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 the end, but once you’re done, the afterglow feels bittersweet. When those great characters begin to feel like friends, I hate the friendship 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 almost betrayed.
Do Characters Have An Expiration Date?
Maybe they do…I’d rather leave the amazing story and move on if I’m 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 way too long, the wow factor of the characters fades and the mesmerizing storyline loses its sparkle. Killing off or moving past those original great characters and replacing them with lack-luster clones dissipates the 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 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.
Like A Crystal Ball, Your Reviews Tell Me What You Love.
My readers inspire my work through reviews. I read every review 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. Your reviews recharge my creativity.
Recently, I promised my blog posts would target my readers. How do my characters fit into the new shift in my content…where my readers take center stage? What’s in this blog post for them––aside from the obvious, where I write what they love to read?
I want to have some fun with you, my readers. If you’re game, first make sure you follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Amazon, and Bookbub. You’ll need to visit those sites to participate in my games and challenges.
Who doesn’t like a scavenger hunt? As a child, I used to love them, so I decided to create one for you. My new manuscript is book two of my newest time travel series, Three Sisters Island Mysteries. One of my past heroines resurfaces in this new book. Can you guess who? If you can, you might win the first charm in my new monthly scavenger hunt. I’ll be dropping hints in my social media. So, leave comments on my social media posts––and on this page, too. Let’s have some fun. Whoever finds the most charms over the month will win a prize. And I promise, the prize worthy of the game.
Are You Up To The Challenge?
I have loved all the books I’ve read by you!
Wendyvest8@yahoo.com
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.