Ironing Out an Unanticipated Series

The River House was not written with the intention of becoming part of a companion series. Because Jack, the love interest, is the last of his siblings to pair up, I felt as if I was tying up the family's story neatly with no missing pieces left out. Then readers started reaching out and telling me how much they loved this character or that character and how much they wanted to know more of their story. I realized that by fleshing out Jack's siblings and their spouses, I had unintentionally created room for more stories that needed to be told. This realization was both exciting as well as overwhelming. Knowing these characters and not knowing their stories set me into panic mode, to say the least. I wanted to make sure I told their stories in the right order, that their stories fit each couple as well as fit neatly into a complimentary series. Did I mention my family and I are also in a temporary living situation?

The snags I've hit along the way in bringing this series to life have been uncomfortable. And that's putting it lightly. For one thing, the books, because I unknowingly started with the last, will be out of order. In an ideal situation I would write these books in order, but I need to make peace with the fact that that houseboat has already sailed. But then whose story comes next? Do I write the stories backwards starting with Will and Ava's next? Or do I go back to the beginning and start with Sarah and Jonas? Does it matter? Will the characters get in line neatly in my mind and wait their turns respectively or will they elbow their way to the front or try and push the other ahead of themselves? Will Jack get to tell the deeper story I feel lies burning below the surface. My ducks, decidedly, are very much not in a row.

I'm at the point now where I've started one story multiple times and have hit a wall several times in doing so. One of these stories feels a little more straightforward and ironed out, so I will likely be shifting my focus yet again on which story to tell next. However, I don't want to rush this, so I'm taking a breath. I will focus on outlining each book first. REALLY outlining, which isn't a strength of mine. Remember when I said my family and I are between homes right now? Yeah, turns out that's a HUGE distraction. So, instead of fighting it, I'll embrace it. I hope to use this time to outline as well as read up on novel writing. I refuse to allow myself to believe that I'm done growing in my craft and this seems as good a time as any to brush up on schooling myself further.

It can be difficult when you see your fellow authors crushing book releases and their query game is strong. It always feels as if EVERYONE is progressing when you're in a limbo period doesn't it? I hate how often I need to keep reminding myself to have grace for my process and for myself, but I'm also stubborn, so I won't give up trying until I get there.

The truth is, when I stop looking to my left and right, I'm really excited about where I am with my writing and with this series. I am in the late production stages of the audio book for The River House and reviewing the book has afforded me the rare opportunity to experience my story as a consumer. I was surprised to find that I REALLY enjoyed this little book that I wrote and it afforded me an opportunity to face the reality that I've got something to be proud of. However long it takes to make the next book happen, I've started something I believe in. I've told a story and created characters I know people are excited to experience with me.