We interrupt round two of the WRiTE CLUB play-offs for a very special occasion -- a guest post from the Blogfather himself - Alex J. Cavanaugh. Alex is making the rounds in support of his new release in the Cassa series, and I was able to lasso him here to my site for the day. His topic is one that is interests me a lot, and one that I believe is a on many a writers minds. Please make Alex feel welcome, and enjoy the post!
The Pros and Cons of Writing a Book Series
I envy the authors who plan out their series in advance. It’s no secret that I never intended to write a series. I had one idea for a book, based on an old manuscript I’d written as a teen, and I just wanted to see if I could get it published. That two sequels followed is nothing short of a miracle!
Looking back, I can see the advantages and disadvantages of writing a series.
Disadvantages:
Stale storylines – With a series, each new installment needs to be fresh. It can’t be a rehash of a previous story. There’s a chance you’re still writing but not presenting anything new or exciting for the fans.
Fan expectation – Readers can grow attached to characters and have expectations on their development. Fans envision the next step in the storyline, which might not match what you are writing.
Tied to the series – Once committed to that world, you have to stick with it to the end. Even if you get fresh ideas and want to venture into new territory, you have to complete what you started.
Advantages:
Familiarity – Once you’ve embarked on the second book, you are familiar with the characters and the world. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time.
Fanbase – Those who enjoyed the first book will be committed to buying the others. You don’t have to find a new audience every time.
Character growth – Television series are popular because we get to see the characters grow over the course of many episodes and seasons. With a series, you can explore the changes in your characters, allowing each new experience to mold and shape them.
I didn’t intend to write a series, but it’s been very satisfying following Byron on his journey. Every book has brought new adventures and challenges, and he’s transformed from a cocky, rebellious young man into a strong, mature leader. CassaStorm brings Byron’s story full circle, and I think fans will enjoy that.
So even if you think you are writing just one lone story, keep the possibility of a series in mind. After all, you just never know where it may lead you!
CassaStorm
By Alex J Cavanaugh
From the Amazon Best Selling Series!
A storm gathers across the galaxy…
Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.
After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.
Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…
“I thought the revelation was going to be one thing and I was completely wrong … CassaStorm pushes the limits…” - Tyson Mauermann, Speculative Reviews
“CassaStorM is a touching and mesmerizing space opera full of action and emotion with strong characters and a cosmic mystery.” – Edi’s Book Lighhouse
$16.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 268 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.
Science fiction/adventure and science fiction/space opera
Print ISBN 9781939844002 eBook ISBN 9781939844019
$4.99 EBook available in all formats
Find CassaStorm:
Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar and CassaFire, he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.
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