by Lucy Monroe
I’m an unashamed glommer. In fact, there’s nothing I like better than finding a new (to me) author and reading everything I can find by her. Did I say nothing? Okay, almost nothing. Because the only thing I like more than reading a whole bunch of books by the same wonderfully talented writer is if those books are connected in some way. Now, that’s my idea of Reader Heaven.
I’ve written several connected stories, because I enjoy creating connected books as much as reading them. When I pitched the idea of my first trilogy of “Royal Brides” to my editor, she was all for this set of stories about three princes and the women they loved. My readers had been so instrumental in getting the word out on my earliest books, I wanted to involve them in that trilogy. So, I ran a contest and readers helped me name my first “kingdom”, each one instrumental getting the book they influenced dedicated to them. There were over two hundred entries in the contest and something unexpected (at least for me) happened. My readers gave me ideas for many more “royal” settings and the characters to populate them.
I got totally fired up by the idea of writing an ongoing mini-series. After all, I’m a huge fan of Diana Palmer’s “Long Tall Texans” and the idea of sharing my own created world like that one with my readers was too seductive to ignore. I once again went to my editor and pitched an idea – this one for an ongoing miniseries, of which my prince trilogy would be the beginning. She and the PTB got together, talked it over and agreed!
And my “Royal Brides” were born. The next two (Forbidden: The Billionaire’s Virgin Princess & Hired: The Sheikh’s Secretary Mistress) are available this July and August. I’ve had lots of readers requesting them, so I hope they aren’t disappointed.
But what is it about stories that are connected that make them so impossible to resist? Why do I wait as impatiently for the next Long Tall Texan as I do to open Christmas presents? What is so seductive about a series?
I asked this question on my personal blog in preparation for writing this post. The overwhelming response was that readers want to revisit characters from previous books while getting immersed in a new story about a character or characters they’ve already met.
Reader Jennifer Y. said it better than I can when she wrote, “I love connected stories because they allow me to revisit favorite and familiar characters beyond the HEA (Happily Ever After) and also see favorite secondary characters find their happy ending. It is like visiting familiar friends every time you pick up one of the books in a connected series…you become a part of their lives and want to know more…connected books allow you a glimpse at more.”
That “more” is all about the complexity of the story, which is sometimes hard to manage in the shorter formats (though not impossible ::g::). Reader Sue A. said it this way: I love connected stories because I find characters more well rounded and appealing when I can see how they relate to other people like friends and family. The connected stories make the imaginary world that much bigger and complex, adding more depth and realism to the stories.
It’s clear to me that we readers and authors alike are seduced by the complexity and depth as well as the chance to revisit “old friends”. Another reader, Estella, said each story built her connection to the characters until she felt like *she* was part of the family. I know exactly what she means!
I’m one of many authors for Presents who enjoys writing connected stories. Most of my favorites have done it several times and there’s the publisher inspired royal series Amy mentioned when answering my question on my blog. She wrote, “Right now I am enjoying a connected series by Harlequin Presents called the Royal House of Niroli. In this series there are eight books. Penny Jordan starts the series with the first book and ends the series with the last book but the other six books are by other authors. The books revolve around trying to find a new King for Niroli and each candidate gives up their chances to rule for true love. So far I am on book four of the eight book series and I can hardly wait to see how the search finally ends.”
Seduced into reading? I think definitely. And the truth is, I get as seduced by the idea of writing the books as readers are into reading them. In my mind, it’s a very good thing!
So, thanks for inspiring my passion and helping me to create the “Royal Brides” miniseries.
Hugs,
Lucy
Hi Lucy
I’m sure I’m not alone, in absolutely adoring connected books. They have become an obsession with me over the years.
You are an expert on this kind of book. Your series from last year, Mediterranean Brides, absolutely made my summer!
I loved the two books, I have re-read them both numerous times over the last 12 months. Amber and Miguel’s story from Taken: The Spaniard’s Virgin was, for me, an all time favourite and a definite keeper on my shelf.
There’s nothing I like more than being able to delve into the fuller picture of a connected story. I like hearing an ‘echo’ from a previous book, and being able to identify it through the new charactars I’m reading about now.
Your next Royal Brides, Forbidden: The Billionaires Virgin Princess, is already winging its way to me from Amazon.
WOOPPEE!! Can’t wait.
After doing a quick inventory of my vast collection of M&B’s, I have deliberately kept all of my favourite author’s connected books. Its important to me that they are kept safe and under lock and key. I never let them leave my side, they are stacked together on my book shelf and I feel comforted that they are always available for me to pick up and re-visit at any time.
But, there is a but: ‘Royal House of Niroli’ – I did buy most of the series, did you notice the word most? I have to admit, that I wasn’t altogether convinced that the series worked. Having so many different authors, and reading their differing writing styles, made it a little more difficult to follow. I don’t know if anyone else felt the same. That’s why I prefer connected stories that are written by one author. That’s just me, not everyone will agree with me I’m sure.
Hugs to everyone
xx Karen
Hey Lucy!
I agree with you gals! Love love love the connected series books! It is like visiting old friends. I like the the image Jennifer Y put out there– connected books allow you to glimpse more. Basically to see what happens to the other characters you have grown to love.
I’m a sucker for that HEA . . . AND to see what happened to the others — to see that they get their HEA too!
Hugs!
MARIAN
Hi, Lucy.
As you know, my very first Lucy Monroe title was the first of a trilogy, and it’s been close to my heart since the moment I read the first chapter. I sometimes think what makes these series books so very special is that you get to peek beyond the original ending. I absolutely love to see the couple actually living their happy ending, so when you get the chance to meet them again as an “old married couple” it’s like visiting with cherished friends. They don’t have to dominate the story, just be there, exuding their joy in each other and their enduring passion and love. It reminds us a little that life after the discovery of love and happiness becomes an entirely different kind of passion shared, something that is deep and binding. For me, that’s the sweetest part of the whole idea, to meet the same old friends in a different mood, where they are secure and happy with each other.
Love and Blessings to you, Lucy.
Always ~~ Denyse
Hi there Lucy!
You know that I am a huge fan of yours. This is a great topic!
I have to agree with Karen that I don’t always care for series books that are written by multiple authors. Somehow the “voice” isn’t the same. In many cases, some of the characters such seem “different.” Some of the series books also “drag on too long.” Years ago I remember reading some of the “Colton” books and getting frustrated because some key pieces of information were missing until the very end — a few years later. I was too impatient. LOL
I didn’t read the “House of Niroli” books. When the first book came out there is was something about the men continuing to have mistresses after they married — or the H offering that position to the heroine at first — I may have the details wrong — but something along those lines that just didn’t sit right with me. (It was blogged about on the eharlequin site.) Anyway, I just kept away from all of them. I am sure that I missed out on reading some great books — on the other hand I wasn’t disappointed.
One factor that I love about series books is reading about a secondary character from a previous book. This could be the heroine or the hero. We have seen glimpses of them in the past, maybe even have decided whether or not we liked them. Now when they have their own book we see them develop — sometimes with surprises along the way.
A big plus as has been already noted is seeing a favorite couple a sometime in the future possibly with a young family or just happily living their life.
Sending many Hugs to you and your family!
Lidia
I just noticed some “typos” in my post. Unfortunately this forum does not allow “edits” after the fact. Sorry about that!
Lidia
I must admit I really like it when an author returns to a world over a series of books. I think a lot of it comes from those big Victorian doorstep novels which were released in Presents-sized instalments. That way an ongoing story arc develops out of the various fortunes and misfortunes of the characters.
It’s also one reason why I love the film Pleasantville, because sooner or later the literary conventions start to become more visible and the writers have to push the format so that everything keeps pace with contemporary life. That’s also a reason why I want to write for this imprint because the romance between heroine and hero restores the balance that social change has brought.
I believe it’s ongoing, and has to be ongoing. Love will conquer all.
Hi Lucy
I just wanted to come by and wish you all the best for your new series.
I love both stand alone books and connected ones – sometimes my ‘connections’ only appear after I’ve written a book and realise that there’s a characters in there who needs their story told. But the Sicilian Brothers appeared as a duo and wouldn’t let me write them anyway else.
But my only longer linked series was a lot of fun – and extra work to remember who was who and what had happened to them in the past – and in all the backstories for everyone else. That was The Alcolar Family and just this week I got my hands on the 3 in 1 edition that collects all 3 together – that was a real thrill for me.
Anyway, what I wanted to say was that I just boought ‘Forbidden . . .’ here in the UK and I’m looking forward to reading it. The only trouble is the RNA conference this weekend – and the RWA one soon – but that means I’ll see you soon
Kate
Oh man, color me confused! I didn’t realise my blog had gone up. Thanks so much, Karen, you have no idea how good it was to hear you enjoyed last years story duo.
I agree, Marian, I’m a total sucker for reading and writing a series.
Lidia, as always, it’s wonderful to see you online and I too love seeing couples later – little glimpses in other books.
Denyse…you are always a dear and I too have found some of my favorite authors by reading a book in a series. Lovely stuff!
Lauren…I absolutely hear what you are saying. Although, I haven’t the patience for a lot of ongoing serials. I need to know a happy ending is coming, or I give up watching, or reading. But if I know it will pay off in the end, I can really enjoy the installment books or shows.
I do prefer a mini-series on tv over an ongoing drama though. Just call me impatient. LOL
Kate, hope you had a WONDERFUL time at RNA. I’ve decided to give RWA a skip this year. There’s just too much going on right now.
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