Someone once told me great characters linger like wonderful friends long after a story ends. As readers, you remember reading those amazing books. The ones you can’t put down until you reach the end, but once you’re done, the afterglow feels bittersweet. When those great characters begin to feel like friends, I’m disappointed the friendship has to end.
In time, I know I’ll find another favorite, and those old friends will fade into the dusty corners of my mind, but the love for the story still lingers. If I had an opportunity to revisit those friends, I’d jump at the chance. That’s why I love to read series. Give me two or three more mysteries or adventures with those friends, and I’m there. But the down side to reading a series is, the first escapade might be a one-off. When the second or third book doesn’t grab me the same way, I feel betrayed.
Do Characters Have An Expiration Date?
Maybe they do…I’d rather leave an amazing story and move on if I’ll be let down by book two. That goes for long series, too. So, what’s the perfect length for a series? I’m usually done after the third book. When an author tries to keep the magic alive too long, the character wow factor fades and the mesmerizing storyline loses its sparkle. And to make matters worse, killing off or moving past those original great characters to replacing them with lack-luster clones dissipates the original enchantment.
But what if those, realistic, wonderful characters readers identify with, come back to life in a fresh, new series or storyline? They not only breathe new life into an author’s backlist, they also energize the new series. Introducing a beloved old friend to a new one just might stir a touch of magic into a fresh storyline.
Good to know, but didn’t I recently admit my characters tell me their stories, and I’m the vessel bringing them to life? Yes…and sometimes they have more to say, even if their story shifts directions. After all, readers are the most important tell. If they love a certain character or storyline, they inspire me to write more of what they love. That’s why I like to introduce previous great character friends into a new series.
Cases in point, if you loved my Lake Lanier Mysteries series, take a look at Three Sister’s Island Mysteries. Though the newer series is time travel cozy mysteries instead of time travel romantic suspense, you’ll recognized several crossover characters as they make a cameo appearance to a full-fledged comeback. And if you loved Virtually Timeless, you’ll see heroine, Sydney Monaco share a new heroine duo with Summer in Timeless Treasures. But what if you love the romantic suspense you found in Lake Lanier Mysteries? No problem. The Three Sisters series has a spin off, Magical Moments. You’ll love In Time For Christmas and Time Swept. So, for more surprises, keep reading my books, folks.
Like A Crystal Ball, Your Reviews Tell Me What You Love.
As readers, you inspire my work through your reviews. I read every one I receive and listen to what my readers love about my stories. Writing great characters in the genres they adore feeds my fanbase, and sometimes gives my characters new reasons for taking me on another journey. Be assured, your reviews recharge my creativity.
I promised my blog posts will target my readers. I want to have some fun with you, so be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Amazon, and Bookbub. Comment on my posts and you just might win a $ gift card in my monthly random drawing.
I love your work, your have a wonderful imagination that just draws me in and I so love time travel so that series hooked me right away. I will have to check out the few series that I haven’t read. I hope that they are in KU.
I have loved all the books I’ve read by you!
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Thanks so much, Wendy! You totally rock.
Following everywhere! This sounds exciting! I have to read the first one in this series. I love time travel!
Oh, that’s fabulous. I love time travel, too. And I love to write time travel that is almost believable. What if…. I hope you read and love all my time slip books.