Last month I mentioned my upcoming book. The book is available for preorder for a short time at 99 cents. Grab your copy before the price goes back to the $3.99 regular price.
Besides the new book, I’ve tried a new adventure. I’ve created a book trailer with the help of my granddaughters, who introduced me to the iMovie app on my iPad. Check out the book trailer here. I hope you enjoy it.
This is the fourth book in my Kellersburg series. The first three books in the series were originally published by Harlequin Love Inspired. I received the rights back to those books, and I have reissued them with new covers, but I kept the original titles because they all went together. These three books were part of a three-book contract. When I finished the books and thus fulfilled my contract, I talked to my editor about doing more books in the series, but she seemed unenthusiastic about more books in the series, so I moved on to something else. Since I had a chance to revisit this series, I decided to add another book. I also have an idea in mind for a fifth book in the series.
My Pinecrest series and my Dalton Brothers series were originally published by a traditional publisher, and they each have three books. The books in my Front Porch Promises series are all original indie books except the first book, and there are seven books in that series. My Dalton Brothers series will always have only three books because I don’t intend to create another brother. My Pinecrest series will remain at three books also. However, this series is related to my Front Porch Promises series because four secondary characters who were children in the Pinecrest series have their own grownup love stories in the Front Porch Promises series.
What do you consider the best number of books for a series? I will give away an ebook copy of the first book in one series, winner’s choice, to one person who leaves a comment. I will draw the winning name at 9 PM MST on March 25, 2021.
“Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.”
Merrillee Whren is an award-winning author who writes inspirational romance. She is the winner of the 2003 Golden Heart Award for best inspirational romance manuscript presented by Romance Writers of America. She has also been the recipient of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award and the Maggie Award for Excellence. She is married to her own personal hero, her husband of thirty plus years, and has two grown daughters. She has lived in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Florida but now makes her home in the Arizona desert. When she’s not writing, she spends her free time playing tennis or walking while she does the plotting for her novels.
Your trailer was great! I love a three-book series, with a holiday bonus book–Christmas or Valentines, or even a prequel.
I thought back to some of the many series I have read and most of them had 6-7 books in them and I really liked them. Beautiful trailer.
I liked your trailer! I like up to 6 or so in a series from one author. If it’s multiple authors, it can have more. I have one series the author hasn’t finished yet that the 7th book just came out for. I do think that a series can be too long, though I’ve only actually gotten tired of one, and now refuse to read that author’s books for fear I’ll run into characters I used to like but now can’t stand. Not an Inspy author, either, but a traditionally published one.
Erin, thanks. I glad you enjoyed the trailer.
Lori, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I’m glad you liked the trailer.
Hi Trudy,
Thanks for letting me know your thoughts about the size of a book series. I’m glad you liked the trailer.
I tend to lean towards three book series, with a five book series being my limit. I think if the series is any longer it can sometimes drag or become too much.
Hi, I love, love your book trailer and your book sounds like a very good read. To me it doesn’t matter how long a book series is, I love to keep reading about the book characters continued lives . I have read a book series that was 6 big books long and I was very sad to see it end. I love, love book series. (not entering this ebook giveaway , as I don’t read ebooks) but thank you for the chance. Have a Great rest of the week and stay safe. How sweet of your granddaughters helping you make this awesome book trailer! Aren’t grandchildren the BEST!! God Bless you and your family.
I think for me, 5 is the best number of books in a series. Not too long, but not too short.
4-5 :)
Hi Megan, thanks for your input.
Hi Alicia,
I’m glad you enjoyed the book trailer, and yes, grandchildren are the best!
Hi Angeline,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the length of a series.
Thanks, Natalya, for your thoughts.
I love the trailer. Your granddaughters were wonderful to show you how to create one! As for the number of books in a series…it just depends on the series. Some simply run out of steam after a few books, so 3 is more than adequate. Others, like your Front Porch series, were perfect books to extend beyond that number. Look at Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series (yes I know this is not the same genre, but you get the idea). It has been drawing in cozy mystery fans for years! Josie Riviera’s “Chocolate-Box” series now has 6 books. I think most authors probably know in their heart when a series has reached a natural conclusion. If you don’t absolutely love writing it anymore, then it is time to move on to another project. Don’t enter me into the contest because I think I have read all of your first in series!
Hi Mary,
I’m glad you enjoyed the trailer. Thanks for being a loyal supporter.
I think I would choose 4 to 6 books in a series, although a trilogy is also nice. What a cool booktrailer!
Loved the book trailer I would say 4 to 6 books in a series!
Hi Marilene,
Thanks for your input of the length of a series. I’m so happy you enjoyed the trailer.
Hi Sarah,
I’m glad you loved the trailer, and thanks for your input on the number of books in a series.
I am not sure there is an answer to your question. As long as there are stories about the characters that the writer has in mind, the series should continue. In a lot of cases, most of the characters have a story to tell also. There is also what happens to the the main characters after the story ends. Thank you for sharing your time and your talent. God bless you.
Hi Debra, you’re welcome and thanks for your comments.
I think for me it depends on the book series. For the longer novels 3-4 is good, for something like the Love Inspired length books (200 pages or so), up to 6 is a good number. Love Inspired Suspense K-9 unit ones can go as high as 9 books in a series, but each book is written by a different author. I like the K-9 books and don’t feel they are too long.
I really enjoyed the book trailer Merrillee, thanks for sharing it!
I like 3-5 books in a series.
Great trailer, how wonderful that the creation was a family affair. As long as they are good stories the number doesn’t matter to me. I imagine it is easier to write more books in a series once the “world” has been created and that would make it more enticing to readers and easier to market though.
Beautiful trailer. Who did the music? I enjoy series with 4-6 books.
Anything from 3-5 books :) Btw, that was a great trailer! Loved the background pics for the text.