• Blog

    Planning a sequel

    3/6/2013

    Los Angeles SunsetSometimes when writers write a book they plan a sequel or a whole series. When I wrote Mr Right and Other Mongrels I didn’t do that.

    Since publishing it I’ve had lots of people ask me about a sequel and so I’m planning on writing one. It won’t be out till next year, I don’t think.
    Still I need to get started on it. I have it mapped out generally but of course novels take their own twists and turns when you write them and new ideas spring forth. Quite often the characters have their own ideas and you just have to follow them on their journey.

    I am planning a quick trip to L.A later this year to do some research because at the end of the novel Teddy is moving to California to host a garden makeover show.

    So if you have the novel do you have any thoughts on some fun things Teddy and Allegra might get up to in L.A?

    I have a few good ideas myself but I’m always open to suggestions for fun dates or even some dramas.

    If you haven’t read it click the picture below to buy it on Amazon.
    Mr Right and Other Mongrels

  • Blog

    Book series and sequels – why do we like them?

    8/9/2012

    Question MarkToday I have been pondering the question – why do we like book series and sequels?

    My lovely daughter has in the last month read every Maximum Ride book, the month before she read every Percy Jackson book, before that 39 Clues and before that….It’s always been the same for children. Hello Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, The Baby-Sitters Club and even everyone’s mate, Harry Potter.

    With children it makes perfect sense to me. You don’t need to waste time on all that backstory and learning who everyone is you’re off on a journey with someone you know. The adventure can begin from the very beginning in Book 2 and beyond. It’s adventure with security, you know what to expect and then expect a twist.

    As adults though it’s more perplexing that we like series and sequels so much. (I’m not immune to this I wait every year for the next Stephanie Plum novel even though I probably didn’t love the last five.) Why do people want to read a series set in the same small town? Or the same precinct? Of with the same lovable rogue? We certainly do and the publishing industry offers many, many examples amongst both traditional and indie authors. A series is a sure thing sales-wise assuming people like the first book and then the second. The word on the street is that if you want success write a series.

    When I say I have a second book coming out the almost universal question is “Is it a sequel to Mr Right and Other Mongrels?” It isn’t.

    So as a reader what draws us to familiar characters and settings with such consistency? I’d really appreciate your thoughts.

    Comments

    michelle
    8/8/2012 08:51:52 pm

    It is lost on me. I virtually never read a sequel, no matter how much I like the first book. Very rarely are they worth the effort and usually don’t match up to the first book. I am pleased no sequel to MROM but would like an epilogue added so I know how things turn in LA!