Can I be honest here?
I hate group projects.
There. I said it. It’s the way I’ve felt all my life. In school, growing up, I dreaded when the teacher would tell us we had to do something with other students. Especially if those other students didn’t pull their weight. I just tend to work better on my own, at least on the main part of things.
That being said, as an author, I can’t work completely alone. Trust me. My books are much better thanks to several rounds of editing done by other people. Not to mention, my covers look much nicer than they would if I were trying to do them myself.
And, I have enjoyed working with other authors to put together novella collections. Having a theme to write a story to can be a challenge, but that’s a good thing sometimes. It makes me stretch. And gives me story ideas I might not otherwise have. Plus, being in a collection, I have help marketing when the book releases. Something every author loves.
So, when my author friends started talking about making our silly writers’ retreat idea into a reality, I agreed. Here’s what I’m talking about.
Back in 2019, Heather Greer, Regina Rudd Merrick, Erin Howard, and I were all at the same table at KenTen Writers’ Retreat. The retreat was held at Montgomery Bell State Park in Tennessee, a gorgeous place. Our task was to brainstorm a story idea using a location in the park. We immediately thought of the little chapel there. We all loved the quaint structure with its stained-glass windows and stone walls.
Three of us are Contemporary Romance authors and Erin writes fantasy, so our story got a little carried away at the end with the character falling through the window to a dystopian future. Well, after we talked some more over various times of meeting up, we decided we really did want to do something with this idea.
That tiny seed of an idea morphed into four novels. The novels would follow a family through the years, starting in the 1920s, moving to the 1970s, then contemporary, and finally into that dystopian future Erin loves so much. I was blessed to be able to stick with my genre of choice and my story, Window of the Heart, was the contemporary novel. We’ve now released three of the stories, with the final coming out in December, but it hasn’t been smooth sailing the whole time.
For one thing, I am crazy. Remember how I said I do the main chunk of a project better by myself. I may or may not have written my story before any of the others wrote theirs. This would be fine if mine were first, but it isn’t. It’s third. So, some tweaking was done in my edits to make the transition from the other two books smoother.
We’ve had myriad conversations and have an ongoing facebook chat going at all times as we toss ideas and scenes and names back and forth. It’s hard to keep up with all the details after a while. That’s why we made a family tree to be able to remember how it all worked out.
Needless to say, this has been a whole different kind of experience, working with other authors to write a whole series. Even after all these years, I’m still working on learning to work better within a group project. ;) But it hasn’t been bad.
When the others suggest doing another one down the road, I suggest we do it a little different. Maybe one where everyone gets a different sibling or something and they’re all set in the same time period. That way, whoever writes her story first can be the first in the series. Ahem.
Will I do it again? Maybe. But I think for the next few years, I’ll stick to my own novels and maybe a novella collection or two.
Do you love multi-author collections? What do you love about them? What do you hate? Did you know they took so much work?
Leave a comment below and I’ll draw one winner for a signed paperback copy of my new book, Window of the Heart (US only this time).
Lennox Malone may not believe in love, but she’s determined to do the best job she can as her friend Sara Beth’s maid of honor. Problem is, the man in charge of fixing up the chapel doesn’t match her determination. Fighting against preconceived notions, a past that catches up to her, and an attraction she wants nothing to do with, this wedding is turning into more than she can handle.
Ty Dunne might be laid back and easy-going, but he’s determined to make sure the chapel is ready for his cousin’s wedding. Not only is it his duty as best man, but he wants to preserve the family’s history in the building. If only he could live up to his family’s other expectations—or those of Lennox Malone, the fiery redhead he can’t stop thinking about. Before he can go any further with her, though, he has to convince her that love is real and worth the risk.
Lennox has built her walls high and sturdy, but Ty is determined to find a way in—even if it’s a window. Maybe the history of the chapel itself along with the romance of a wedding will help.
I love multiauthor projects. In many cases this has allowed me to find a new author I may not have found otherwise.
I like multi author series where the stories are linked in some way. I have read a few with different time periods and have enjoyed them (not with a fantasy included). I also like ones in the same era but do like some connection not just the location or a theme. I get frustrated with the multi author sets where there is no connection just all stories include an item or idea but there is nothing to connect any of the stories. I find it more frustrating when the set makes it sound like there is a connection. If I know from the start there is no connection I don’t feel duped.
I understand about group projects. I don’t think we actually did many at school but know many did. But in other settings I struggle at times the waiting for information or that one person who does things at the last minute or that one person who decides at the last min to change things which is fine when they are not the one doing set out (ie a programme or newsletter or reports which are the things I tend to do the computer work) its so frustrating when its all set out only to be told to change it on a tight deadline.
I like when a series is written by multi authors because I often discover a new author or two to follow. I didn’t realize it was a lot of work but your fans appreciate that hard work!
Ha, I always hated school group projects too!
I do enjoy multi author series, as others have said it’s good way of finding new authors to enjoy – and perhaps in the case of your series, a whole new genre! I imagine they must be difficult to put together, unless the only link is a theme (eg Christmas) but I think it’s well worth it!
this sounds so interesting. I do love multi authors series. Because they are all so different, they bring so much dimension to the bigger story. And I have found other new to me authors that I have really enjoyed.
I do like multi author projects, as long as each book is also a stand alone. If I have to read all of them, and in order, it probably isn’t going to happen! I like finding new to me authors this way, though, and sometimes that works out really well, but I’ll admit it hasn’t worked out well a few times, too, as a few of the authors were definitely not writing books I want to read!
I very seldom read multi-author sets but when I have I enjoyed being able to read books by new to me authors.
I enjoy multi-author series as long as there aren’t glaring differences and vibes from one author to the next. I recently read a large portion of a multi author series and one author’s book didn’t feel at all as if it took place within the same community/story world as the other stories. There wasn’t anything wrong with the book, it just felt like it didn’t belong with the rest of the series and so distracted me.
That’s why I like them too, Andrea. It’s a great way to find a new author.
Our series is definitely different than any others I’ve known simply because we included that fantasy at the end. I’m intrigued to see how people like that. :)
And I agree completely with how hard it is to wait on other people to finish their part so you can do your own!
So glad you’re appreciative! :) And I agree with finding new authors. It’s a great way to find a new one.
So glad to find another kindred spirit! :)
True. Christmas ones don’t seem to need anything else to link them, do they?
Yes! Sometimes the differences make the series even more interesting than if it were written by the same author. Although, I will say several people have said the first two books in our series tied together so well they couldn’t tell they were written by different authors. Hoping they feel the same about mine too.
I love multi-author collections! I love that I get to “try” new-to-me authors that I wouldn’t normally know about. I have found some of my favorite authors that way!
I honestly never thought about all the work that would have to go into it 😳 I am also not very good with group projects so it sounds scary to me 😆
Ouch. Yes. I feel that too. It’s great as long as all the authors do a great job, but it can be hit or miss. And all our books can also be stand-alones, so you’re good!
It can be great as long as you have the time to do it, right? Some of these multi-author series take so long I just can’t get through them all!
I know what you mean. We all tried our best to mesh our stories and characters so you wouldn’t feel that way. We’ve heard several say the first two meshed so well they couldn’t tell they were written by different authors. Hoping mine continues the trend!
Ha! It was exciting and intimidating at the same time. But I think we’re all glad we did it. Hoping you can find a new-to-you author through our collection!
Hi Amy! I enjoy reading multi-author series with a common thread more than just a boxed set. I enjoy looking for unique series or stories. By reading boxed sets, especially holiday themed set, this reader has discovered new authors. Basically how I found this blog through Valerie Comer a decade ago. This retired high school German and English teacher is guilty of assigning group work and group projects. Before Covid – many companies often wanted team players, so group work was preparing students for the “real or work” world. As a teacher, I tried to give plenty of class time for group work and provided materials needed. It has been inspiring to read the various posts about this group project. Best wishes.
I like that they introduce people to new authors they wouldn’t otherwise know/give a chance to. It’s fun when they have things in common, like the setting or a family, or a group of friends. I’m not a fan of the waiting period in between releases if I’m invested in the series. I did know/had an idea of the work behind the scenes, so it’s all appreciated!
I like multiauthor series .in school I didn’t really like working in groups I worked better alone.
I do like multi author books, although I did read one a couple of years ago that each story was individual and not connected. That one kind of left me feeling that it wasn’t quite complete. I am excited to see how this one goes for you!
Thanks so much Renate. I know WHY group work was assigned. I just don’t like it. LOL!
Priscila, one thing I love about how we’re doing this series is that each book is releasing one a quarter in one year. So, you only have to wait a few months between books instead of a long period of time. I agree that waiting is hard!
I think a lot of us are in agreement here! Thanks for commenting!
Thanks so much, Joy! We’re excited to see how it goes too. Some of the others are already talking about doing another collection, but I might want to wait a while. Ha!
I am reading a multi-author series now. I love it. Each author brings their own style of writing to the series. I have found a few new to me authors, so I’ll definitely read some of their other books.
It’s always fun to find new authors that way. So glad you’re enjoying it.
I enjoy reading multi author series because it’s a great way to be introduced to new authors. I didn’t know how much work went into it but I can only imagine how difficult it must be. I also disliked having to work on school projects with other students. I didn’t think it was fair because if they didn’t do a good job on their part then it would also hurt my grade too. I love the cover, it’s so beautiful!
Yes! Group work is dangerous because you’re judged on someone else’s work instead of just your own.
And I love my cover too. I think it turned out gorgeous. 😍
I love multi-author collections because you get a taste of multiple authors with the connected storyline.
Agreed! I have discovered quite a few new authors that way. :)
Good afternoon, yes, I love multi author collections, I love reading the different ways of how they all write . It sounds like alot of work for sure! Your book sounds like a great read and I love your book cover, it is Stunning! Thank you for the chance.
Thanks so much, Alicia!
Multi author collections are always a lot of fun especially when I find new authors
It’s a great way to find new authors! Thanks for your comment.
only if complete stories
I definitely agree. I hate cliffhangers.
Yes, I do love them. It gives a reader an opportunity to sample the writing from author’s whom the reader is not familiar. They are also shorter stories than a novel so it does not take as much time to read. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
Generally I enjoy multi-author stories. It is interesting how the authors have diffferent perspectives about the same or similiar things (like the setting).
I have come across a couple that were not easy to read due to inconsistencies in the stories.
Ooh, yeah. Inconsistencies are annoying, for sure. That’s why we emailed back and forth so much to make sure we had all the details the same. :)
Thanks for commenting. This collection I am talking about is full-length novels, but I do enjoy a good novella collection and am in several of those too.
It depends on what’s happening but I also do better (or get done sooner) at most tasks if I do it alone. Study groups especially. #2023 Back-to-School
Same! Thanks for commenting!
I found a great new-to-me Biblical fiction author this way. I find other authors I might never have tried because I liked one of two authors out of the group.
I like multi-author collections where the main characters of every story have an obvious connection/relation.
I love multi-author projects. I haven’t experienced writing a series with somebody else, each a novel in the series, but I have written, in Uni, with my deskmate, a story (novella) starting during the Iraq war (yes, it was 1990-1991 when we wrote it, our last year of Uni) and continuing in France, in Marseilles. I loved the experience. I think we wrote before another novella, about a 20 years anniversary party gone south, but that was of no literary importance, just a literary experiment to get out of our system some teen angst.
I enjoyed the process, therefore 25+years later, when I discovered roleplay games (an interactive story where everyone has one character or more, who interact among them into a coherent story) I enjoyed them for 11 years, out of which for 10 years I was the administrator of a roleplaying forum, in the conditions when such a forum usually lasts about 6 months, the more longevive lasting for about 2 years. Yes, I have known 2-3 such forums more longevive than mine, but they were rarities. (And the others, except one, were sort of fan-fiction, in the Harry Potter and Star Wars universes.) Mine was original, a pirate-themed interactive story set in the West Indies in 1718-1720.
I prefer the term interactive story to the classical name of roleplaying game, because it is not a game, but a story. Games are Dungeon and Dragons and others who have dice and other things I cannot understand. I never played these, I just wrote an interactive pirate adventure story with international writing partners. It was a sort of written soap-opera, where ships got sunk and only few people survived, some died in battles… And in 10 years of writing, we covered, in the story, mainly the period January 1719-August 1720, with some flashbacks to 1718 and with some epilogues 5, 10 years later for a proper story ending.
And now, that I am a published author, I would write with others any time, if the story inspires me.
Nice! I enjoy a good Biblical fiction every now and then. :)
It definitely makes them flow better that way, right?
That sounds really interesting! Thanks so much for sharing.
I love reading multi-author works. It is a great way to try the work of new to me authors. I did not realize how much work they are for the author though.
Don’t get me wrong. It was worth it! ;)
I enjoy novellas collections. It gives me a chance to try different authors and have bite size tastings of their work rather than always buying a full novel and maybe not liking it.
Agreed. I love being in novella collections too. This series is actually full-length novels. Something a little different.
Generally, I do love multi-author collections! I have found several new favorite authors that way. A particularly favorite collection is the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series (which includes author Liwen y. Ho), and I’m looking forward to its spin-off series coming this fall, Christmas in Redemption Ridge. I was very impressed with how well those authors worked together to give a cohesive description of the town of Freedom Ridge, the various locations, and especially the people who live there. I’m sure that there was a lot of collaboration involved! I think it would be especially challenging for multiple authors to write dialogue for the same character and have it feel consistent, but I wasn’t aware of any trouble with that in that series.
Another multi-author series I have been enjoying is the Trinity Lakes series, which includes InspyRomance authors Narelle Atkins and Carolyn Miller. While there have been several characters mentioned in multiple books by different authors, there hasn’t been much interaction and dialogue outside of the characters’ main “stories”, which I’m sure is a lot easier!
I have several of those books on my TBR. They look great. And I am always in awe of authors who can get in the head of characters they didn’t create!
I do love multi author collections. I love to read all the different writing styles of the authors while still keeping with a topic.
That does make it interesting, doesn’t it? Thanks for stopping by!
I do love multi-author collections because it gives me a taste of each author. A great way to meet new authors.
Agreed! Thanks for commenting.
I agree with you in school I preferred to work on things by myself as well. I do like to read a book or series with multiple authors because it gives me a chance to experience new authors. I did just read one recently where the authors all had the same basics to coming home for a class reunion they each just had a different character to write about. The stories were all so completely different.
That sounds like a fun series. Thanks so much for commenting.