Sequels, Series, and Spin-offs

Writing Tips

One of the best ways to writing success is through sequels, series, and spin-offs. When readers meet and fall in love with unforgettable characters, or a setting, the door is open. 
 
 
Sequels continue the story begun in Book One. Series do the same. Spin-offs may focus on intriguing minor characters.
  
In Changing Seasons, my heroine's spinster aunt Carolyn, "terminally single and proud of it," deserved more recognition than she originally received  lest she overshadow the heroine. My niece, Renee DeMarco, picked up from where I left off. Changing Seasons, now available as Seasons of the Heart, has two very different stories but reads as one.  

Words of warning . . . play fair 

1. I Intensely dislike series that leave unsolved questions at the end of the book, an obvious ploy designed to make readers purchase the next title in order to find out what happened. Example: we are left hanging as to which suitor and which job offer  the heroine will accept,

2. Many series titles read like "been there, done that." Copycat plots with a different setting and names changed. We need tie-ins for series but each book must be substantially different.

 A series from a setting

 I grew so attached to the fictional Diamond S Ranch near Madera, California in the early 1880s, that I set  four inspirational romances there.

Romance Rides the Range 

Sarah Joy Anderson escapes a life of drudgery and flees to California. Is love's lasso strong enough to rope in once-bitten, twice-shy rancher Matt Sterling?

Romance Rides the River

 Powerful undercurrents threaten the Diamond S Ranch, especially Matt's headstrong sister Dori. Can she and Seth nderson safely navigate the troubled waters and find happiness?

 Romance at Rainbow's End

Sarah's sister Ellianna carries the weight of her father's sins. Surely she cannot be the answer to the new minister's prayers for a wife. Will she find treasure at the end of the rainbow--or only fool's gold?

 

Romance at the Hacienda

Sarah's brother Timothy scoffs at love at first sight . . .  until he meets Angelina  Montoya. Must Angel honor her proud father's wishes and marry a man twice her age, even though she loves Tim?

 * * *

Each book is unique. They feature characters from the previous titles so it is like re-visiting old friends, but the spotlight remains on the new major players. 

 

When I finished the final book of the series, I reluctantly said good-bye to the Diamond S and its inhabitants. I also took comfort in the thought that once the stosries were imprisoned between book covers I could go back whenever I wished. Renew acquaintance with those who live there. Eat Solita's wonderful Mexican's cooking. Ride the trails and observe the incomparable mountains, valleys, and streams. 

I have. And will, again and again. That is what sequels, series, and spin-offs all about.

 

Colleen's books at