Starting a new series is always a mix of emotions for me.
On the one hand, often by the time I reach the end of a series, I’m ready for something new. I tend toward six-book series. It’s a good length. Readers seem to enjoy getting to spend a lot of time with the people and places that make up the series. And I feel like it’s not so long that anyone feels like they overstayed their welcome.
On the other hand? Starting something new is scary.
What if readers hate it?
What if I can’t actually pull it off again?
What if? What if? What if!
Couple the usual internal drama about a new series with the fact that I’m doing another billionaire series and I’ve been a little bit of a mess lately.
Billionaires seem to be something that people either love or hate. There’s very little middle ground. I was thinking about this some this past week as I kicked around ideas for my blog post. Most of us reading here are in the United States – one of the richest countries in the world. And I thought back to my first year of college when one class required us to read a book called Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger. And the reality is, compared to much of the world, you and I might as well be billionaires.
And that’s kind of at the heart of how I write my billionaire heroes. They’re everyday people who happen to have a lot of money. One of the things they’re trying to figure out is how to use that money for God, just like you and I do with our resources.
Enter the guys who make up the Billionaire Next Door series. They made their money on the stock market and now they’re trying to figure out how to live with it.
Up first is Scott Wright. He (and his friends) don’t want their new money to turn them into people who are different from who they truly are. He’s still working at Robinson Enterprises as a programmer. He’s still living in his one bedroom plus apartment in Old Town Alexandria. He did buy a new car, but it’s not lavish and extravagant.
And then family throws a wrench in his plans. I’ll let you hear about it from him directly:
When I convinced my friends to join me in a scheme to play the stock market, it paid off beyond our expectations. Honestly, most days I don’t even remember that I’m a billionaire. But it was big news for my family. In fact, my cousin made me guardian of her son in the event something happened to her.
At face value, it sounds kind of nice.
But I never really knew my cousin.
And I only found out about her decision a week before the kid showed up on my doorstep.
Thankfully, the woman who brought the boy out to me on the plane is willing to stay and be his nanny.
Since all the local daycares have a waiting list, I don’t have the luxury of being picky. Maybe I have reservations about sharing my home with a beautiful woman, but it’s a completely professional relationship.
She’s going to look after the kid.
I’m going to look after my heart.
He’s a billionaire. She’s an aspiring actress turned nanny. And the two of them don’t see eye to eye about much right at the start.
The Billionaire’s Nanny is just 99c as a pre-order right now. It’ll release (hopefully) on March 15th and be available in Kindle Unlimited at that time.
I’d love to talk about little kids in fiction. What do you love about them being there? Anything you feel is overdone or that you could do without?
Mary Preston says
I love the interactions that children bring to a story. Very revealing.
Margaret Bunce says
This not-a-billionaire stories fan does however love Elizabeth Maddrey’s billionaires, so am looking forward to this new series!! The only kid in a story that I absolutely hated was a precocious and obnoxious child of a single mum. Kudos to the hero in that story for being able to not only put up with her, but also tone her down a bit!!
Milla Holt says
Sounds like a great story! I enjoy reading books that include children. They often throw in some great complications and can be the catalyst for a lot of things. Plus they’re wonderful characters in themselves.
Lori R says
I like reading books where there are children in the story as long as it doesn’t just revolve around them. I especially like the cutesy things the children might say or do.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Kids definitely have no filter. Or at least very little filter.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
There have definitely been some kids in books I’ve read where I have been mentally advocating for a little more old fashioned approach to discipline.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Thanks! I agree that kids can definitely add some richness to the story.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
That’s a great distinction and I am right there with you. It shouldn’t be all kid all the time for me. But they are definitely cute :)
Dianne says
I loved Maxie’s twins, can’t say any other child characters come to mind. Not much into billionaire books. Yours sound interesting though, retaining their humanity despite the money.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
I don’t think I know Maxie’s twins, but twins can make for a lot of fun and mischief.
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
I completely relate to all your fears about starting a new series. I’ve had those same thoughts. Good for you for getting past your fears! I haven’t yet.
I love your billionaire books. I just added yours to my wishlist to read in KU when it releases. :)
Margaret Nelson says
I just started reading the ARC last night… Looking forward to it!! I liked Kimberly Rae Jordan’s recent Christmas series, Child of Hope, Child of Joy and Child of Love, in which the children are the catalysts for the romances.
Trudy says
I like books with kids in the story, as long as they aren’t overly obnoxious, spoiled little brats! I also don’t like if the kids are extra good, either. Most kids aren’t either, just somewhere in between. As long as the book doesn’t revolve around the child, I like them in books. They can add a lot, just like pets can. I wasn’t big on billionaire books, though the more I’ve read, the more I kind of like them. I especially love ones where they don’t flaunt their wealth.
Kendra Muonio says
I love books with babies or little children in them cause I come from a big family I have always been one to do babysitting since I’m the third oldest and have 10 younger siblings.this sounds like a great book
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Thank you! I hope you can – I always enjoy your books!
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Yay! And yes, I loved that Christmas series!
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Realistic kids are a must! Not super bratty for sure lol. I have quit a book bc I couldn’t take the kid.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Oh how fun! What a lovely large family you come from.
Priscila Perales says
While it’s true I’m not exactly a fan of the billionaire trope, I love some of the romantic tropes that are featured in their stories, so I’m looking forward to this one’s release. :) As for little kids, I love when they act their age (not older or younger than they should be), as well as when they inadvertently help bring the main characters together. The most memorable ones have been from Janet W. Ferguson’s “Magnolia Storms” and “For the Love of Joy”.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Janet has some wonder kids in her books for sure!
Angeline says
I love when kids are involved in books, it is always so fun! Also this book sounds so interesting!
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Thanks! I hope you get a chance to read it.
Tina R says
This sounds like an enjoyable story I’m looking forward to reading.
I love when kids are included in a story. They add the realistic feel, especially when they act and talk like regular children since you never know what they will do or say.
Trixi says
I like kids in stories because they add a bit of charm & fun with their personalities. I agree with what someone commented about them acting age appropriate and not younger or older than they are written. Sometimes younger ones say or do the funniest things that bring a chuckle to me. One of my favorite things is if they play matchmaker and will do whatever it takes to get the H/H together :-)
The kind of story I don’t really care for is secret baby/child. I know there can legitimate reasons for them to be kept secret, but it’s just not a troupe I enjoy.
I need to check out “The Billionaires Nanny” because it sounds like the kind of story I’d love. Opposites attract can be a really fun & funny troupe!
Lori Smanski says
I love reading stories with little kids and animals.. They help make the story more realistic for me personally. They help with another dimension in the story which can bring a lot of fun and humor.
Megan says
I think having kids in fiction can make the story really fun and add certain elements that maybe would be missing or not be done as well if they weren’t in the story. What I dislike about kids in fiction is when the kids are really angsty and there’s no real character arc for them or resolution to their being in the story.
Alicia Haney says
Nothing like little kiddos to make things, anything, alot more interesting and fun! Have a great rest of the week and stay safe.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Haha, yes! Kids can make things super fun when they’re unexpected.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Secret baby isn’t for everyone. I love it myself (usually) but I get it :)
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Yes! This is a great summary of why they’re so great.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
That’s fair! It can be tempting to add kids for the fun and drama and forget that they need to be solid characters too.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Thanks! You too!
bn100 says
could do without
Lelia (Lucy) Reynolds says
I like their cute sayings but I don’t want them to be the central character.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Oh for sure! Especially not in romance!
Kathleen Mattingly says
I enjoy children being in the books that I read. It adds something different and unusual.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
They definitely can!
Debra Pruss says
Children always adds spice to a story. You never know what is coming out of a child’s mouth or what a child will do. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
Debra Pruss says
Thank you so much for sharing. Children always adds spice to a story. You never know what is coming out of a child’s mouth or what a child will do. God bless you.
Amy Perrault says
I find there’s too many billionaire books when there’s rarely real billionaires in real life
Sylvain P says
I’m not a fan of billionaire books
Ausjenny says
I am late. I have heard the majority of self made million and billionaires could be your next door neighbour. They don’t drive flashy cars or splurge on things but are careful. Your premise sounds very much like this type of person. On the other hand sometimes people who grow up with little then either marry or make money from investments to be millionaires etc can tend to act like they don’t have the money they do. (One case here is someone was talking about how to save money due to a nasty breakup and I felt sorry for the person due partly to being someone who has never had a lot but lives within there means but it makes me forget others do have the money and when this person was talking like they didn’t have much and were really tightening their belt I believed it only to find out that while they couldn’t get government assistance they had property, and investments and were actually a multi millionaire but very tight with money, ) So often People who are billionaires are living in the suburbs next door and we don’t even know it. Its only a small percent that really splash the money around so everyone knows they are rich. Which is why your premise would have me read your story. (Its the rich entitled brat who takes pleasure in making life difficult for others that I don’t want to read about)
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Isn’t that the truth? Kids are definitely unpredictable.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
I imagine you could say the same about any sub genre. How many cowboys are there in the world, really? (Or in Montana if we want to be even more specific?)
There has to be an element of fiction in all fiction. Otherwise you’re probably better off sticking to biography.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
I know my Dad did well when I was in high school, but mom grew up in poverty and so we never spent like others did. Thrift store clothes and sell and use immediately food. She was haunted by the fear of poverty her whole life.
Sunnymay says
This book shows that having lots of money is not everything. It’s enough to have friends and family who know your spirit and soul.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
Then you definitely shouldn’t read them.
Elizabeth Maddrey says
❤️
Kimberly Rose Johnson says
Thanks, Elizabeth. :)
Ausjenny says
I can understand your mother. Mum grew up in the depression and she saved things that made no sense to others. (Like every plastic bag she got. including washing out the bags that dry food came in). We also stocked up on items on special (normally only bought things on special and went special to special). She would buy things at the thrift store too but after becoming a Christian before she married dad they learnt to live knowing God would provide to the point at one stage she felt God was telling her to give some money to someone (her last money til her next pension in a week) She gave it to him to help pay some debts and that day a check for the same amount came from an inheritence. It was the same amount so she had the money till next pension day. this happened more than once so. (Interesting I saw these things happen and it was inspiring, my brother saw this happening and he too became very tight with money and while they have money they you would never have known it cos they made it sound like we grew up lacking when we didn’t not in what counted, never went without food etc).
Natalya Lakhno says
I love kiddos, they add charm to the story ❤️
Abigail Harris says
Oh! Oh! Oh! This sounds like a need to read to me! Can’t wait to get my hands on it when I have some downtime.