tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post6760955173190271749..comments2023-10-25T05:30:54.507-04:00Comments on Oh Get A Grip!: Stand alone...leads to a series...orAshe Barkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03390519279886657608noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-3659160176172616562009-05-07T08:47:00.000-04:002009-05-07T08:47:00.000-04:00Hi Jude,
I think you're right that each project ...Hi Jude, <br /><br />I think you're right that each project has to decide for itself what it should be when it grows up. If a secondary character demands a plot, some times the only way to shut them up is to let them tell their story in another book :)<br /><br />Kim DareKim Darehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11086545242925686207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-26524639771719943832009-05-06T01:04:00.000-04:002009-05-06T01:04:00.000-04:00Hey Lisabet,
Thanks for the prompt - I'd really L...Hey Lisabet,<br /><br />Thanks for the prompt - I'd really LOVE to understand the co-writing process better. I've never believed I could do it, but I would love to try. Knowing how it works for someone else would be really, really useful.Remittance Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07902713020074243375noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-40080095030133179352009-05-06T00:47:00.000-04:002009-05-06T00:47:00.000-04:00Hi Jude,
Much as I had enjoyed series books as a ...Hi Jude,<br /><br />Much as I had enjoyed series books as a kid, I never intended to write one. But once I started the Trailer Park Nights books, the story just wouldn't stop! Those characters just kept coming back and screaming in my head until their next story was done. Of course, if I had as much fun as most of them do, I'd want to continue the story too. Stand alones are fine, but there is SO much work in developing totally new characters with all new quirks and strengths.<br /><br />Yours,<br /><br />Randall LangRandall Langhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12858813962583586561noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-55098407376106479952009-05-05T23:25:00.000-04:002009-05-05T23:25:00.000-04:00I think that Helen has summed up the situation - s...I think that Helen has summed up the situation - series are great if and only if each book can also stand on its own. It should be possible to jump into the middle of a series and not feel lost or cheated. For a really well-written series, jumping into a book in the middle should inspire you to go back and read the beginning.<br /><br />Jude, I do hope that either you or Jamie will talk about how you work together as a team, maybe during the "Creative Process" topic in a few weeks.<br /><br />Warmly,<br />LisabetLisabet Saraihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05162514190572269660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-55390126144556743352009-05-05T22:31:00.000-04:002009-05-05T22:31:00.000-04:00She,
I really agree with you. There is a place fo...She,<br /><br />I really agree with you. There is a place for both series's and stand alone books. Sometimes I just want a quick read too, and dive in for a short story or novella. Variety really is the spice of life. Getting to know the characters through a series is amazing, but then there are such amazing stand alones too. Talk about nuts... LOL<br /><br />Thanks for coming by today.<br /><br />HugsJude Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14067166768734750026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-78231138196537429242009-05-05T22:29:00.000-04:002009-05-05T22:29:00.000-04:00Garce,
I thought I was a short story writer unti...Garce, <br /><br />I thought I was a short story writer until I wrote a novel. My problem is I have to take copious notes so I don't forget who has what color eyes and such. LOL I do love the freedom to go into as much detail as I want, or the story needs, when I'm writing something of any length. <br /><br />Yes, I was a huge Burroughs fan. I thought everyone was. LOL<br /><br />Thanks for commenting today. <br /><br />HugsJude Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14067166768734750026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-6210561016159021982009-05-05T22:26:00.000-04:002009-05-05T22:26:00.000-04:00Hi Helen,
Oh, Anne McCaffrey's Dragon Riders of P...Hi Helen,<br /><br />Oh, Anne McCaffrey's Dragon Riders of Pern. I loved those books. LOL I remember wanting to be a dragon rider so bad. Talk about escapism. Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover series was another one I really loved. They were well written, in my opinion, and worth reading several times. <br /><br />It really does take a special talent to do these well. I've thought of attempting a science fiction/erotica series, but don't know if they'd sell. Still might happen. <br /><br />Thanks for stopping by<br /><br />HugsJude Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14067166768734750026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-30610345934046980852009-05-05T22:20:00.000-04:002009-05-05T22:20:00.000-04:00Hey Sassy!
I totally agree with you. Both is best...Hey Sassy!<br /><br />I totally agree with you. Both is best. Greedy here. LOL Having a favorite character come back is an incredible feeling when you know they have something to tell you. I've got a couple who have stories they want telling. Frustrated lil beasties. I'll get to them. <br /><br />Thanks for stopping in!<br /><br />HugsJude Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14067166768734750026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-43682005934369616212009-05-05T22:18:00.000-04:002009-05-05T22:18:00.000-04:00Ray,
Hey mister! It's fantastic when a character...Ray, <br /><br />Hey mister! It's fantastic when a character speaks to you and tells you how the story goes on. It's also very special when a writer knows they have a fan or two who are waiting to find out what happens next. <br /><br />Thanks so much for coming by. <br /><br />HugsJude Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14067166768734750026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-79104018211856913702009-05-05T22:16:00.000-04:002009-05-05T22:16:00.000-04:00Kat,
Thanks so much for stopping by.
It's real...Kat, <br /><br />Thanks so much for stopping by. <br /><br />It's really all about the readers isn't it? It's fantastic when a reader asks for more of a particular story or character for sure. Difficult if you hadn't planned on it and nothing comes into your head. An exciting premise definitely makes it easier. <br /><br />HugsJude Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14067166768734750026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-49732886070988354422009-05-05T22:14:00.000-04:002009-05-05T22:14:00.000-04:00Oh, hello, Madam Queen. (gulp, royalty guys!)
So,...Oh, hello, Madam Queen. (gulp, royalty guys!)<br /><br />So, you're one of those people who just can't stand an unsolved mystery huh? I'm laughing like a fool here. Patience be damned, gimme the ending... LOL <br /><br />Thanks so much for stopping by. <br /><br />HugsJude Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14067166768734750026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-10347219143003354102009-05-05T22:11:00.000-04:002009-05-05T22:11:00.000-04:00Brenna,
You are so right. A series is easy enoug...Brenna, <br /><br />You are so right. A series is easy enough to plan on doing, and to begin, but to keep the story going well takes a special talent. Each book has to grab and hang on. <br /><br />Thanks so much for stopping by.<br /><br />HugsJude Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14067166768734750026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-69627331808505023262009-05-05T22:10:00.000-04:002009-05-05T22:10:00.000-04:00Jamie,
HUGS! You always make me feel like I know...Jamie, <br /><br />HUGS! You always make me feel like I know what I'm talking about. I think it's a mom thing. LOL I know you write series's well. I've read a couple of yours and you have the memory for it and the ability to carry the story along so well. I hate you. Sigh. Not really, but you do amaze me on occasion. <br /><br />HugsJude Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14067166768734750026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-36733878259878705582009-05-05T22:07:00.000-04:002009-05-05T22:07:00.000-04:00RG,
You made me chuckle, lady. Why would you be d...RG,<br /><br />You made me chuckle, lady. Why would you be disgusted with yourself for writing vampires. They're amazing creatures...and you get to do all kinds of very cool stuff with them. I mean, just think: get yourself a nice vampire lover and slip his face between the lovely fems thighs. He doesn't need to breathe! I mean think about it!<br /><br />Okay, mind out of gutter for a sec. LOL Thanks for commenting here. It seems we're all as confused and befuddled by this one. Nice to have company!<br /><br />HugsJude Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14067166768734750026noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-18697701613072123752009-05-05T22:03:00.000-04:002009-05-05T22:03:00.000-04:00I like both stand alone and series. The one drawb...I like both stand alone and series. The one drawback with series is keeping up with them but I do like how the characters can be developed and you get to know them.Shehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11376023103870884939noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-69318844553298168752009-05-05T21:27:00.000-04:002009-05-05T21:27:00.000-04:00I see you were an Edgar Rice Burroughs fan. Me to...I see you were an Edgar Rice Burroughs fan. Me too. I haven;t read many series since that time. As far as writing, I'm a short story writer and reader, partly because I like the attention span for a novel. I do like reading short stories about the same characters.<br /><br />GarceGarceushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11160407485298015371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-37343882415736663942009-05-05T21:01:00.000-04:002009-05-05T21:01:00.000-04:00Jude,
I'm like you. I can go back and forth on se...Jude,<br /><br />I'm like you. I can go back and forth on series vs. stand alones. But I do think individual books in a series do need to be able to stand on their own. I've seen it done well a number of times. Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover books and Anne McCaffrey Dragon Riders of Pern series are two that come to mind. Kat Lively mentioned mysteries as being easy to do as a series. Some are quite well done, series-wise, but others don't work as well. How many Cat Who mysteries could Lillian Braun write before she started repeating herself? Lindsey Davis, on the other hand, always had something new to add to the world of Marcus Didius Falco.<br /><br />It's a toss up, both for readers and writers, I think.Helenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10832774182683343435noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-28713239715402248572009-05-05T16:37:00.000-04:002009-05-05T16:37:00.000-04:00Hey, Jude!
It's a very nice place you have here....Hey, Jude! <br /><br />It's a very nice place you have here. Hi, girls. *(waves)* <br /><br />I have to say I love reading both stand alones and a series. It is particularly nice to see a favourite character have their own series. You really feel like you get to know them, inside and out. :D <br /><br />Have fun! <br />Sassy<br />Alternative-Read.comSassy Brit @ Alternative-Read.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05035224672516442455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-69692038313795389532009-05-05T13:55:00.000-04:002009-05-05T13:55:00.000-04:00Jude I like it that you go back and forth on the i...Jude I like it that you go back and forth on the issue of series vs stand alone. I have a favorite author who waited years and wrote many books before revisiting the same world. Both were stand alone, but I loved the fact that characters I loved were back in my conscious mind again. They had been in my subconscious ever since I read the original.<br /><br />RayRayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01308737766288257680noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-20874637943679219902009-05-05T13:43:00.000-04:002009-05-05T13:43:00.000-04:00I am drawn to series particularly if the protagoni...I am drawn to series particularly if the protagonist is strong and easy to relate to. In mystery it's easy to fall into a series - Kinsey Millhone, Stephanie Plum, etc. There's enough going on in their personal lives that compels you to keep reading.<br /><br />As for writing, it can be a challenge to maintain a series. I have four full-lengths in Dareville now, with several shorts. The more I write, the more characters I create, and the more I need to keep track of. Ultimately, though, I feel there is a payoff because if a reader likes one they may read more.KL/LEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15045377943989208453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-39763519259474603402009-05-05T12:54:00.000-04:002009-05-05T12:54:00.000-04:00I love either, but currently, I lean towards serie...I love either, but currently, I lean towards series books. I LOVE getting to know the characters and being able to keep up with their lives. I hate wondering at the end of a book what happened to them! I want to know! I HAVE to know! Tell me PLEASE!!! LOL!Queen of the Universehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16353762105312687384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-7176476223258484982009-05-05T12:45:00.000-04:002009-05-05T12:45:00.000-04:00I like both. The real trick with a serial or serie...I like both. The real trick with a serial or series is to make sure you don't go stale...or contradict yourself. As long as it's new and interesting, keep going. I'll be with you to the end.<br /><br />BrennaBrennaLyonshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17399508130752035374noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-474653050840080802009-05-05T07:43:00.000-04:002009-05-05T07:43:00.000-04:00Hi Jude,
I think it's perfectly fine to take each...Hi Jude,<br /><br />I think it's perfectly fine to take each story on its own merit and decide if its a single or series material. Sometimes it happens naturally. <br /><br />You do a great job, whichever way you go.<br /><br />Hugs,<br /><br />JamieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9156334464585894857.post-79928810229761186192009-05-05T05:14:00.000-04:002009-05-05T05:14:00.000-04:00I'm rather torn about series. I've just plowed thr...I'm rather torn about series. I've just plowed through a number of Sookie Stackhouse novels (because I've been doing a survey of popular vampire fiction) and got so tired having things re-capped, and reflected upon, I wanted to spit. I gather they're easy on writers, because you can spend half the book reflecting on the last one. I've been loathe to delve into the Twilight series because the underlying prudery of it kind of squicks me out.<br /><br />On the other hand, I really do like parallel stories (typically alternative fiction), or stories that take place in the same universe, like Alistair Reynolds, China Mieville, or Steven Erikson.<br /><br />I've been playing around with this idea recently (using vampires because they're so long-lived) to jump around in history in stories that link characters together by blood relationships.<br /><br />It scares me, because I don't really know where I'm going. And I'm sort of disgusted with myself for writing vampire anything. But I have to blame that on D.L. King, because it was her damn CFS that prompted me to re-write one I wrote a while ago and sent me down this nasty track. I'm just trying REALLY hard not to write like anyone else and hoping that will mitigate my literary degradation. ;-PRemittance Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07902713020074243375noreply@blogger.com