tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post2880216931321243820..comments2024-03-20T02:49:17.606-07:00Comments on Between Fact and Fiction: I Write StandalonesNatalie Whipplehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978251567306345129noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-12565061573148408582012-10-15T16:52:00.181-07:002012-10-15T16:52:00.181-07:00I'm very pleased you're writing a standalo...I'm very pleased you're writing a standalone. I'm more likely to buy the book. I like series, but the trend is a serious time suck. I don't have time to keep following a lot of them---even when I really like the story. Sometimes it's nice to read a book and be finished with the story...like in the old days!June Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08570382577796763370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-3172807035325464892012-10-14T13:45:21.199-07:002012-10-14T13:45:21.199-07:00It comes down to personal taste.
I write with var...It comes down to personal taste.<br /><br />I write with various characters coming back again in future works, but at the back of my head is the idea of doing the odd side projects as standalones.William Kendallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00331324250821836822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-44065021235970461742012-10-09T07:46:26.044-07:002012-10-09T07:46:26.044-07:00It's cool that you do. I respect that. I respe...It's cool that you do. I respect that. I respect it even more because the cool thing right now is to write series. So props, ma'am.Benhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11483490020980574428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-39152472353116588682012-10-09T07:37:41.630-07:002012-10-09T07:37:41.630-07:00Yep, I write standalones too ... until I decided t...Yep, I write standalones too ... until I decided to write the sequel for The Breakaway. I'm not a big fan of series to begin with, so it was a tough decision for me to write a sequel. In the end, though, I know I made the right decision, and I'm thrilled with the book, and consequently, I love the first book even more now. You just have to do what is right for you and your stories. If it's standalones, it's standalones! Michelle D. Argylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09696465137285587646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-74898638274529306522012-10-09T07:07:12.666-07:002012-10-09T07:07:12.666-07:00I'm usually not a fan of series, the first boo...I'm usually not a fan of series, the first book is always my favorite anyway, so what's the point? It's where you meet the characters, where they fall in love, it's hard to out do the first book. I have been surprised recently by companion novels, it amazes me how much story people have to tell in the same setting. And you still get the benefit of getting to know new characters and their relationships, it's a really interesting way of writing a series, I'm not sure I could do it though. Red Boot Pearlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03015990875361952510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-83705539250240316852012-10-08T23:04:56.654-07:002012-10-08T23:04:56.654-07:00Since we've already discussed it, you know I p...Since we've already discussed it, you know I prefer standalones. I'm really excited because a lot of the standalones (in YA) tend to be contemporary, and yours aren't. (Well, the first 2.) I wish more standalones were published. Seriously.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07604522349552039630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-43931555946278778112012-10-08T21:05:40.548-07:002012-10-08T21:05:40.548-07:00I think it's totally cool that you write what ...I think it's totally cool that you write what you want to write. That's how it should be. I've never written a sequel before, but I have thought about it. I've always thought it would be a lot of pressure for authors of series to keep coming up with more books, because readers already have high expectations based on what they've read so far. Neurotic Workaholichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06775298184138766683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-82738777287125837112012-10-08T20:43:50.944-07:002012-10-08T20:43:50.944-07:00I am TOTALLY cool with that. Standalones are aweso...I am TOTALLY cool with that. Standalones are awesome! :)lindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16524291742541007382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-91538066466362056752012-10-08T17:53:30.491-07:002012-10-08T17:53:30.491-07:00Never do something you have doubts about no matter...Never do something you have doubts about no matter what the possible rewards. Just do what you feel is right in your gut and try to stay happy. Life is too short. :-)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735576044552810103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-9523686337950314272012-10-08T17:19:20.872-07:002012-10-08T17:19:20.872-07:00I adore standalones, to be honest, I miss them. I&...I adore standalones, to be honest, I miss them. I'm not saying I don't enjoy series, because I do. But there is something really, really nice about a standalone book.Ashleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06318743169252060511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-332297495759785912012-10-08T15:26:24.529-07:002012-10-08T15:26:24.529-07:00I am a fan of the standalone novel. I am writing a...I am a fan of the standalone novel. I am writing a standalone right now also. I thougth about making it a series but I felt like it would be too strained and artificial to stretch it beyond one book. Good for you! I think it is awesome!Donna Nolanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09435138934242238545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-36929683611909729542012-10-08T14:18:47.491-07:002012-10-08T14:18:47.491-07:00I read standalones, and I'm cool with that!I read standalones, and I'm cool with that!Melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09988954845179582752noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-75396711958479760202012-10-08T13:54:27.795-07:002012-10-08T13:54:27.795-07:00Two of my favorite authors wrote mainly standalone...Two of my favorite authors wrote mainly standalone works. Their only "series" usually featured stories with new characters set in the same world, perhaps with some guest appearances by previous stars. If Robin McKinley and the late, but amazing, Diana Wynne Jones could do it, so can you!Kelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00938626223222252300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-84941822260494943392012-10-08T13:18:13.761-07:002012-10-08T13:18:13.761-07:00Natalie, I'm thrilled to see this post. I love...Natalie, I'm thrilled to see this post. I love a good standalone novel, so you just made my day with this post. LinWashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13041832821260168483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-70395103600640369402012-10-08T13:09:28.133-07:002012-10-08T13:09:28.133-07:00Go with your heart!
I have been reading a ton on ...Go with your heart!<br /><br />I have been reading a ton on MG books recently (as I am trying to write one myself) and while I do read the first book from a series, I do so knowing I won't read the rest. I just don't have the time - I need to get a feel for the genre as a whole, not just one author. That doesn't mean I am not curious though!<br /><br />My son loves series and in into a rather long one right now. The only thing I don't like there is that he won't take a break to try a book I have heard is good and think he might like. Julie DeGuiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00223163526525906669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-56056425530693319292012-10-08T12:07:30.901-07:002012-10-08T12:07:30.901-07:00Twice now I've set out to write standalones, a...Twice now I've set out to write standalones, and before I got to the end, I saw the potential for at least one (or two... or three...) sequels! I just don't have the heart to put aside my characters right away, I suppose. But I admire those who can construct complete, satisfying journeys with a set of characters in one go!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-91640143347583238602012-10-08T12:06:00.707-07:002012-10-08T12:06:00.707-07:00Sounds like a great attitude to me. Not everything...Sounds like a great attitude to me. Not everything has to be a series, after all. Write what makes you happy, and maybe someday you'll discover another story for your characters, but maybe not. That's totally OK.JeffOhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07947660745120963286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-4332778799428426522012-10-08T11:40:02.894-07:002012-10-08T11:40:02.894-07:00I prefer standalones, frankly, and I know I'm ...I prefer standalones, frankly, and I know I'm not the only one. <br /><br />And hey, if you really wanted, you could do standalone companion novels, like Kristin Cashore or Steph Perkins.<br /><br />But I certainly don't think that's necessary. Quality is the key, not quantity. ;)Kristanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04771013578685419826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-78474424674175410622012-10-08T11:04:50.588-07:002012-10-08T11:04:50.588-07:00I agree with Jadi; there are too many series out t...I agree with Jadi; there are too many series out there, especially in YA. I enjoy reading series but writing them is a completely different thing. I wont say I'll never do it, but standalones seem to agree with me more, so for now that's what I'll stick to. Keep doing what you're doing, Natalie. We'll defy this trend together! Gabby Nesibahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04402890383631471909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-20932532974239200782012-10-08T11:00:37.579-07:002012-10-08T11:00:37.579-07:00I love stand alones. I was so into series for so l...I love stand alones. I was so into series for so long, I think I got burned out on them a bit. For now, I pretty much only start new series if they are by an author I know an trust. For example, I just read The Raven Boys because I would read anything Maggie Stiefvater wrote. Even a toaster manual. <br />So what I'm trying to say is that I think some people are more willing to give a debut a try if it's stand alone. I, personally, can't wait for Transparent! Leigh Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08493703354330273953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-75885342065517064892012-10-08T10:05:31.872-07:002012-10-08T10:05:31.872-07:00This is so funny to me, because while I understand...This is so funny to me, because while I understand series are popular, I so greatly prefer standalone books. Not to knock series; I just prefer to have everything wrapped up in the end, and have the single book be the complete work. It's satisfying to me. And if I like a book I always seek out other books by the same author, so there's definitely reader loyalty there, even without the presence of a series.<br /><br />There's also the fact that I think you can always tell when an author didn't plan for a sequel; the story is always... less. It's a shame, because the original story is usually so shining and wonderful and meant to be left just as it was. In short, I think it's perfect that you're a standalone writer and that you're not being pressured to be anyone but who you are!Clairehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07245238290899367307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-27156311386813031892012-10-08T09:57:10.670-07:002012-10-08T09:57:10.670-07:00I prefer reading standalones. This is why I think ...I prefer reading standalones. This is why I think Courtney Summers rocks.Lucas Darrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01405530729663443670noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-89939223474420367312012-10-08T09:56:36.485-07:002012-10-08T09:56:36.485-07:00Embrace it. I'm so over trilogies. I'm si...Embrace it. I'm so over trilogies. I'm sick or reading them and I can't imagine writing one. Not to say I would never Never say never, right?)... but I want to write a book I love, and then move on. there's no appeal to spending 2-3 books on one story/character. for me.Cristinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15064636500827230911noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-41648285544708215992012-10-08T09:01:09.519-07:002012-10-08T09:01:09.519-07:00I think there's too many series--in any genre....I think there's too many series--in any genre. Not just YA. The idea of standalones is a refreshing change. Please, please, write standalones!Jadihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12705459678968496050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5774363178370829558.post-11362074484491515282012-10-08T09:00:38.684-07:002012-10-08T09:00:38.684-07:00I love to read standalones, although I'm a ser...I love to read standalones, although I'm a series writer. Can't wait to read your work!Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13927189194132226070noreply@blogger.com