But Nora, why are you starting a new series when you haven’t finished the No Regrets series yet? I’ve been asked this question and variations on it a number of times lately, and so I thought I’d explain a bit to you about how my release planning works. 

1. Characters Need to Talk

This is sometimes hard to understand for non-writers, but characters don’t always “talk” when they need to. If I don’t have a clear idea for a story and the characters aren’t revealing themselves to me, I can’t write their book. It’s as simple as that. Oh, technically I could, but it would take me much longer and I don’t think the final results would be as good. A good example is the spin off series from the Irresistible Omegas. I’ve been wanting to write it since that series ended, but the idea wouldn’t come to me. I didn’t want to write more of the same. I needed something different, an idea strong enough to carry a whole new series. And so I had to wait until that idea took shape, and only then was I ready to write it. 

2. I Need Variety

As an author, I need variety as well. Take the White House Men series, for example, which I wrote pretty much back to back. That was tough at times because it wasn’t an easy series to write, both emotionally but also because it’s so plot heavy. That’s why I released No Surrender in between because I needed a break. I can’t write a whole series one after the other anymore. It’s just not as fun for me, and believe it or not, but I still want to keep writing fun.

3. Readers Need Variety

I’m not the only one who needs variety. Readers need it too. Some won’t read mpreg, for example, so if I just write mpreg for six months, I’d lose them as readers. Or they’re just not fan of a particular trope/series/set up, etc. so they won’t pick up certain books. By switching between different series and stand alones, I keep everyone happy.

4. Sometimes, Ideas Strike

Sometimes, my whole schedule goes out the window simply because inspiration hits me hard. I had not planned to write the 47 Duology, for example. But when I saw those cover pictures, the story was just there in my head, and I knew I had to write it. I’ve learned to give in to these moments because usually, they result in some pretty amazing books… (Firm Hand was another one of those spur of the moment ideas, just saying)

I guess it all comes down to this: I try to plan but life happens and ideas strike and characters can be annoying little shits, so I adjust where needed. And you as readers get to go along on that journey with me!