More on that later. For now, I want
to talk about writing a series and saying goodbye.
The Requiem series never started as
a series. It started as Lacrimosa, a
stand-alone Romeo and Juliet-type book. After it sold as a four book deal, I
had to rethink everything. I rewrote the book from a series perspective, went
much deeper with the characters, and deeper with the mythos behind the book.
It has been a great experience. The
characters are like dear friends and I will miss them horribly. Aydan, in
particular, has always spoken so loudly to me. He will be so hard to release,
to say goodbye to. But, this last book, Dominus, is helping the transition.
I should probably explain that a
bit. Those who know me know that I love to torture my characters, leave my
readers on a cliff-hanger, and embrace a natural end to things – not just the
“happy” ending. Most of my stories end with a clear resolution, but not always
a happy one. Dominus is the same. But this time, things were a little
different. I felt a strong need to really tie up the loose ends throughout the
story, to bring the storyline full circle, delivering the romance and angst of
the series, as well as the action that has been building over the previous
books.
And that’s the key to successfully
ending a series, I think – bringing the story full circle, closing the
loopholes, and treating the entire series like one massive plotline. In fact,
that is actually how I built the series. The second book was the character
development section needed to create the final installment. And what an
installment it will be.
All in all, this has been a wonderful
series to write. A hard series. And while I will miss the characters immensely,
new stories and new adventures are already forming, desperately waiting for me
to bring them to life! It’s exciting!
Enough from me, what do you think?
Is it easy or hard coming to the end of a series?
Critically acclaimed nonfiction and
YA author Christine Fonseca is dedicated to helping children of all ages find
their voice in the world. Her titles include the YA Gothic Romance Lacrimosa, the YA thriller, Transcend, parenting guide, Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students,
and the anticipated book for teen girls, The
Girl Guide, releasing in Spring 2013.When she’s not writing or developing
programs to support children with exceptional needs, she can be found spending
time with her family, sipping too many skinny vanilla lattes at her favorite
coffee house or playing around on Facebook and Twitter. For more information
about Christine Fonseca or her books, visit her website –
http://christinefonseca.com.
Great post. I've written three books in a series. Don't know if it makes sense for book four, but it's kind of writing itself.
ReplyDeleteYay Em-Musing - I love it when that happens. I actually have a companion series sorta in my head...but there are other things to do first :D
DeleteI can imagine being at a series' end would pull at my heartstrings but at the same time, what an accomplishment! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I truly feel blessed to have been able to bring this series to readers
DeleteI admire your stamina, Christina, and your talent.
ReplyDeleteAwe, thank you!
DeleteExciting indeed! It's scary to leave a world when you've lived in it for so long, but still, exciting.
ReplyDeleteExactly! Scary and exciting
DeleteI can't believe the Requiem series is already coming to an end. It seems like not long ago I was celebrating the book birthday of Lacrimosa!
ReplyDeleteIt must be hard to leave those character, but a little bit of relief at the same time? After all, you can always go back and re-connect with them :) They won't go away forever.
I doubt Aydan would ever let me forget him for too long. Lol
DeleteSuch a great post that really resonates. My next release is the last in a trilogy. I cried my eyes out when I wrote THE END. I've spent three years working on it and I feel like I am in mourning.
ReplyDeleteThere are some very intense moments coming in the final book... It's been a very emotional process
DeleteIt must be hard to let go after being immersed in that world for so long. I struggle with ending a single book! But hey, those characters are always going to be with you, I think. They're part of you.
ReplyDeleteI agree that a series should form a complete story, but also a reader should be able to pick up any book and enjoy it on its own. Must be a tricky balance.
Definitely a tricky balance!!!
DeleteChristine, "bring the story full circle" is so accurate. That's how I felt about the ending to the upcoming third and final book in my series. And it was just one line that brought the main character full circle.
ReplyDeleteHope we both find something new to tackle.
Totally... I have three new projects vying for my attention ! Exciting times
DeleteIt's hard to say goodbye, LOL!
ReplyDeleteI haven't written a series...yet. Am working on a sequel...and had a prequel novella, so the series is building. I'm sure I'll have separation anxiety when/if it's all done.
Nice post!
I can imagine it would be tough, but I think it might be a welcome thing too. Exciting new stories always to come! I've yet to get to the point where I write a book 2 though as I don't really write past the first book unless I know it will sell as a series, but I look forward to that day!
ReplyDelete