end. They want to know what happened to the other characters in the book, be it a sibling, a child or friend. The desire of readers to know what transpires after the book is completed can spawn the writing of a second book and sometimes multiple books.
When I wrote Highland Legacy, I had a series in the back of my mind. I wanted to tell Bryce’s and Alasdair’s story too, but had not planned to write them right away. I had other books I wanted to write that were not related to the first book and intended to work on those first. But after Highland Legacy was published, readers started to email me, asking for the Fraser brothers’ saga to continue. They fell in love with Bryce and Fallon and thought their story should be told. When my editor requested a sequel as soon as possible, I put aside my other work and started to work on Highland Quest.
I won’t say it was an easy road. While I had worked very hard to give Bryce his own distinct personality, living up to the expectations of the readers was challenging. Especially when I found myself struggling through writer’s block and the story was not progressing the way I had envisioned. But together with help from my critique partners and my editor, Highland Quest was ready for publication one year after the release of the first book. I was pleased with the book, and tried to write is not only a continuation of the first book, but as one that could stand on its own.
Writing Highland Homecoming, Alasdair’s story, was much easier to do. As I wrote Highland Quest, the ideas for the third book fell into place. I was fortunate to choose a time period in Scottish history that had events the stories could revolve around, which happened in a convenient chronological order and gave me a backdrop for each book. I was pleased with the end result and to my surprise, Highland Homecoming ended up to be my favorite book of the trilogy. Again it is a continuation of the first two books, but can also stand on its own.
The hardest part about writing a series is getting the readers to view each book as an independent project. If doing their job properly, an author’s books should improve with each one they write. Sometimes getting people to look beyond the first and to judge them on their own can be a challenge. I have been very fortunate and all three of the books were well received. Was I sorry to see the series end? Yes and no. I enjoyed telling the stories of my three dashing heroes and the spirited women who changed their lives forever, but part of me was happy to be finished and free to move on. I am currently working on a new book. Another Scottish historical that has nothing to do with the trilogy. But I have already had requests for books to be added to my trilogy. Which is very flattering and something to think about.
Lily Singer has never belonged. Taken from her tribe as a child and raised in a white man’s school, she no longer has a place in either world. Teaching has become her life. When that life is threatened by rumors and prejudice after a string of robberies, she must turn for help to the one man who spells disaster for her carefully ordered existence. Will he save her or steal her heart?
