I asked Cecy Robson, author SEALED WITH A CURSE: A WEIRD GIRLS NOVEL, about writing a series. She was kind enough to share some of her experience.
1. You’d written a few Weird Girls books before you landed an agent. How many had you completed and how much rework did you do?
I had three Weird Girls novels, three Weird novellas, and a spin-off novel written before I met my agent. When I signed with Penguin, Book One of my series had actually been divided into two novels. Those took the most work because I had to expand them into two books. The others were easier because they were already done. I rewrote each because my writing style had changed, and I because I had to match them with how the characters had developed. The details, plot arc, etc. remained the same.
2. Do you feel like it was better to have multiple books completed, or would it have been better to just have one?
My agent signed me after reading my first novel, knowing it had series potential. She didn’t realize I’d already written the next two installments and was overjoyed when I told her. Publishers―at least with regard to adult novels―like series. In fact, they expect it. Unless you’re a big name like Stephen King―who has the power to write a standalone novel and have it sell big―publishers want a project that can go on for several books and typically offer 2-3 book deals. Series potential makes an author more appealing. More books equal more money.
3. How much seeding do you do? For example, how much setup for book two did you put into SEALED WITH A CURSE?
I add enough to stir the curiosity of the reader. For example, I had a character that continued to make an appearance throughout SEALED WITH A CURSE. He never said much, but his presence suggested he had a purpose. He, ahem, shows up dead on my “weird” girls’ doorstep in the first few pages of A CURSED EMBRACE. The reader discovers his role as A CURSED EMBRACE unfolds.
4. A lot of paranormal series stretch on for a long time. Kim Harrison’s the Hollows and Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse books both come to mind. How far out do you suggest a series writer plan?
I planned closely for the first three that I wrote―hoping for a multi-book deal. However, I plotted out―at least in my head―seven books for my protagonist, Celia Wird. Since my series is about four sisters with unique supernatural abilities, I’ve since been “encouraged” by my agent and editor to start thinking about books for the other three sisters. I think it’s important when a writer creates a storyline to include strong supporting characters so they may potentially get their own spin-offs.
5. And of course, when’s your next book out?
A CURSED EMBRACE, releases July 2, 2013 followed by CURSED BY DESTINY (tent. title) January 2014.
I had the pleasure of meeting Cecy at the Backspace conference a few years ago. Aside from being a talented, dedicated, writer, she’s a genuinely nice person. I really appreciate her taking the time to answer these questions.
Cecy is offering a signed copy of SEALED WITH A CURSE to one of our readers. Like her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter. Let me know in the comments or by email (author@davidrslayton.com), and we’ll choose the winner at random.
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Thanks for posting this one, David. I don’t usually read in this genre but the series looks interesting…will put it on the list!
Great interview…love hearing from authors about how they work and create and bring us the worlds and people inside their heads! Thank you:)
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I friended her on Facebook! And I’m going to check out the book.
Very interesting! Will add these books to the reading list!
Interesting Interview
Great interview. This was interesting to read. I look forward to reading Cecy’s series.
Sounds awesome. Can’t wait for the sequel.
It’s an awesome cover and the books sound great!
Thanks for the chance.
FB-Mary Reiss
TW-@SweepingMe
Mary
mary_reiss @ hotmail.com
Yay, I love the covers for this series and I’m dying to read it!! Fingers crossed. 🙂
I like her FB page and follow her on Twitter @luarroyave
luarroyave(At)hotmail(dot)com
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I love everything about the new cover (loved the first one too, but this is stunning!!)especially the colors and she looks so bad-ass! Thank you for the giveaway and the interview! 🙂
twitter ~ @andreana92
Thank you, everyone, for stopping by and to David for being such a wonderful and gracious host. I do hope you’ll give my WEIRD GIRLS series a try!
That is spectacular that the next two books are already written! I hate having to wait a long time in between books. I am a huge Stephen King fan and I adore the Hollows by Kim Harrison, I have not had a chance to read Charlaine Harris, yet but it is on my list. I cannot wait to read this book. I follow Cecy on twitter @rnydayramblings and Facebook as well!
This series sounds fantastic! Thank you Cecy for the chance to read it. Fingers crossed.
riotofbooks(at)gmail(dot)com
I forgot to mention, I like her FB page.
This new series sounds fantastic! I’m so glad to know that she had planned for 7 books. I hope the series continues and she can sell the other books too 🙂
Thank you Cecy for the chance to read Sealed with a Curse, fingers crossed.
Pedro Pablo
pepoarroyave(at)hotmail(dot)com
great interview, and thanks for the chance 🙂
i follow her on fb and from twitter also @Leev_7787
thanks 🙂
sunshine_pinkystar(at)yahoo(dot)com