Into the Fire

Okay, as a reader, which do you prefer when reading a series? Do you want each book in the series to somewhat conclude the featured story but leave you with a desire for at least one more facet in the journey for these characters? Do you prefer that each book feature a known but different character in the next installment? Do you like the cliffhanger approach where the story ends with little or no resolution? How about when the first novel is used as a total setup for the one to follow?

We could all answer that it depends on the story and/or the writing of the particular series, but really when you get right down to it, most of us have a concrete preference. I certainly do.

I detest the “setup” approach. If I suspect a novel is going to lay the groundwork for the next novel as its solitary purpose for existence, I won’t touch it. That’s manipulation for my dollars, and I don’t appreciate it. Besides, it’s faulty writing. The two novels should be combined into one because the first story is incomplete without the second, a mere lead-in to the total picture.

And I really don’t like being dropped off at the end of a story like a bad date who won’t even walk you to your door. Cliffhangers are for television series—and even with those you usually don’t have to wait longer than four months for the new season. I don’t mind a little mystery or intrigue where there isn’t perfect resolution, things remain a bit muddy, suggestive, or a tad incomplete. But don’t drop me at the curb and speed away. Classless.

A good series is just a saga broken into divisions. Publishers have engineered the diminished size of novels and promoted the rise of short series books. Some say it’s because of the “new” style of reader, the short attention spans of 21st century people, lumping most readers into one category and catering to their supposed tastes in size and structure of novels.

Seems as though there are few publishers willing to be daring, rather choosing to go with the heavy favorites—the supposed “sure things”. The commercial novel that will bring in the bounty and provide for the less than brilliant novels they decide to produce for whatever reason. Yet they’re always pontificating about the desire for excellent writing and the best stories . . . When it comes right down to it, they make consensus decisions about the bottom line, what’s the easiest to market, and how well known the author is.

Do you enjoy novels in a series? How do you want them written?

***These comments concern adult novels, not Young Adult or Children’s novels.***

Father, I’m grateful for the different kinds of writers and stories. I love it when your voice is infused into the novels, when I can see you, feel your presence, sense your influence in the telling of the tale. Thank you for providing inspiration and talent. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.