Next year my main task will be to write my third Porfiry Petrovich novel. I never imagined that I would become one of those writers with a series but it looks like that may well happen. I tried to put together some thoughts on the pressures and challenges of trying to write a series. In many ways, it was to prepare me for the task ahead. To try to sort out in my own mind how I should go about it.

Anyhow, it's over at the Rap Sheet - http://therapsheet.blogspot.com/2007/12/re-offending.html

if anyone's interested...

Roger, I thought that was fascinating, and tried to post a comment, but as far as I can tell, it hasn't worked (or there are half a dozen copies of it swanning around in Blogger's innards...).

Emma

Thanks Emma. Sorry you couldn't post a comment. That's blogger for you. Mind of its own, as far as I can work out. Maybe there's a delay?

Very interesting, Roger - and exciting! I love the idea of using the different seasons. Speaking as someone who's just finished their first draft and already cacking myself over the rewrites - all power to you!
Susiex

Thanks susieangela.

Good luck, Roger. Sounds brill.

Great article and the title of your third book 'A Razor Wrapped in Silk' is just fabulous.
As someone who is struggling with her first major rewrite of a crime novel I bow down to you, I can't wait to read them all.
Tracy

Good for you - am looking forward to reading - and a fascinating and helpful article.

Sarah

Roger, massive congratulations on your success!! You've waited long enough. Might you be able to resurrect some of the rejected mss now that you're published?

The article is fascinating. What you say about avoiding repeating yourself also applies in a less overt way with books that aren't sequels or parts of a series. I'm writing what is supposed to be a completely different second book but I keep finding elements of the first one sneaking in.

Good luck with Porfiry no 3.

NaomiR

Aha! posted.

And yes, I love Title Three. Naomi, I'm not sure it matters if some aspects of one novel creep into the next. I think all writers have their recurring themes, and you don't have to be self-conscious about that.

Emma

Thanks everyone, especially everyone who left a comment.

Emma, a sequel to TMoL?! That would be amazing.

Well, I dunno. It would be more a next generation thing, I think. But it would be a bit naff to try to combine Stephen with Anna again, so what would I do? Hmmmm

Emma

I drew up these synopses in the same spirit that you might jot down a list of Hollywood actresses you’d be prepared to sleep with. The it’s-never-going-to-happen-so-what’s-the-harm spirit.

Except lucky you, it did happen

Very interesting, Roger. And what a good idea to set each book in a different season.

Really great and useful stuff, Roger, thanks! And good luck with the series - long may it run.

Tiger