Thursday, April 18, 2013

Today's Special -- Julianne MacLean



Today, I welcome best-selling historical author Julianne MacLean back to the Romance Dish! I first discovered Julianne's books when I won an ARC of Surrender to a Scoundrel--one of her American Heiresses series books--back in 2006. It remains one of my all-time favorite books to this day. :) Since then, Julianne has gone on to write about the Sinclair family, some sexy Highlanders, and a trilogy centered around royalty. If you haven't read any of Julianne's books, I encourage you to do so! Right now, I'm reading her latest, Seduced at Sunset, and enjoying it immensely. Please welcome Julianne!

~Andrea


Series Conclusions…How Do We Say Goodbye?

By Julianne MacLean

 

Have you ever wanted to weep after finishing a series you have loved from the beginning? Did you feel as if you were grieving for a lost loved one because you were forced to say goodbye to characters who had become such an enjoyable part of your life?

          Imagine the author, who has spent countless hours—and years—living in the story world she created.  I assure you, it’s not always easy for an author to move on and start something new, to envision a whole new world with a different set of characters—characters she knows nothing about.  She can’t help but wonder, will the new series have the same magic?  And what about the secondary characters who were left behind without ever getting stories of their own?

          I find myself in a strange state of mourning these days because I am bidding farewell to not one, but two separate series.  Timing can be cruel sometimes.

         

On April 30, The Prince’s Bride will hit bookstores, and that is the last book in a trilogy I began with St. Martin’s Press. I am a passionate fan of The Tudors series on television, so I took great pleasure in creating a fictional European nation called Petersbourg, modeled after the Tudor Court but set in the Regency period.  It became home to a family of charismatic young royals who were surrounded by romance and court intrigue, and each had to marry and produce heirs to continue their legacy.

         

I must also let go of another series revolving around an aristocratic family in England—the Sinclairs of Pembroke Palace.  This was a series I began at Avon in 2007, but when I changed publishers, I was unable to finish it at that time.  It was three years before I could finally return to Pembroke and give happy endings to the last two siblings, who had been left hanging since 2009.  Seduced at Sunset is finally released, but I find myself wondering if there is a way to continue both of these series.
 

The heroine from the first book in my Royal Trilogy had some sisters…. Perhaps they could be presented at court in Petersbourg.  And all the Sinclair siblings have happy, fruitful marriages.  There is a palace full of grandchildren who will be entering the London marriage mart during the Edwardian period.  Downton Abbey, anyone?

Alas, this is the sort of situation where an author needs to hear from readers.  I read every letter I receive, and when I see the same request over and over for a certain character’s story, I do become inspired to write it—because I respect my readers’ opinions and I like to give you what you want.

So if you ever feel heartbroken that your favorite series has come to an end and would like to see it continue, know that authors are listening.  Most of us are delighted to learn that you want more of something we have written.  We can often be persuaded to find a way to bring a series back to life.
 

So what do you think?  Have you ever written to an author to request the continuation of a series?  What series have you mourned when it reached the end?  Would you love it if the author returned to it, or can a series become stale if the author doesn’t know when to let it go?

All comments will be included in a random draw (open to everyone!) to win an autographed advance reading copy of The Prince’s Bride, my Royal Trilogy conclusion, which hits bookstores April 30.  I will be reading everyone’s comments.  Good luck!

115 comments:

  1. I must say I do like a trilogy. It's long enough to satisfy cravings, but does not overstay it's welcome.

    I've never written to an author begging for a series to continue. Generally as a writer moves on, I'm ready for something fresh too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "I must say I do like a trilogy. It's long enough to satisfy cravings, but does not overstay it's welcome."

      You've made a good point, Mary. For me, one of the biggest exceptions is Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series. I guess if an author creates so many siblings/friends, then perhaps they feel sort of obligated to write a story for each because so many people love series. The key is keeping it fresh. :)

      Delete
    2. I like trilogies, too, Mary, and I find I like to do books in spurts of 3. It's the magic number :). Sometimes I need to break away and write something else to keep everything fresh, and then I can be ready to return.

      Delete
  2. Oh please say it isn't so! I love series and I hate it when any of them end. There are really too many to name and I have never written and begged for a series to continue but if I thought it would help I would have. I have talked with enough authors that I know much as they would like they don't have an overabundance of control. I do agree that yes, you can wear a series out but I think that is like anything else, it really depends on the author. If he or she is still writing fresh plots with very cool characters I can keep reading forever especially if we have occasional visits from the previous characters. Kind of like out of state family that just shows up on occasion to stir the pot. I have read series that went on to the point they became very formula like and no, those were not my favorites but I have seen series end that I was not even close to being ready to let go of. I am going to miss the Sinclairs in particular.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "Kind of like out of state family that just shows up on occasion to stir the pot."

      LOL! This made me laugh, Dianna. I love series, too. It's sad to say good-bye. I hope you enjoy Charlotte's book. :)

      Delete
    2. Don't be shy about writing to an author, Dianna. It was the flood of letters I received about Garrett that urged me hurry up and return to the Pembroke Palace series. It was very inspiring for me :)

      Delete
  3. I love all of Julianne MacLean's books, my favorites have to be her Highlander trilogy, I wish she would write another one! But I would never ask her. Series are interesting but I do prefer a trilogy. Sometimes, series can takes a year or two, even more, and I prefer to read them all together to remember all the details. ha ha I'm not a young reader anymore...Please don't include me the giving away of The Prince's Bride, I have already read it! Nice question!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicole, you have the patience of a saint if you can wait to read a series all at once! LOL! I'm in awe. :)

      Delete
    2. Good news Nicole - I will definitely be writing more Highlanders. I just turned in a proposal for 3 more books to continue where my original trilogy left off. Obviously, I have a hard time saying goodbye to characters I write about! I am hoping for a 2014 release for those books.

      Delete
    3. OMG I'm so excited for you and for me! I adored your Highlanders!

      Delete
  4. What a gorgeous front cover!! Best wishes on the release. I am looking forward to reading this book!

    ReplyDelete
  5. It is always hard to say goodbye, but sometimes it is necessary. I do like what some authors do with the "end" of their series - create a spin-off series where the older characters can visit. That way things change, but the characters are not abandoned completely. :-D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I enjoy spin-offs, too, AquarianDancer. It might not be the same series, but at least we get our "fix". :)

      Delete
    2. Spin offs are great. I may do that for the next generation of sinclairs :-)

      Delete
  6. I love reading trilogies and series of books. I must say that in most cases (not all) I am so sad to see them end! When you read a series that has taken years to complete it is like saying goodbye to a friend or family member and you just dont want to let go.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I always enjoy reading series about sisters. Dee

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do, too, Gram. One of my favorite "sisters" series is the Dennehy Sisters series by Jo Goodman.

      Delete
  8. I am always sad when a series ends, but when a story is done, it's done. I do like when characters are revisited. I guess I'll take what I can get. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it's nice to see what they've been up to since we last saw them. :)

      Delete
    2. Sometimes a previos character can inspire a whole plotline for a new character's book. Love it when that happens :-)

      Delete
  9. I loved Sabrina Jeffries' School For Heiresses series. I really like when the author writes another series where you occasionally get a glimpse of an old friend. I read a lot of series and have yet to find one that has gotten stake r. I suppose it could, but you guys are more skilled than that. I'm excited to read this one as well!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "I really like when the author writes another series where you occasionally get a glimpse of an old friend."

      Yes!!

      Delete
  10. While I'm sad when a series ends, I know my favorite authors will write something just as good in another series. Sometimes, they even throw in a character from another book, so even though it's a different series, it's semi-related. That's when you know an author is doing something special for the readers.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I agree with Betty, the cover is gorgeous. I love reading series as well. I often read mysteries and a few of my favorite series have ended. I also like when the author starts a new series, but revisits characters from previous books.

    Sandra M

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Julianne has been very blessed with GREAT covers!

      Delete
  12. I love any sort of series, including trilogies. I am always excited to see a series continue, even when publishers change. I have wrote to author asking if a series is continuing. I am very loyal to my auto-buy authors or street team authors and constantly read their stuff. I love their series, because not only do the characters grow, but also the authors writing and storytelling grows. Thanks for the chance to win.
    christinebails at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And I know how much they appreciate our loyalty, Chris!

      Delete
    2. Hi Christine! Waving affectionately :-)

      Delete
  13. No, I think a series can become stale after awhile. It depends on the author and how it is written. I have loved book 1 and 2 of a series and book 3 not so much. Others, I love every book in the series. The good thing about historical romance is each book in the series is usually about a different member of the family.
    magic5905 at embarqmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with you that sometimes (though rare for me) book 3 can somewhat disappoint...especially if the couple/book has been hyped up through the first two and the third doesn't live up to the readers' expectations.

      Delete
    2. It does happen sometimes. I love it best when the last book is the best :-)

      Delete
  14. It depends on the series. Waiting patiently for #8 of the Outlander series- Diana Gabaldon. She said there will be one more. Her books come out every 4-5 years, I just hope I live long enough to see what happens to everyone.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Andrea and Julianne!

    When Julianna mentioned that she wasn't planning on writing more stories in the Pembroke Place and The Royal Trilogy series it reminded me of how much I enjoyed reading the novella, Married by Midnight and the short story, A Kiss Before Midnight last year.

    I can still remember how disappointed I was when I finished reading her American Heiress series that it was over and thinking how much I had enjoyed it and wanted more!

    I think I feel like a personal relationship has ended when I finish reading a series because I feel connected to the characters and always end up wondering what is going to happen next in their lives as they grow older and have families of their own and will their children find a true love like theirs!

    I love reading full length books but there are always those times when a short story or novella fills the gap on those times that free time is limited. Okay, I must admit I love them for those times I'm standing in a grocery or bank line or from going crazy waiting in a doctor's office!

    I was just wondering if Julianne had considered writing any more novellas and/or short stories so we don't have to bid her wonderful characters a final goodbye?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you enjoy SEDUCED AT SUNSET and THE PRINCE'S BRIDE, Jeanne!

      Delete
    2. Hi Jeanne. Thanks for this feedback! I have learned to never say never when it comes to writing more books in a series. My amazing readers have a lot of pull when it comes to these decisions. I listen carefully to all suggestions and requests :-). And i do love writing short stories so i suspect there will be more of those in the future.

      Delete
  16. I do hate to say goodbye to some of the characters I read about. That's one reason I love series romances. Whether historical or contemporary it's nice to revisit and see how the characters you loved are doing in their "happy ever after". I can only imagine what the author must go through when ending the series after sometimes years of writing about it. But new beginnings are great too. It sometimes gives the author more freedom to create a whole new world. Congrats on your success and thanks for spending the time to listen to your readers.
    grandmabkr at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I have actually gotten book series out from the library & gone out to buy them after I read them, because I felt the need to have them close, just in case I want to read them again. One of these that I can think of is Nora Roberts' MacKade Brother's series. I have actually written to authors recently, wanting to know if there were additional books coming. One was Robin Kaye's Wild series & the other Carolyn Brown's S Spikes & Spurs series. I always want more if I love the series!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So true, Sharlene. If we especially identify with a certain series, we are apt to want more!

      Delete
  18. I love your books Julianna. Especially your Highlanders as they are my first love in reading. :) I'm thrilled to see you are going to write more Highlanders. I do love trilogies and series books.And spin off books are great because we get to run into characters who have become like family every so often. Thanks for this great opportunity.

    Outlander hasn't ended yet but I've gotten so emotionally involved with the characters I can't stand the thought of saying goodbye to Jamie Fraser. :) My kids laugh at me and tell me "Mom, he's not real" lol
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn... for sure... I was so sad when it ends... But there's the epilogue so I am happy. And various friends and cousins...etc.etc.

    On the other hand, you have Anita Blake series by Laurel Hamilton and that should have ended like eons ago!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Despite being eight books (which was fine for me), I was sad, too, May! Love those Bridgertons. :)

      Delete
    2. I totally love Julia Quinn . She' such a great writer.

      Delete
  20. I LOVE series. I did write once to an author who had written a book and it was a stand alone book but I thought the heroine's brother needed his story told too. She told me she hadn't thought about that but it might be something she does in the future. I am crossing my fingers. LOL I think a series can be over wrought if an author doesn't know when to call it quits but, this being said, If the writing is done well a series can hold it's own. My favorite series to date is The McKettrick's by Linda Lael Miller and it has a TON of books. I just love romance books period!

    Wanda
    flghtlss1(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "I just love romance books period!"

      Then you are in the RIGHT pplace, Flghtlss!

      Delete
    2. I am glad you wrote to the author. I have gotten letters sometimes for characters i hadnt considered for a book but if a reader plants the seed you just never know...

      Delete
  21. Hi Julianne,

    I just love to read series, mostly trilogies. In my opinion these series can´t go on and on for ever. If we are introduced three to four new possible heroines/heroes in every romance, that´s enough for me. For example I really enjoyed Julia Quinn´s first Bridgertons, but eight in a row is too much(Sorry Andrea!).

    I really enjoyed you American Heiress trilogy, but "Love According to Lily" and "Portrait of a Lover" are my favourites.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL, it's okay, Serenissima! Thankfully in romance fiction there is something for EVERYONE! *g*

      Delete
  22. Hi Julianna, I really do enjoy good trilogies as well as longer series. Julia Quinn's Bridgerton's and Stephanie Laurens' Cynster's are among my favorites, and I hane been lucky enough to ask them in person about their plans for these series! Both have been continued in some ways.

    Another series I have asked about is SEP's Chicago Stars books. Unfortunatly, this seems to be a lost cause!

    Congrats on this new release; I am adding the series' to my TBR list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Flora, I REALLY need to add SEP to my list!!

      Delete
    2. YOU have not read SEP????!!! I am speechless, except to say I really think you will enjoy her.

      Delete
    3. I too am a SEP virgin though i have heard such great things about her books. I am determined to make this the year i read one of her books! An please excuse the grammar... i am at my daughters dance competition and typing on my phone :-)

      Delete
  23. I like trilogies but a longer series can be too much for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by, jcp!

      Delete
    2. I know what you are saying. There are just not enough hours in the day to everything we want to read. Wish i didnt have to sleep. Imagine what we could accomplish :-)

      Delete
  24. I love series :) But like any good thing, there's always an ending much to my chagrin. But I trust the author's ability to know when it's done. But it does make a bit sad.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Actually, I have not ever written to an author to request another book in a series. Yes, I feel a sadness that the series has come to an end. But I also feel a satisfaction that I enjoyed myself immensely during the series and that it ended well. So it's a bittersweet sadness when it ends. I think mostly I look forward to another series from the same author--as I am always "up" for another adventure. Perhaps that is because I moved A LOT in my life (first husband was an engineer for Corps of Engineers who went from project to project; second and present husband was an active United Methodist pastor who moved every three years or so to a new parish)--and I learned to make new friends and love my new surrounds quickly. My life has been one adventure after another...and so I like to fulfill my reading addiction the same way. :-) jdh2690@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your life is like an adventure novel, Janice!

      Delete
    2. You are like sniff and scurry in WHO MOVED MY CHEESE :-)

      Delete
  26. I've read books before where I really didn't want it to end cos I loved the story & characters so much but I trust that the author knows best when to end it. Dragging it out meaninglessly would be worse. I happily re-read my fav books over n over again. It's like visiting old friends.

    thumbelinda03@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, THAT is the good thing, Linda...we can always read them again! :)

      Delete
  27. There have been many series that I have read that I don't want to end..But I always know that my fav authors have another good series plotted, so I savor this and wait for the new series to come.. All good things must come to end, it is just the way of life and in books...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathleen, it is always exciting when they have something new in store for us. *g*

      Delete
  28. I do get a little sad when a trilogy or series ends. I get so far into the books that I feel like I'm losing a friend but I understand that all good things must come to an end. Stories can get boring if they go on endlessly. And I can always go back and read it again. :)

    I've never written to an author asking to keep going with a story. I figure that he/she knows better than me. An author probably has a closer relationship with the characters than the reader. My belief is that a really good author knows when to end a story and when to start a whole new adventure to keep us readers coming back for more.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I do love series books. Some seem to need to be trilogies only, while other can continue on and not get boring, such as Stephanie Laurens' The Cynsters. Others have ended because the author wanted out, not us reader's (Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove series). And I also read and love JD Robb's Eve Dallas books and the Stephanie Plum series, which keep going on and I am definitely not bored. I think the author, who has lived the stories, and the characters know when it's time to let go.

    Yes, I've written to one author about a series. She felt it was finished at present, but may be revisited I the future if the spirit moved.

    Sue P.
    suepete12(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  30. It is always sad to say farewell to characters we have come to care about in a series. However, if the story line is complete, so be it. Spin-off series often help extend the life of those characters and are a good option. They create a new story line and focus on a different set of characters. The old "friends" may make an appearance so we can see how they are doing, but the series is fresh and good to follow.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Yes, I have written to a couple of authors to ask if there will be any more books featuring a particular hero/heroine. Most of them said that it was usually up to the publisher and not up to the author to extend a series.
    JWIsley(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love to read series books...especially if I can find them in order. I do think an author needs to know when to end a series though. I've only read one author that seems to be clinging to a series to the point that I've stopped reading them. I can't read about the same 3 characters forever. I don't mind an exteded series though if it's branches out after the first 3 books to maybe include friends or relatives.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I read series books almost exclusively- I just love the 'family' feeling... and no I don't think you can ever extend the series too far- look at Stephanie Laurens!!! So I say, keep on as long as you can find characters to write about !

    ReplyDelete
  34. Yes, I've written a few times to authors about continuing a book, in most cases it was a one of book. For example, I'd love it if Sarah Maclean's book, the Season had two others and told the friends' stories.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I like to read series books but my only thing is that i have to read them in order so the ones that I am reading if the author felt that it was time for the series to end I understand as you dont want it to go stale or be writing just to get a book out as there is a few authors who endlessly put out books and they are bestsellers due to the name of the author but the books themselves are just terrible. So I would say love reading series and if i felt there was more to go I would and have writeen an author and said please continue that and then dropped a name of who they might want to continue with that way they do listen to readers and maybe they see what i see. Sorry not sure if that all made sense but to sum it all up if the author wants to end then it is time as who knows the author might have a fresh idea for a new series. Love Juliannes' books and always recommend others to read them as they are always really good.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I like continuing series. However, if it's a long series, I think an author can experience some ups and downs. What I mean by this is that there's always that one book in the series that readers or reviewers think is slightly weaker than the others. Therefore, it probably helps an author to take a break and write a completely different book and then return to the series refreshed.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I've read about a half dozen of your stories and enjoyed them very much. I've not started this series as yet!! I hate to bother authors (although sometimes I write when I've enjoyed a story but not often enough). There are some authors out there that I wish they would write faster lol but I don't really mean that because then the story wouldn't be as good lol.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love a series. I love romances. I have read many of your books. I look forward to readings more.

    ReplyDelete
  39. No, I’ve never thought to write to an author asking them to continue a series although sometimes it is sad to see them end. I have so enjoyed Julia Quinn’s Bridgertons series and have had lots of laughs from it. Because of that, I’m almost hesitant to read the last novel just released because I hate to say goodbye. However, we readers must look on the bright side. If our wonderful authors have kept our loyalty loving their novels, we will be the first ones in line to buy the first book in their next series.

    ReplyDelete
  40. No, I've never written to an author asking them to write more in a series. I mostly read mysteries. There was a good series by Daniel Stashower featuring Harry Houdini, but there were only three of them. The author is still writing books, but I think mostly nonfiction now.

    I don't usually read books in a series in chronological order unless I've been keeping up with the series and reading them as they come out. Sometimes it's fun to get the latest from the author, especially if you get it from the library and then it's like "Oooh, look at me. I got the latest one at the library before someone else grabbed it."

    I see someone else mentioned The Season by Sarah MacLean. I liked that book. It was a Y.A. one.

    catbooks(at)rocketmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Yes, I have written to author wanting information on if a series was going to continue or if a secondary character was going to get a story. I hate when series end. You become so wrapped up in their lives.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My favorite of Julieanne's is Love According to Lily

      Delete
  42. Wow, you guys are amazing! BIG THANKS to everyone who has stopped by today to comment! Please keep 'em coming!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I guess I have a love-hate thing going when a series ends. I do enjoy books in a series because you have more to look forward to when you come to the end of the first book, but I hate when the series ends! I do know that they can't go on forever, but I would like to see a series of the next generation of Pembroke Place!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Sometimes I almost don't want to start a
    series because I know I will be losing
    contact with special friends as I finish
    the books. Sounds weird, doesn't it? I
    guess it stems from the fact that I will
    be investing so much time and interest in
    these characters. I am an avid follower of
    Stephanie Lauren's Cynster Family series
    which number 16 or 17 at this time. They
    have allowed me to get to know what hap-
    pens to my character friends past their
    own book!

    Pat Cochran

    ReplyDelete
  45. I wrote to my authors w/ my fave series every now and then when the series seemed to end abruptly. Mostly, they would tell me they had to shelf that series when they changed their publisher and the new pub didn't like it or had s'thing else in mind they wanted the author to write first, so said series (my fave) had to be move to the back burner for awhile, sometimes years, sometimes w/ no prospect of ever be 'reborn' again which, of course, is not the kind of news I would embrace. So, all we can do is be patient (and I've learnt to master the art of being patience well through the years, not that I like it though) and hope that we'll get to see that series come back again with more of wonderful. So, whatever you decide, I'll wait. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  46. No, I have never written an author asking them to continue a series. I never even thought about it. My favorite authors just seem to know how many books to write in a series and then they move on to another one. I reread a lot of them.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I have never written an author and ask about a series, but I have email authors before about other things.

    ReplyDelete
  48. I have written to an author asking about a secondary character in a story...with the hope that they might end up in another book in a series. LOL Not that it worked, but I tried. I do hate to see series end. It gives me separation anxiety. ;)

    Marcy Shuler
    bmndshuler(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  49. I have never written to an author about extending a series. There are some I do read and will continue to read because, and one that I have actually gotten away from because it has gotten to be too much alike for me. I do like to revisit characters, as well. I am usually ready for them to end when the author is, although there are a couple I know that I always wonder what ever happened to this character...

    ReplyDelete
  50. I read some long-running series that work for me, like Julie-Anne Long's Pennyroyal Green novels. Typically, three- to five-book series are my norm.

    It is hard to say good-bye, but the author is the creator of her characters, her world, her series. I have great respect for how she chooses to share them with readers and I have a pretty solid trust in how an author will continue or close a series. Often I've thought ending a series to be harder than extending one, since the author has to say a final good-bye to her creations. Thanks for visiting, Julianne.

    ReplyDelete
  51. I have written an email to an author to continue the series but at the time she said historical romance were not marketable. A few years later, I was in the chat room. I have asked again and this time she said she would continue the series. Persistent does pay off.

    ReplyDelete
  52. I feel a little lost after a while. I really miss them and search for something to satisfy. There have been a few. I am with the few and agree that a trilogy is nice.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Never wrote to an author to continue a series. Usually a series is pretty complete by the time I read it. Not a fan of when authors write tons of books in a series, when the other books in the series should have been spin-offs instead.

    bn100candg at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  54. I think that a trilogy is nice, but four or five are fine... If it goes much higher [given the time it takes to write & publish], you almost need a synopsis to keep track of what has gone on before. That being said.. some series I would love to go on forever... Like those Bridgertons and the mallet of death!!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Well it's a good reason to have a re-read at some point!

    Charlene
    gmgypsiesf1@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. One of my favorite series is Jean Johnson's Sons of Destiny series when it ended as was sooo sad. Luckily though just recently I had the chance to talk to Jean Johnson on Facebook and found out she's doing a new series that will have some interaction with the characters from the Sons of Destiny series. That made me very happy. Also, Pamela Clare's The MacKinnon Rangers series ended and I was wanting more, again found out that she's going to do some other stories branching off with other characters in the book. I know there have been others but these are the most recent ones I can think of. I know I don't want your highlander series to end.

    ReplyDelete
  57. I just hate to see a series end,it's like saying farewell (however briefly) to family to me..BUT..I LOVE,LOVE,LOVE (99% of the time) when a author gives life to the children of these characters,to me it's a welcoming home of sorts...I am Loving Hannah Howells "Highland" and "Wherlocke" series,just because of the family closeness in them and it continues into each book...of course it goes without saying,I'm definatly loving your HIGHLANDER series!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Ive never written to beg for a series to be continued. Certainly, a series can get stale if an author (or publisher!) doesn't know when to end it. However, I think that, after some time has passed, that the author might be able to return to it with fresh ideas. Series I've mourned: Well, I'm not sure if Larissa Ione is finished with her Demonica/Lords of the Underworld universe, but I just finished all of them and really want more!
    jmcgaugh (at) semo (dot) edu

    ReplyDelete
  59. While I hate to see a series end because I feel like by the end the characters have become like friends and family, I've never wrote to the author to ask her to continue the series. I figure she has fresh ideas and new characters to write about, and that's fine with me. I've mourned the Hathaways from Lisa Kleypas and the Bridgertons from Julia Quinn. I'm shamed to say I haven't read the Royal Trilogy yet, but now it's on my TBR list! :) Thanks for the giveaway, Andrea and Julianne!
    thebigbluewall77(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  60. I've never written to an author to continue a series but there's a ton I'd want to. I love Lisa Kleypas and series like The Wallflowers or the Hathaways would be awesome to see more of. Also Julia Quinn's Bridgerton family (huzzah for the 2nd epilogue book!!) and Gena Showalter's Atlantis series :)

    Thanks for having this giveaway!!!
    ahui55(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  61. I like series whether family, area, or friend based: Jill Shalvis- Lucky Harbor, Susan Wiggs -Lakeshore Chronicles, Robyn Carr -Virgin River, Debbie Macomber Hard Luck Alaska and Cedar Cove, Diana Palmer- Tyler and Jacobsville. Texas,Sherryl Woods Chesapeake series, Karen Hawkins- MacLean & Hurst families, Susan Mallery -Marcelli family, Linda Lael Miller- Creed & McKettrick families, Jillian Hunter- Boscastle family, Carly Phillips Buchanan Bros, Lori Foster- Buckthornes, Kate Hoffmann - The Mighty Quinns, Nora Roberts- The O'Hurleys, The Donovans, Lisa Kleypas -The seasons series, Sabrina Jeffries -School for Heiresses, Nora Roberts Bride series is one of my favorites!

    Andrea definitely read SEP start with NBBM.

    Julianne best wishes whatever you choose to write! I've fallen behind on your books. I will have to look for your latest work.

    I've never requested continuation of a series.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Wow, wow, wow!! THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by to comment!! It looks as if the majority of us love series, but not too long of one. Thank you all!!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Series? As long as the finale's satisfying i'm okay with ending a series. Altough i would love to read what happen next. I'm okay with trilogy, quartet pr even long series, as long as it managed to interest me to keep reading

    ReplyDelete
  64. I am always sad to see a series end if it is one I truly like. I hate to say good bye to the characters in the book.I really enjoyed Robyn Carr's Virgin River series, Iris Johanson's Eve Duncan series. Best wishes on your writing.

    ReplyDelete
  65. It has never dawned on me to request the continuation of a series. I'll mourn the end, but I guess I always figured the author knows what they're doing - either they feel it's reached a logical conclusion or it's gone as far as they care to take it. I mourned Keri Arthur's Riley Jenson series, but Riley makes guest appearances in Keri's new series, so that's a plus.

    ReplyDelete