Book 13 of the Klepto Cat Mystery series is in the works. Book 12 is being formatted for your Kindle as we speak. The Purrfect Lie (12) should be available some time early next month.
At what point should a series end? Is there a typical or a logical stopping place for a series? It appears not. Some book series have continued for years and years. Sue Grafton’s alphabet mysteries, for example, is 21 strong and she plans 26 of them. Lilian Jackson Braun wrote 34 in The Cat Who series and the Perry Mason series is 82 stories strong.
It appears that as long as you have a story to tell and an audience eager to read it, your series does not have to die.
What are some of the challenges in writing a series?
- The author might run out of ideas for fresh, new stories.
- It becomes difficult to stay true to your characters.
- You might need to establish new characters to move your stories forward.
- The time element can get in the way when you produce books at a fast pace.
At what point should you veer into another direction or create another series? Presumably, when you burn out on the current series or when your audience appears to be bored with your characters and your storyline.
What are my plans for the future of the Klepto Cat Mysteries? This is a question most authors of a series are asked. I don’t have a cut-off number. Right now I’m focused on continuing to develop stories around Savannah, Michael and their klepto cat, Rags. I may continue on through a dozen more stories or I might decide at number fifteen to try something new. So far, I’m making the decision to continue by the seat of my pants. In other words, once I finish a book I sit down at the computer and, if another Klepto Cat story begins to form at my fingertips, I go for it.
If I were to sit staring at a blank computer screen for any length of time, I might consider conjuring up a whole new cast of characters. As it is, I’m gearing up to continue producing and supporting the Klepto Cat Mysteries. We just received new business cards featuring the series. I’ve had new bookmarks designed and we’re going into the stationary business. Yes, we’ll be offering note cards featuring some of the book covers.
If you like light reading and enjoy stories featuring interesting cats, consider adding the Klepto Cat Mysteries to your reading list. All 11 currently published stories are on Kindle. The first 7 are now in print. Order your copies at Amazon.com http://amzn.to/1kAI8I2