It's another day in the Insecure Writer's Support Group collective! Join us!
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html
The first part of today's blog is about ending a series. For those of you who don't know, I'm a fantasy/SF author-- the folks who LOVE series ;). I tried writing a single title book once and about half way through realized there was no way that was going to happen.
I'm now in the edits for the third book in my space opera trilogy. AKA--I'm finishing something. One advantage of a series is that you always have another book down the line after the one you're working on. Since my series are really a single story just broken up into smaller bits, that means I never have to say good bye. Now I have to say goodbye.
This story was envisioned as a trilogy from the beginning, I knew where it was going to end, and it felt right. But it was also hard as heck. However, even while writing it, I knew that wasn't the end for these characters. I wasn't sure what would be next, but no way was I letting them go completely. I'm a pantser, so I write with a lot of surprises (for me ;)). As the final book was unfolding, I suddenly knew where the next series would be going.
Knowing there was something else did help end it. I'm still sad, this is the first time I've ended something-LOL. But I'm already making plans for the next series for these folks--after a year off for other books ;).
The second part of today is a question from the IWSG--which publishing path and why? I sort of touched on this last month, but in case you didn't notice--I'm Indie ;). Now, I grew up as a young writer with stars in my eyes and a traditional path firmly set in mind. That was the only option back in the olden days ;). But, after one too many, "We love this BUT...."(all centered around my stuff not fitting the current market), I took the plunge and went Indie. I gave myself a year to plan, research, etc. I found a cover artist, editors, kind friends who would beta read, formatters--etc. Then in March 2015, I dove in.
I love the freedom! I love being in control of my writing destiny. I love that my books are being read. But Indie is really hard work, all writing is, but Indie adds layers trads don't deal with. I do now have an agent, so who knows what the future will bring. But, I love that I chose this path.
Happy Insecure Writer's Support Group Day!
I SO needed to hear your comments on your choice of going Indie. We all doubt, but you reaffirming your choice today was music to my ears!
ReplyDeleteYAY!! I'm glad my experience was helpful to you. It's hard to move forward and not second guess yourself. Thank you for coming by!
DeleteHappy IWSG Day!
ReplyDeleteI too tried to write a standalone, but a fan changed my mind. I can't imagine what it'll be like to end a series, should I ever actually end my series. ;)
It's good that you have a plan moving forward.
Thanks for sharing your indie journey. Good to see you are open to other possibilities.
Thank you! Sometimes those fans know more than us ;).
DeleteThis was very inspirational. I am writing a series myself and find myself working on a timeline for it. This led to more series being put in the line-up and more motivation to get working on them. Look forward to seeing future posts :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent! That's great that you're finding more series from the first one.
DeleteCongratulations on getting to the end of your series, even if it is sad at the same time. Good luck with the agent and happy writing!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteWoot for finishing your series! Good job!
ReplyDeleteThank you! After this one is finishing The Lost Ancients...sigh. Thanks for coming by!
DeleteCongrats on finishing your series! I haven't finished one yet myself but I always imagine that I won't have trouble saying goodbye. I imagine all the characters will be dead and broken by the end so it will be a mercy for everyone. :0)
ReplyDeleteIWSG September
LOL!!! Thank you!
DeleteIt's great when a plan comes together. No doubt, you never looked back. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
;).
DeleteMaybe that's why I haven't started the last book in my series...I don't want to say goodbye yet.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on finishing your series!
Thank you! I do think that slowed the start on this book--it's hard to say good bye!
DeleteI also wrote a trilogy, and was only able to satisfactorily end it once a new story idea firmly took root in my write-brain. I like reading series, mostly in fantasy books. A good horror story should end with one book.
ReplyDeleteI like small publishers for my short stories, and have been contemplating Indie for my novels. I'm intimidated by the amount of promo and formatting work that entails; and not confident readers will buy my books even on Amazon.
All paths of publication seem to have some risk of failure though. Can't let that stop me forever.
Yup--nothing about this job is easy--doesn't matter how the work gets out there--it's still hard! We have to be ready to pivot at anytime!
DeleteI've always loved your covers, so I'll probably be asking you for your cover artist's name someday.
ReplyDeleteI'm such a slow writer that by the time I finish writing a trilogy, I'll probably be sick to death of my characters and won't mind putting an end to the series. But I could be wrong.
Thank you! She does amazing work :). You'll probably find you still like the characters at the end.
DeleteIt's great that you're so happy with the choices you've made! That's really the most important thing.
ReplyDeleteThanks :). And they are working for me and what my goals are--so that's a win.
DeleteGood for you in following your own (publishing) path and not letting others dictate it for you. I wish I knew enough about what direction I wanted to go to do that for myself.
ReplyDeleteWith Love,
Mandy
Thank you :). Good luck on deciding, but remember that you can always change your mind.
DeleteIt's hard to say goodbye - specially when it's been three entire books. Glad to know there's more coming. I appreciate your sharing your publishing path - helps bring clarity to people like me.
ReplyDeleteI so agree with you about going Indie. Best decision I ever made. Right now I'm reading Book 4 in the Lost Ancients series. I'm curious as to how the series will end, but I'll also be sad when I reach the end. Congrats on finishing your Asarlai Wars series!
ReplyDeleteWriting a series wasn’t what I set out to do with my first book, but I found I had more to say with those characters, so I ended up making that one a trilogy. Writing cozy mysteries definitely means series, since readers really like to return to the same characters (as do writers. I’m enjoying gradually developing the people and the community where my mysteries take place).
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, the month is almost over and I’m still trying to get around to a reasonable number of IWSG posts :)