One of the things I enjoy as a reader is a series of books. Nothing fills me with glee to get my hands on the next book in a series I enjoy.
As a writer, the same holds true. I love to write a series, to get comfortable with characters and revisit them with each subsequent book. I get many questions from readers as well, asking me when I will write so-and-so’s book.
I’ve even been asked if I’m going to write second generation stories! It’s a compliment, believe me, to have readers identify so much with my characters that they want to find out what happens next. 
Now, my first two Emma Lang Brava books are in a series beginning with Ruthless Heart in late June, then the second book Restless Heart in February 2011. There is a character in Restless Heart, Lettie, who deserves her own story (Reckless Heart) and I so want to write it. I’m hoping I will publish it with Kensington in 2011 (stay tuned!).
I know there are writers who truly intend on finishing a series (like me!) who just don’t get the opportunity to do so because of one reason or another. I would hope no one actually abandons a series intentionally, not after involving their readers. I’m worried if I don’t get Lettie’s story written, there will be readers who are in the annoyed category. The last thing I want to do is alienate my readers – after all, we’re not writers without readers. It’s a partnership!
Now for those of you who read series books, tell me, if you wait for a final book in a series for a long time, does it annoy you? Or possibly even push you away from reading it once it finally arrives?
[...] than just a pretty eye candy post today, I’m blogging on the Brava blog today about finishing a [...]
I love series books, I like learning what happened to characters from the first book, and I like it when secondary characters get their own stories. I am one of those people who like to read their connected stories one right after the other. If they are coming out back to back I will usually go ahead and start them, however if there is a big gap between the books I am more likely to wait until I have them all to read them. That’s not always the case, but I do prefer to read them more close together. It won’t stop me from reading them, but I do prefer them closer together.
I don’t think there is anything that would make me not finish reading a series. If there is a big gap between books I might pull out a previous one and flip through it to freshen up my memory.
I love the continuity of reading about the characters lives, how they’ve adapted to their HEA, etc.
I know I’ve been disappointed when the publisher has decided not to publish any more books in the series. I know they are looking to make money but it’s frustrating to know the author will not be able to finish the series.
If I’m enjoying a series, I don’t think I wouldn’t finish a series because of length of wait (I know that is rarely within the author’s control!)–I admit that I’m not the most patient person, and do prefer less of a wait rather than more between books! As Lisa and Linda have said, I may have to do a reread to get re-acquainted, or sometimes I’ll hold off waiting the books that are out (if I can possibly resist!) until I’ve got the whole collection
Thanks ladies! I was really wondering what other people thought. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who loves series!