Guest Post and Giveaway: Writing a Sequel or Series by B.J. Scott, Author of Highland Homecoming

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.

Highland Homecoming

B.J. Scott

(Fraser Brothers Trilogy #3)
 

The last thing Alasdair Fraser expects to find on an isolated beach in Northern Scotland is a beautiful, unconscious lass. Unable to turn his back on someone in need, he delays his journey and tends to her injuries–an act that has him questioning his destiny and his plans to rejoin the fight for Scotland’s independence.

Will he drop the shield that guards his heart or will the secrets she fails to reveal and his own stubbornness keep them apart forever?

Buy Links:

Amazon | Soulmate Publishing

Highland Quest (book 2): Amazon

Highland  Legacy (book 1): Amazon

An Excerpt from Highland Homecoming:

Perched on a stool by the fire, he watched her sleep, wondering how he was going to ever let her go. She was by far the loveliest woman he had ever seen, and she did not seem to be put off by his size, awkwardness, or lack of manners. But duty dictated that they part ways.

After tossing a log on the fire, he spread a pelt on the floor in front of the hearth, then lowered himself to the ground. He pulled the tunic over his head and tossed it on the stool, then did the same with his trews and boots, before settling beneath a length of plaid.

The last thing he wanted to do was lie on the floor and go to sleep. If truth be known, he wanted to slip beneath the covers, take Lauren in his arms, and make her his own. But that would not be right or proper. They were not betrothed and despite what people might think of him, he was a man of honor.

The women he’d bedded in the past had all been of questionable repute and none had been untried maidens. If Lauren was not already married or spoken for, he held enough respect for her that he would wait until their wedding night. But then again, if she did not get her memory back, he might never know for certain.

He slammed his fist on the floor. What the hell was he thinking? He was never going to take a bride. Especially one with no past. He was a warrior. There was no future for them, something he best not forget. He tucked the plaid around his shoulders and dozed off.

An ear-piercing scream disturbed his slumber and Alasdair jolted up with a start. Wasting no time, he climbed to his feet and raced to the pallet.
 

About the Author:

With a passion for historical romance, history in general, and anything Celtic, B.J. always has an exciting work in progress. Each story offers a blend of romance, adventure, suspense, and, where appropriate, a dab of comic relief. Carefully researched historical facts are woven into each manuscript, providing a backdrop from which steamy romance, gripping plots, and vivid characters—dashing alpha heroes and resourceful, beguiling heroines you can’t help but admire—spring to life. A member of RWA, World Romance Writers, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, and Savvy Authors, B.J. also writes contemporary, paranormal, time travel, and romantic suspense.

C.S. Lewis first captivated B.J.’s imagination in the fourth grade, and her desire to write sprang from there. Following a career in nursing and child and youth work, B.J. married her knight-in-shining-armor, and he whisked her away to his castle by the sea. In reality, they share their century-old home in a small Canadian town on the shore of Lake Erie with three dogs and a cat. When she is not working at her childcare job, on her small business, or writing, you will find her reading, camping, or antique hunting.

Author Links:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Amazon | Goodreads
email: bjscott@authorbjscott.com 

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(Note: I'm not responsible for the contents of the above post, as all were provided to me by Goddess Fish Promotions. ~Punya)