I’ve lost count of how many books I’ve picked up recently that wind up being the first of a three part series, and I keep asking myself why? With a very few exceptions, most of these series could easily have been wrapped up in one book, even if that single title wound up being over 400 pages. And from what I read in reviews and comments, I think a lot of readers share my feelings.
From a writers perspective, it would be very hard for me, I think, to come up with a plausible plot that would require me to continue a story into a second or third book. It’s challenging enough to create adequate quality material for even one book, without having to resort to unnecessary dialog, side-plots involving secondary characters in the book, scenes that really feel like fill-in, etc. Other times I feel that certain authors stretch out a single scene by describing in almost excruciating detail what the character is feeling, the way the hero and heroine look at each other, giving us way too much information about how a room is decorated, etc. I can’t help wondering if some of this is just a way to add to the total word count of the book, and if it’s really a necessary part of the story.
And then there’s the much-hated cliffhanger. As a reader, I absolutely hate cliffhangers, especially when I know I’m going to have to wait months to find out what happens. This isn’t so bad when the author self-publishes and can release the next book more or less on target. But when the author is at the mercy of their publishing company, we’ve all been frustrated when the book gets pushed back months at a time. I think in these incidences both the author and the publisher start to lose credibility with the readers. We live in a “we want it now” society, and patience is truly a virtue in short supply these days.
I have no plans, therefore, to write any multiple-series books. Everything I have planned is a standalone, with no cliffhangers and the plot wrapped up in a neat little bow by the end of the book. Serendipity is the first in a series of six related books, but each book will have its own hero and heroine and separate plot. Certain characters from other books will make appearances in others, but each book in itself is a standalone. Not only is this far more fair to the reader, but it puts less pressure on the writer to have to deliver the sequel in a timely manner or dream up enough quality material to continue the story.
by
Author of Serendipity
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