Love Denied is, without doubt, a historical romance. Catherine and
Nicholas play out their story and leave us with a satisfying happily ever
after. There are characters within their tale that demand their own stories and
I have given it to two of them in novellas. Two more have so much to say that
they will be getting their own novels. But, none of them are dependent upon
Love Denied, nor is Love Denied dependent on them. However, readers of the next
novels and the novellas will enjoy getting a glimpse of Catherine and Nicholas
again and, if they are anything like me, will be pleased to know that their
happy ever after continues.
Raven’s Path has been more difficult to classify. History is not just a
backdrop; it is a co-pilot, assisting in driving the plot. There is a satisfying
ending, but there is so much more to tell, so much more to that era and Brandan
and Ana’s lives within it. I feel compelled to continue to explore it. And, the
question I have been asking myself is why?
I think it goes back to my reading preferences, developed at a young
age. I read every Nancy Drew book, not just for the mystery but because I got
to see Nancy and crew again and again. After that I was hooked on Anne of Green
Gables. Following her life was such a thrill. Mary Stewart’s Merlin series is
another joyful reading memory from my early teen years. Later, as an adult
promoting the joy of books to children, I fell in love with the Harry Potter
series and was as disappointed as any child when it ended.
Why do I like these series and hold them fondly in my heart? When a
story is good, when I fall in love with the characters, I don’t want to say
goodbye. They become real in some corner of my mind and I want to know what happens in their lives. Like good friends I have
not seen in a while, when I pick up the latest in a series it is as though
we’ve never been apart.
I don’t think I am alone in my penchant for sagas. The longevity of
Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series and its recent leap to fame on the small
screen, is testimony to that. I await, alongside millions, to see what will
happen next with Jamie and Claire.
It seems it is no different for me when I am writing. I want to know
what happens next to the characters in Raven’s Path. What are the events of
1750 that impact their lives? How do they respond to them? Where will they go
next? Whom will they meet? I am as anxious for the answers to these questions
as a writer as I am as a reader. It seems publishing trends are irrelevant to
this author. I must follow my heart. And, it leads me back down Raven’s Path.
I love series! But then, I've read a few. ;-) And I read stand alone books, too. So, don't take my word for it, but I'm writing a series. Yes, I am. In Women's Fiction. There are a few of them floating around. It might not be the best thing to do, but it's the stories that have me by the throat. I just can't let my brain babies die before they're born, now can I? Good luck, Rose, whichever path you choose. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI know I am not alone in my desire for more story about characters I like; I know too many people who say the same thing. Odd, that it is does not seem popular in the publishing community. Best of luck to you too, Zan Marie, as you give birth to those babies. :0)
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