Last month I posed a very unscientific poll on
Facebook, asking followers if they liked to read series or stand-alone books.
The results were mixed. Most people responded they read both, but preferred a
series. I must admit, I enjoy either.
Since I have a new book out this month, which is
part of a series, I was curious about reader habits. My first six Heartwarming
books were all part of The Business of Weddings series, and His Honor, Her
Family, is book two in my current series, Meet Me At the Altar. I love writing series books. I enjoy coming up
with the connection between the characters from book to book and plotting how
the stories will overlap. When I start with
a story idea, I imagine all the people who can be involved and before I know it,
I have an entire group of friends whose stories must be told.
Since my poll was off the cuff, I came up with reasons
why I like to read both.
Series.
Character continuity. We get to meet people in one
book and then in continuing stories, they might drop in and visit so we get
caught up on their lives since their HEA. As a reader, I love to know what’s
going on in the previous characters lives. Whether I write the series or read
it, I have an investment in those characters, and well, I’m a bit nosy. When
the series comes to an end, I love a recap of everyone. Weddings. Babies.
Engagements. I just have to know!
Location. Who doesn’t love a small town where
everyone knows each other? Talk about built-in drama! I think part of the draw
is the setting. As the author, I get to create a town and every business in it.
Every home and special getaway our characters like to frequent. That is one of
the most enjoyable parts of coming up with my own town. Sure, I take bits and
pieces of locations I’ve been to and love, but my imagination gets to fashion
this perfect little place where I’d love to live. Also, we get to meet and fall
in love with secondary characters who round out a book.
Order. First of all, if I know I’m reading a book in
a series, I have to go in numerical order. If I get a book that’s say, number
three, I may go ahead and read the book to see if I like the characters. If I’m
hooked, I’ll hunt down the previous stories. Then I look forward to the upcoming
books. The bad part? Waiting for the next release.
What about stand-alone?
Stand-alone books offer just as compelling
characters and locations. Once that story ends, we can move on to another book
without many of the lingering questions. For me, if it’s a romance, I love a
series. If it is a mystery, I usually read stand-alone. I have no idea why. I
guess I get really invested in the romance couples, their friends and family.
Here is an excerpt from His Honor, Her Family.
As the guys
left, deep in conversation, Grace turned, ready to finish up so she could head
back to the cabin and change for the excursion on the lake. She stopped short
when Faith’s knowing eyes met hers, sparkling with humor.
“What?”
“I see how
it is.”
Grace shook
her head. “How what is?” Please, please, please don’t say
it.
“You and
Deke?”
She said it.
“It’s not
what you think.”
“Really? You
didn’t just get all gooey when he promised to take John on the lake?”
“It was nice
of him.”
“Nice.”
Faith snorted. “I saw you melt.”
Grace rolled
her shoulders. “I’m not having this conversation with you.”
“Fine, but
sis?”
“Yes?”
“It’s about
time you stop being all about work and let yourself get involved with a nice
guy.”
Was that
what she was doing? Getting involved with Deke? From the look on Faith’s face,
her sister thought so.
She couldn’t
argue either.
Yikes. I’m in trouble here.
Honestly, if you love to read, you’ll get immersed
in a good story either way! Let me know what your preference is.
Check out the Prism Book Tour for His Honor, Her
Family, February 11-16. While there you can enter to win a giveaway!
Tara Randel is an
award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery
and of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes
love is the greatest gift of all. Look for her next Harlequin Heartwarming
romance, TRUSTING HER HEART, available August 2019. Visit Tara at www.tararandel.com.
Like her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletter and receive a
link to download a free digital book.
I love both, too, and I think readers definitely do--it was a big question I got a talk last night. But I'd rather write stand-alone, I think, with vague references back to previous books. Love the excerpt!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz!
DeleteI read both, but sometimes it's hard to find/get continuing books and then I get frustrated. I have never been good at writing even sequels. I want to move on to new locations and new characters. But I like other people's series and follow the ones that have been in Heartwarming.
ReplyDeleteEveryone has their own preference in writing a story. Thank goodness we're all different. It makes finding good books a treat. Thanks Roz!
DeleteI love both! Your cover is beautiful and I'm looking forward to reading the book.
ReplyDeleteThanks Amie!
DeleteI enjoy reading both. And if I find a book in a series, I'll start reading any number if I like it. I don't feel compelled to go in order. (Here's to the rule breakers! lol) I'm fascinated with how much plotting and planning goes into writing a series. Heartwarming is great for series since it's centered heavily on family and community - so many connected characters to explore. Thanks for sharing the excerpt!
ReplyDeleteOh, if only I was a rule breaker! LOL. It was my pleasure to share an excerpt. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI like both kinds--I especially enjoy writing series and updating readers about characters from previous books. That's what makes Heartwarming stories so much fun. As a vagabond myself it's fun to create characters who want to put down roots. Congratulations on the release. It sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteIt is satisfying giving our characters permanent roots. Thanks Virginia!
DeleteI like series, as you say it's fun to check in on previous characters and see what they're up to, as long as each story in the series is complete in itself. I like standalones too. Once or twice I've been surprised with a cliffhanger--where the story stops in the middle and continues in the next book--and I wasn't happy, but mostly I just love good books.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It's all about good books! Thanks, Beth.
DeleteI like both series and stand alones plus a sort of hybrid as in mystery where there’s a continuing main character each time who has an arc yet the story can take him/her anywhere with a new mystery to solve. Community is there in friends but not as strong as in a romance series. Congratulations on your new book! Love the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteI love a strong community and Heartwarming books certainly deliver. Thanks, Leigh!
DeleteI love the excerpt! Congratulations on your new book. I love series where I get to say a quick hello to characters I've met in the past. But I'm always happy to read a stand alone book too. I think what gets me hooked is really interesting, compelling characters, and you can have them in either type of book.
ReplyDelete