How cute is that puppy. He's perfect for a Friday ;o)
So. Lately I've been guilty of something. I know, moi? Never.
But alas, it happens.
There are a few series' (who shall remain nameless) that I've read recently where the first and second books in the series were perfect, had a great hook, premise. Everything that makes me hug my kindle and never let go.
But.
When I start the third book, it's just not there. Like a bad second date, the chemistry is missing. I'm not sure what happened. Some of those first/second books I truly LOVED and I mean loved with the passion of a thousand hearts dunked in chocolate.
So. I'm wondering as a writer. When is the right time to stop? Do we always need a series in YA? It seems these days (at least with the high concept books) the series option is the only way to go. Or at least the favorable route.
Are we shooting ourselves in the foot? Forgive the cliche. But. It's appropriate, no?
One of my favorite series' added on a fourth book to a trilogy that ended perfectly. All was right with the world, then the author goes on to write more? I'm not sure why, because between you and me, the fourth was the worst so far, IMO. I still love the author and the previous books, but I was shaking my head.
Should the author have stopped at 3? YES.
I love a good series - hate the waiting in-between (who doesn't, right? I get a little obsessed. I'm sure you're shocked by that revelation) but you hook me in book one and I'm there, even through the third, fourth... I will buy them all. But I truly believe not all of the series need to be series. Can't we have 2 books? Do they always have to be 3 or 4? Can they be longer or shorter? I'm just throwing that out there.
What do you think? Do you agree?
Sidenote: Did they really need all the Transformers movies? I'm looking at you, Michael Bay.
Have you had a chance to see this routine from Marko and Caitlynn on So You Think You Can Dance? If not, it's seriously powerful. LOVED it.
Have a wonderful weekend!!!
<3 Er
Pic Credit
10 comments:
My current WIP is a sequel in a trilogy. But I could never imagine writing another after the third. There doesn't need to be one.
A lot of the time is that the first two or three become a big franchise and the publishing companies just want money. At least, that's what I figure happens a lot of the time.
As long as you have enough content for a trilogy that's cool. I'm just talking about the ones that seemed forced. I think you're right. It's sad that money wins in that case. Thanks ;o)
I am just not into series. My roomie likes some series, she is a sci fi/fantasy fan and series seem to be part and parcel of those genres but to me, I like a book to stand alone. Sometimes I like a good strong sequel. I would have LOVED for Margaret Mitchell to write a sequel to GWTW but GWTW the series, nah I am just not there.
I think you have a great point Erica, there are lots of wonderful stand alone books and I don't think that we need to forget that.
Cheers,
Ardee-ann
Thanks Ardee, I agree ;o) Have a great weekend!
As a reader, I look forward to reading a series if I like the first book. However, the majority of YA series I've read, I never went past the first book. In those instances, I've wondered if I would've given those authors another try if they had written a fresh, non-series novel.
Personally, I think series is great if you have at least planned for them. Tacked on a fourth or fifth book to a series that was always intended to be a trilogy, however, ensures that 99% of the time, that book will be terrible.
For authors, it's easier to build a brand with a series/trilogy. But it's good to ask yourself if the premise of the first book can really sustain a series.
I think series are very lucrative, and that's why many publishing houses pick them up. Especially if the first and second installments rake in tons of $$$.
My personal opinion on series is this: if the story needs several installments to conclude, then a series is the way to go. If the publishing house comes back to the author and says "write us another, it's making us money." than that's when I check out.
I'm going to use the TV Show Avatar: The Last Airbender as an example. That show had a defnintie goal, it took three seasons to achieve that goal, but once it was done the show was done. I wouldn't have loved that show so much if it kept meandering on after the goal had been achieved. A good book series, or any story, is the same way.
Emy, you make some awesome points!
Lindz, I think you are spot on, that's exactly why. Good examples!
I am am kinda over having to read books in a series. The perfect example is sookie stackhouse. Should have stopped about 7 or 8 into it. But I loved the characters and wanted more but now everything seems forced and I am starting to hate how the story is going. Although, I am still reading the crap outta these books and I purchased everyone(in hardback) so I guess I don't hate them that much ;)
LOL! I want to read those too, but since I watch True Blood I don't want to ruin some of the storyline. I plan on reading them though. It's the characters that keep me invested. Once I stop caring about them, that's when you lose me ;o)
I hate it when that happens. And it does happen often. If fact, it's like that with most series.
Post a Comment