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!
Fully understand that especially if a side character suddenly pipes up going “Ohhh me now! I mean come on I need my book. I’m in NEED of my HEA.”
I love all your books and all different genres. Keep writing the way you do. It works for you.
I love when authors do this. I absutely agree that for a lot of writers (me included, although not a published one) forcing yourself to write a story you’re really not feeling at that time, or you’re not happy with the ideas you’re coming up with, often results in lower quality books. The same way we need to learn to listen when our bodies tell us what they need, our minds and feelings tell us those things too.
When an author is excited and enjoys writing a book, it ofen comes through in the final result. Plus, I think it’s important for authors (and everyone else) to enjoy what they do.
Readers do need variety, too. And personally, when there are multiple ongoing series, I feel like there’s more to feel excited about and to look forward to.
All that aside, I feel like giving authors the freedom to write what they want/need to write not only makes the books better, but they often write more, too.