When I first set about writing Sinister Intent - my first
published manuscript - I had no idea it was going to turn into a series. How
could I? I had no idea if it would ever get published, let alone be the first of
three (at this stage) Lexie Rogers crime fiction books. So when I got that
incredible news every writer dreams of - that I was going to be published - I
was of course elated. Then I heard,
"You have a two book contract."
What? I
had to write another one? This was my first thought. Then I was told, ''Don't
worry, you have ten months to write it.''
What?! Elation quickly turned to panic. It took me four years to write the
first one!
However,
there were a lot of positives. I already had my main characters - their descriptions, their traits, issues, and back stories. I had
the settings and location - the eastern suburbs of Sydney - a place I knew
well. I had a police station, support characters and many more police experiences
to throw at Lexie and her colleagues.
Dilemma:
since I hadn't even considered another book, I'd put Lexie through a lot in the
first one and she needed a break. How much was a young policewoman able to
bear? How unlucky could she be? And how believable was it that everything
seemed to happen to her? I decided somebody else had to "cop it" this
time. Although Lexie still needed to be in possible danger. And solve the
crime. And sort her love life. Just like everyday life...
Hard
part: I found writing book two, Deadly
Obsession, and now, currently writing book three, challenging in a number of ways. The characters
need to develop, be stretched to their full potential, learn a different life
lesson. They can't just stay as they began. Relationships have to grow, alter,
be tested. Snippets of events from previous books need to be inserted at the
right time to remind the reader of past happenings, or to explain something. I have
to refer to the other books, and check notes constantly, to ensure I don't contradict
something written previously. This can be tedious and repetitive.
These
are not problems encountered with stand alone books because the characters and
story are, as it states, stand alone. The characters may have baggage but it is not set in stone.
I do love reading a series, seeing how the characters develop, whether the girl gets
the guy she wants, etc, and I do enjoying writing a series - most of the time.
But I must admit, I am looking forward to finishing my half-written, stand alone mystery,
next.
Or perhaps that will turn into a series... Could I be that lucky?
Anyone thinking of writing a series?
Or perhaps that will turn into a series... Could I be that lucky?
Anyone thinking of writing a series?
I love to love...spending time with family and friends.
I love to laugh at anything...especially cute animals.
I love to laugh at anything...especially cute animals.
I love to learn...all there is to know about writing.
