I started writing a new book today and needed a lawyer, so I decided to call on Brad Beckman, my lawyer from The Row Series. Then it thought, why don’t I just base this story in Edmondsville, Virginia and sprinkle Ginny and Cliff, Brina and Rafe, Randi and Trevor, Marcie and a few of the other memorable characters into this new series. Maybe my readers might like to see how life has treated them since their debut seven years ago.

So, here’s my question – do you enjoy reading a series of books or do you prefer standalones? To put it in another perspective, do you prefer single action movies – Pulp Fiction, Psycho, Chinatown, All the President’s Men, to name a few – or drawn-out TV series – Grey’s Anatomy, The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, Yellowstone?

Me, I like both. I simply enjoy the written word. I digest every comment, conversation, expression, description in every book I read. I love being able to escape to another world, learn new skills, watch characters grow, interact with one another whether it be the tension, struggles and strife of the two protagonists in a standalone or the chaotic lifestyles, humorous banter, bonding relationships of families and friends in a series.

Standalones can be inspirational and educational as you watch someone overcome a painful past or lifechanging challenge and find answers. So often though, there might be a secondary character that gives the story some umph or is so supportive and cute, you wish they had their own story.

That’s where series are so great. Who wouldn’t enjoy watching a family support one another in a family business, friends or partners network together to benefit a cause, communities struggle to overcome a mysterious domestic terrorism attack or drug cartel, classmates renew friendships after a reunion and the suspicious death of a favorite teacher.

Take the Chesapeake Bay Series by Nora Roberts (she has written eleven series!), about the Quinn brothers, each of whom was rescued from abusive situations, adopted by Ray and Stella Quinn who have lives of their own but must return home to take care of the youngest waif. I remember when the books were published in 1998. It was originally a trilogy which was released months apart. I hated having to wait between books, so I decided to buy them but didn’t start reading them until the last in the series was due to be released. That way, by the time I was ready to say good-bye to the Quinn family, I could do it in one l-o-n-g read. Well, everybody fell in love with little Seth, who was the center of the entire series. Nora didn’t release Seth’s story until several years later, 2001, when he was a successful artist and experiencing a love story of his own. I just loved it! Loved seeing Seth return home to find all his dysfunctional brothers happy and settled down with families of their own. I ended up reading the entire series a second time. And a third time a couple years ago!

Nora also writes as JD Robb and releases two In Death books each year. Now, if you like series, this is the one to start! Encore in Death is #56 – FIFTY-SIX – and there are more in the works! It has a little bit of a science-fiction feel to it as it started in 2059 and I believe we are now in the year 2062, but don’t quote me. I have enjoyed watching Eve Dallas evolve from her traumatic and abusive childhood into the tough, respected Lieutenant of the NYPSD who seeks justice for every one of her murder victims. She is married to Roarke, a successful multi-billionaire who also experienced a tough childhood in the back streets of Dublin. He is handsome, full of Irish charm and looks out for “his cop.” I have yet to meet an In Death reader who’s not in love with Roarke. I have so enjoyed watching Eve, Roarke and her team of superiors and detectives grow, interact and bond since Naked in Death was released in 1995.

I’m going to dangle a little carrot here. I purchased a paperback copy of Naked in Death a few months ago and would love to give to someone that might like to try something new. All you must do is post a reply to this blog. I will put everyone’s name in a basket and draw the winner on Sunday, April 23, 2023.

I think most authors start off writing a standalone, but they have so much fun it evolves into a series. I know I did. I had several works in progress collecting dust on my shelf. The more I worked on Spicer’s Challenge, I decided it might be fun to incorporate Brina’s story in the equation, then Randi and her twins. I called it The Row Series and had intended to give Marcie and Brad their stories but by then, I wanted to move on to something different. You see, when you write a series, you commit yourself to several years with a set of characters.

I took a break to write three standalones – Love Again, Persistent Intruder, Shadows of Déjà vu – then two biographies – The Dancing Couple and I’ve Still Got Sand in my Shoes.

Northwest to Love was intended to be a recap of my first trip to Alaska – WONDERFUL state, everyone should visit – but I found myself adding a ghost to the story and expanded it to the Victory Hill Series with Journey Back to Love and Possessed by Love.

I took another break for a standalone – Invincible – which I thoroughly enjoyed writing and released on April 1^st of this year.

Now, I’m starting another series – no series title yet – about a family that operates a world-famous Auction House – online and in person. I enjoy antiques, attending auctions and estate sales and look forward to sharing my knowledge and experiences through the lives of the Bennett and Adams family. The first book, tentatively titled Mirror Image, is starting to keep me awake at night and I hope I don’t jinx myself by letting the cat out of the bag too soon.

In closing, here’s my question – do you enjoy reading a series of books or do you prefer standalones? Share your thoughts and I’ll add your name to the drawing for a copy of Naked in Death to be held on Sunday, April 23^rd, when my family and I will gather to celebrate my husband’s birthday.