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I am seeking opinions from readers about my next novel(s). When my editor was reviewing my first novel, she requested me to give a little more info on one of the supporting male characters. I told her that I held back on him releasing his story, because I was toying with the idea of having him star in my next novel. Her response, “Oh. I would love to read a book about him.”
I had changed my mind about using him in my next novel until I read her comment, deciding not to create a series. But, now I am torn.
A lot of my favorite authors write books that star the supporting characters in other novels. For instance, Marliss Melton has a “Taskforce Series,” “Navy SEAL Team Series,” and so forth. I love how each book is a stand-alone novel, but the male or female supports from the first few books, star in the next novel(s).
With great books, you fall in love with the characters, and you miss them when the book is over. But not all books require sequels or trilogies, etc. With the idea of a series, you get glimpses of your favorite couples as they pop up (often) in the other novels (within the series). I always get excited when I get an update on a couple from a previous book—yes, I know—I develop attachments to the characters (but fellow readers get this).
OKAY. So, my questions are: How many of you like when an author creates a series? How many of you love sequels, etc?
I could have easily made my book into a sequel, but I felt that I would really only have a hundred pages of quality story in the next book, without dragging it out (and creating unnecessary problems for my characters). But, I did create several other strong characters in my novel, who could easily become the stars in future novels.
I wish I had a gut feeling about what I wanted to do, but I am swimming in a pool of indecision right now, and I don’t feel like I am coming up for air anytime soon. HELP! What do you like to read? Or, what would you do if you were me?
Thank you for your support!