The Lost City And Series Fatigue
Warning: This post will talk about The Lost City, an awesome movie starring Sandra Bullock as a Romance Writer and Channing Tatum as a Cover Model. The spoilers will be very light but you might wish to read this post after you’ve watched the movie.
The Dear Wonderful Hubby and I finally watched The Lost City and stars, we enjoyed it so very much. It was funny and had unexpected twists and a great Romance Novel ending.
Which is appropriate as Loretta Sage, the heroine, writes Romance Novels and Dash, the hero, is a Romance Novel Cover Model.
I loved this movie also because it discusses a very real issue Romance Writers sometimes face – series fatigue.
Loretta has series fatigue. She has been writing about the same couple for multiple books and can’t think up a new interesting adventure for the two characters to embark on.
She sees only one solution – she has to end the series.
Except no one else wants her to do that. Her readers, Dash, her publisher, etc., all want more books in the series.
The cure she takes for series fatigue has been effective for many writers, including myself.
Loretta is forced out of the writing cave and spends time in the greater world, having adventures and interacting with non-writing folks and surrounding herself with inspiration.
I force myself to leave the writing cave every so often also. I take a break. The Dear Wonderful Hubby and I usually travel.
All that greater world stimulation propels my muse into hyperdrive. Ideas and words flow. I return to the writing cave eager to write the next story. It is very exciting.
This solution doesn’t work for everything but it is well worth a try!
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Provoking Odium
A Beautiful Cyborg
While accompanying his leader on a mission, Odium, an E Model cyborg, hears a distress call over the communication lines. The voice on that message makes his circuits surge with energy and all his systems light up. He has to respond to the mysterious female, would risk his lifespan and the lifespans of everyone on board their ship to protect her.
A Human Female Others Call Beast
Briella gained her nickname due to her flying abilities, her fearlessness, and her scarred countenance. Her verbal-only relationship with the sexy cyborg who answers her distress call is a steamy yet short-lived fantasy. His kind is physically perfect, and she is…not. He will uncover that truth when…if they survive the attack upon her freighter.
Provoking Odium is a STANDALONE Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, sometimes-violent universe.
It features a human female intent on remaining mysterious, a cyborg warrior determined to uncover her identity, and an enemy seeking to destroy them both before they have the opportunity to meet.
Buy Now:
Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09NRXGLFW
Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09NRXGLFW
Amazon AUS:
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B09NRXGLFW
Apple Books:
https://books.apple.com/us/book/provoking-odium/id1605490349
B&N:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/provoking-odium-cynthia-sax/1140894003
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/provoking-odium
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1127119
Topics: Movie Reviews | Comments Off on The Lost City And Series Fatigue
How Many Books Should Be In A Series?
Note: This post is about series that are self-published. If you are working with a publisher, that publisher will likely decide how many books are in your series. You might have series canceled early or the publisher might convince you to extend it. You have little control over this (which is one of the reason I currently prefer self-publishing).
When writers are discussing series, the most common question asked is… how many books should be in a series? The short and dirty answer is… as many as you need to tell the story you want to tell.
There are no rules to writing books or to crafting a series. If there is an overall arc (and there doesn’t need to be one in a series), that should preferably be resolved. It is one of the reasons readers are reading the series. But some gifted writers have broken that ‘rule’ also.
Do what makes sense for you and for your series.
I’ll, however, share what works for me. That might or might not work for you but it will give you things to think about when crafting your series.
Creating Stopping Points
The cyborg series currently has 12 stories in it. I plan to write many more. BUT if you analyze that series, you’ll see there are possible stopping points for it every three or four books.
I could have stopped the series after the stories for the three original cyborgs were resolved, for example. I could have stopped it after the mass cyborg rebellion as another example. I would have written those ‘last’ stories differently but I could have ended the series at those points.
This gives me flexibility. If I’m no longer passionate about the series or readers no longer enjoy the stories (I often judge interest in the series by pre-order numbers), I can pause or stop the series at these points.
Extending A Series
If I’m still loving a series and readers are enjoying it also, I will often extend it.
The Refuge/Dark Thoughts series was originally a four-story series (Dark Thoughts, Dark Flight, Dark Strength, Dark Fire). At the end of Dark Fire, the baddies introduced in Dark Flight have all been confronted. Kralj, Dark Thought’s hero, has traveled his complete character arc. If someone merely read those four stories, they should be satisfied.
But there are plenty of secondary characters whose stories I can tell. The Medic captured me in Dark Strength. I knew I HAD to tell her story. I see Dark Cure, that fifth longer story (Dark Warlord is a shorter story), as a bonus story. It isn’t part of the core series. (I also see it as a bridge story between the Refuge series and the upcoming Barbarian Warlord series.)
Ending (Or Pausing) The Series
Readers become upset if series aren’t completed. I make that a goal of mine.
If I love a brand new series but it isn’t (YET) appealing to readers, I will pause it at one of the stopping points. This might mean writing two more stories in the series, which won’t have huge numbers of readers (at the moment). I still write until that stopping point.
Why?
Because I don’t want to upset the few readers I do have. I feel I owe them a complete story arc. Also, some series take extra time to connect with readers (both the Cyborg series and the Refuge series didn’t really catch on until three books had been released). I’ll give any series two more stories.
How do you decide how many stories should be in a series?
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Dark Fire
What the Beast wants, the Beast gets.
Dare’s savage nature has made him an outcast among his kind. The silver-scaled Dracheon warrior can’t control his inner beast. It’s too strong. When his primitive instincts told him his destined mate was on Carinae E, he had no choice. He had to travel to the outlaw planet. There, he hoped to meet a female powerful enough to survive his Drache.
He finds Faylee, a delicate little human.
Faylee is the best thief on the planet. Everyone she encounters mistakes her for a young boy…except for a tall, shiny warrior from off-planet. When she gazes into Dare’s flame-filled eyes, he makes her feel, for the first time, like a desirable female. The fire-breathing male has her yearning for hot kisses, fierce embraces, and a future filled with love. She doesn’t realize mating with him might be the last thing she ever does.
Dare’s beast isn’t the only danger on the planet. An enemy from the past has returned and he’s determined to stop Dare and Faylee…permanently. They’ll need luck and the assistance of every warrior in the Refuge to stay alive.
Dark Fire is a STANDALONE SciFi Romance set in a gritty, dark world.
Buy Today:
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Fire-Refuge-Book-4-ebook/dp/B07CW2Y8B7/
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Fire-Refuge-Book-4-ebook/dp/B07CW2Y8B7/
Apple/iTunes : https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dark-fire/id1381353384
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-fire-cynthia-sax/1128614574
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/dark-fire-22
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/824382
Topics: Writing Tips | Comments Off on How Many Books Should Be In A Series?
Interview With Lea Kirk
I sat down (virtually) with Lea Kirk for a short interview. Today is the release day for Lea Kirk’s Collision, a SciFi Enemies-to-Lovers Romance. I LOVE enemies-to-lovers romances!
Cynthia Sax: What makes Fander, your hero, so super sexy?
Lea Kirk: Well, Fander’s big, and green, and there’s a something different about his anatomy that’ll make most women smile. I could tell you what it is, but wouldn’t it be more fun to discover that secret for yourself?
Cynthia Sax: Ohhh…you have me intrigued! What is your favorite line from Collision?
Lea Kirk: I have to pick one, huh? All right, I think it would have to be when Fander says to Flora, “We don’t have to pretend anymore.” His words signal the beginning of something new for them. A change in direction in their lives, their relationship, and the realization that they are fully committed to facing that change together.
Cynthia Sax: Awww…that’s romantic! Is Collision part of a series and will you be writing more stories in this series?
Lea Kirk: Yes and yes. Collision is the third book in my Prophecy series. There will be more stories in this universe, but Collision wraps up the series arc. The rest of the stories will focus on the “new normal” for Earth, Matir, and Anferthia. I’m getting excited about my next story. It’s a Christmas story featuring my hero and heroine from my first book, Prophecy, and their newly adopted children—particularly Maggie, the youngest. I really, really hope to have it out this year. If not, then I’ll aim for the 2019 holiday season.
Cynthia Sax: That ROCKS! I don’t see very many Christmas SciFi Romances. Do you have any advice for new writers?
Lea Kirk: Don’t give up. Keep writing. Immerse yourself in a community (local or online, depending on your location) of other writers in your genre. If you write a subgenre, like sci-fi romance, get to know other authors who also write in that subgenre. And lastly, if you write a series, and you’re not a fast writer, listen to everyone who tells you to finish writing the stories first before releasing. I managed to get the first two books out in 2016, plus a short story. Collision is just now being released two-and-a-half years after Prophecy. I wish I had listened to this advice.
Cynthia Sax: I should really take that advice. I release as I write and sometimes I write myself into corners. Thank you for joining us today, Lea Kirk!
Lea Kirk’s Website: http://www.leakirk.com/
*****************************************************************************
A heart-rending loss…
Flora Bock will never forgive the Anferthian invaders for murdering her birth-parents. Growing up with the grandson of her sworn enemies is living a nightmare—until the day she sees him through the eyes of a young woman. But giving her heart to him is the ultimate betrayal of her parents’ memory.
A life in peril…
There are precious few places in the galaxy where Fander K’nil is safe. One look into Flora’s beautiful, hate-filled eyes is proof enough that Terr is not one of those places. He must keep her at a distance and stay alive long enough to fulfill his destiny. No matter what his heart desires.
An empire at stake…
Just as Fander and Flora begin to discover the depth of their feelings for each other, they are thrust into a deadly game of politics and assassination with an enemy who stops at nothing to stay in power. With the lives of everyone they love at risk, they must find a way to avert a new invasion before it’s too late—even if it means making the ultimate sacrifice.
Buy Now:
On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D6YWSY7/
On Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1128754481
On iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1387541928
On Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/collision-46
Topics: Author Interviews | 1 Comment »
Crash And Burn And Open-Ended Series
Today, I’m visiting EverydayFangirl, talking about open ended series
Here’s a snippet…
Series can also be closed (the writer knows exactly how many stories will be in the series) or open-ended (the writer doesn’t know how many stories will be in a series).
Crash And Burn, my most recent release, is the latest installment in my open-ended cyborg series. Reading buddies ask me how many stories I plan to write in the series and I have no idea. Each story is crafted to be read on its own.
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Crash And Burn
Crash was manufactured to be one of the best warriors in the universe. The cyborg has spent many human lifespans fighting the enemy. But, unlike his battle-loving brethren, he doesn’t enjoy killing. When he escapes the Humanoid Alliance, he vows to never end another life.
Then he meets Safyre, an infuriating human female, and he considers breaking his vow.
Safyre will do anything to save her friend, the being she loves like a sister. She’ll ravish a huge hunky cyborg, kiss his best friend, and invoke scorching hot desires the male never realized he could feel. Dark soulful eyes, a quick wit, and a tempestuous passion won’t divert her from her mission.
Love, and a planet-destroying weapon, however, might stop her permanently.
Order Now:
On Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Crash-Burn-Cyborg-Sizzle-Book-ebook/dp/B019EBKIF2
On Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crash-Burn-Cyborg-Sizzle-Book-ebook-x/dp/B019EBKIF2/
On ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-crashandburn-1950244-147.html
On B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crash-and-burn-cynthia-sax/1123141101
On Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/crash-and-burn-13
Topics: Guest Post | Comments Off on Crash And Burn And Open-Ended Series
Talking Crash And Burn And Building A Series
I’m talking about one way to write a standalone series today on Liza O’Connor ‘s online home.
http://multiuniversesoflizao.blogspot.ca/2016/02/cyborg-brethen-building-series-with.html
Here’s a snippet…
There are a number of ways to build a standalone series (a series with books that can be read on their own). My favorite, by far, is the sexy brother premise.
This is exactly what it sounds like. The hero of the first book in the series has two or three or four or more sexy, single brothers. In the subsequent books, these brothers find their own heroines (or heroes or heroines and heroes, depending on the stories being told – grins).
These brothers don’t have to be brothers by birth.
Subscribe To My Release Day Newsletter: http://tasteofcyn.com/2014/05/28/newsletter/
Crash And Burn
Crash was manufactured to be one of the best warriors in the universe. The cyborg has spent many human lifespans fighting the enemy. But, unlike his battle-loving brethren, he doesn’t enjoy killing. When he escapes the Humanoid Alliance, he vows to never end another life.
Then he meets Safyre, an infuriating human female, and he considers breaking his vow.
Safyre will do anything to save her friend, the being she loves like a sister. She’ll ravish a huge hunky cyborg, kiss his best friend, and invoke scorching hot desires the male never realized he could feel. Dark soulful eyes, a quick wit, and a tempestuous passion won’t divert her from her mission.
Love, and a planet-destroying weapon, however, might stop her permanently.
Pre-order Now:
On Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Crash-Burn-Cyborg-Sizzle-Book-ebook/dp/B019EBKIF2
On Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crash-Burn-Cyborg-Sizzle-Book-ebook-x/dp/B019EBKIF2/
On ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-crashandburn-1950244-147.html
On B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crash-and-burn-cynthia-sax/1123141101
On Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/crash-and-burn-13
Topics: Guest Post | Comments Off on Talking Crash And Burn And Building A Series
The Pantster’s Guide To Writing A Series
I’m a pantser, a writer who writes by the seat of her pants. Before starting a story, I usually know my characters, (maybe) have a glimpse at a first scene, know it will be an erotic romance, and that’s it. Yes, I can feel my plotter buddies twitching. It is chaos, I tell you, chaos! But I can’t write any other way.
I also write series, three or more stories set in the same world with characters who know each other. Sometimes there’s an overreaching story arc (defeating the big baddie or finding a man for Camille – grins). Sometimes it is a sexy brother type of series (there are three friends and I want them all to find love).
How do I write series when I don’t even know what the next scene in a story is?
It is similar to how I write a single story. With a single story, I know the ending. The two (or more) characters will find lasting love and be together. I don’t know how they’ll get there but I know that’s where the story is heading.
With a series, I have additional goals or destinations for my first (or second or third story). Yes, the two (or more) characters will be together but, in the case of the sexy brother series, at least one of the other characters will also be introduced.
In He Watches Me/He Touches Me/He Claims Me, Anna and Blaine end up together and are gloriously happy (well, as happy as our rather serious billionaire can be) but Camille, the heroine of Breaking All The Rules, is also introduced.
A story in a series with an overreaching story arc will have a third goal. At the end of the story, the two (or more) characters will be together, the main character in the next story will be introduced, AND there will be progression in the bigger mission.
How much progression?
It depends on how many stories I wish to have in the series. In the Warlord four story series, I knew I wanted all three brothers to find love. This meant at least a three part series. I also eventually wanted one of the Warlord brothers to face Tolui (the brother was supposed to kill him in the third story but Tolui refused to die). I chopped up this big end goal into smaller goals, progressively escalating the conflict and the stakes.
And this escalation is important. We’ve all read a toe curling first book in a series and wondered “How will the writer top THIS?” That’s what readers expect. If you blow up the Death Star in the first installment, you should do something even bigger or more shocking (like, say, announce that the big baddie the hero is trying to kill is dear ol’ dad) in the second installment. The conflict in the third story will be even BIGGER.
I’m a fan of circular story telling so often when crafting the final story in a series, I give a nod to the first story. Maybe I’ll mirror a scene or refer back to the first story. I also like to bring back or mention the previous couples (or more), giving readers some updates on them. This usually isn’t planned though. It is part of the pantsing magic.
Do you have some tips on writing series? What do you like about reading stories in a series?
Subscribe To My Release Day Newsletter: http://tasteofcyn.com/2014/05/28/newsletter/
Nathan Lawford, Blaine Technologies’ chief financial officer, is known as the Iceman. He conducts his personal and business affairs without emotion, never allowing himself to become involved with anyone. When Nate sees something or someone he wants, he negotiates, paying a simple, set monetary price.
Now he wants Camille, the company’s green-haired intern.
Camille Joplin Trent never expected to be paid to pleasure the man of her dreams. She can’t quite figure out why this is a bad thing. Nate is intelligent, handsome, sophisticated, everything she’s ever wanted in a lover and never thought she could have. Their contract is for a month, thirty lust-filled days of making every sexual fantasy they’ve ever had come true. At the end of this month, the rules state their relationship will end.
Of course, Camille has never been good at following rules.
Buy Now At Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-All-Rules-Erotic-Novella-ebook/dp/B00F2I2GXY
Buy Now At ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-breakingalltherules-1453084-149.html
Topics: Writing Tips | Comments Off on The Pantster’s Guide To Writing A Series
