Sounds all poetic, doesn't it? But is that really practical from a writing standpoint? Especially for an un-agented writer like moi?
I think I remember reading somewhere that Janet Evanovich doesn't recommend it - not until the first book sells. Which technically makes sense. Why would you write a sequel
if the the first book hasn't sold yet? Duh. Who cares if you love the characters and the plot?!But...But...
But what do you guys think?
In case you can't tell, I'm itching to start a new WIP. I've done just about all I can with BEAUTY SECRETS and I'm looking to spark my creativity again with a new novel. I've tentatively titled BS's (nice acronym) sequel LIP GLOSS & LIES - and I already have it outlined, but I haven't written a single scene yet.
So, before I dash off to write a the next greatest novel, I'd thought I'd get your opinion. You tell me, write a sequel or start something new?
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7 comments:
Yeah, I like series, too. Kathy Reichs' "Bones" books and James Lee Burke's "Dave Robicheaux" series are two of my faves.
Personally, I don't see anything wrong with writing a sequel to BEAUTY SECRETS, especially if you really want to! After all, there's nothing quite like inspiration and passion to get you writing.
I would just advise making sure that BEAUTY SECRETS ends satisfactorily - in other words, don't leave your readers hanging. After all, from your query, it sounds like your MC (who, I'm assuming, would be your MC in the next installment) is an inadvertent mystery-solver... which you could use to your advantage in the second novel - as if she's stumbled into a new career.
Every reader loves series! I can almost guarantee that. I even love movies that are series.
It pains me to say goodbye to a great character.
Your second title sounds as interesting as the first, write what is in you. Pray. And leave the rest to God.
Happy writing!
I like series, but I tend to think that the best books are the stand-alones (though maybe that's just b/c they leave you itching for more).
I like series,too. I think it's because you get to spend a long time with great charaters. You get to know them like people. I'm a sucker for a good series though...
Not to worry Laura, there's no cliffhangers in my books. I always write each book as a stand alone. I think that's the first rule to writing a series.
Tamika - excellent advice. Thank you so much.
Hey Jen, that's the main reason I like series too. If I'm really into a series I get super bummed when it's over. I can't help the, "now what am I supposed to do?!" thoughts :)
Bane, I've been thinking about your comment since last night. I agree, some of my all-time favorite books are stand-alones. And, actually, the other book I'm thinking about writing falls under that category. But, I must confess that I'm looking at the market right now and I think I have a better shot at selling my cozy mysteries versus a novel that borders on literary fiction (gasp, I said it. I'm admitting a desire to drift away from commercial lit - for a minute). I'm still torn because I really want to write both novels...
Wait, I have an idea! Who says I can't start writing scene for LIP GLOSS & LIES while outlining a new novel?! Am I right here?!!!?!!!
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