Sometimes all a reader wants is something to do for a few hours. In times like this a stand alone book is the best because there's no emotional or time commitment. Once the book is done it's done and there aren't any strings attached. At other times, a reader will need something more. Something complex that will stay with them. It's these times that a series is the perfect fit. However, there are times when what you want and what you get are two different things. Let me introduce you to a serial series.
As a reader I have noticed a new tend in writing styles known as the serial series. A serial series is when one book is broken down to drag out the ending over a few different books. It's technically a series because it has multiple books however, in terms of a diverse story lines a serial series will fall completely short. Even with a series there will be some form of continuation to connect the different books. Still they will each have a goal and a solution. When there is a serial series the books will end with a cliffhanger meaning nothing was really completed and the reader will need to wait until the next book for a conclusion. I kind of look at a series as a video game. Although its one game each level will have a different boss or theme. A serial series is more like a television show that will keep ending with to be continued. I don't have a problem with serial series, I do however have an issue with feeling tricked sometimes.
Here's the thing. If I purchase something that says book 1 I expect it to be a book. I want it to be complete, I do not want to wait 3 or more books to find out if the main characters are actually going to get together or survive or what ever the plot consists of. When I get to an ending that isn't an ending the first thing I do is look at the title again. If it says "Book 1", I most likely will not continue to see what happens because I feel lied to. If it says "Part 1", I wont feel tricked and if it was a good part I usually will get the rest to find out the over all conclusion. Sometimes when I read a review I feel bad for the author because they clearly stated that it was a part and not a book. Other times I want to jump on the band wagon and vent my frustrations with the rest of the peanut gallery for being tricked. While I know that not ever writer will present their books accordingly I felt the need to at least explain to readers what they might be walking into when they pick up a new series.I am a firm believer that if a reader is properly informed the chances of them having a bad experience with the book are lowered drastically. So the next time you find yourself looking for a good series try to pay close attention to the details of the book. The description may be the thing that saves you from frustration when its over.
As a reader I have noticed a new tend in writing styles known as the serial series. A serial series is when one book is broken down to drag out the ending over a few different books. It's technically a series because it has multiple books however, in terms of a diverse story lines a serial series will fall completely short. Even with a series there will be some form of continuation to connect the different books. Still they will each have a goal and a solution. When there is a serial series the books will end with a cliffhanger meaning nothing was really completed and the reader will need to wait until the next book for a conclusion. I kind of look at a series as a video game. Although its one game each level will have a different boss or theme. A serial series is more like a television show that will keep ending with to be continued. I don't have a problem with serial series, I do however have an issue with feeling tricked sometimes.
Here's the thing. If I purchase something that says book 1 I expect it to be a book. I want it to be complete, I do not want to wait 3 or more books to find out if the main characters are actually going to get together or survive or what ever the plot consists of. When I get to an ending that isn't an ending the first thing I do is look at the title again. If it says "Book 1", I most likely will not continue to see what happens because I feel lied to. If it says "Part 1", I wont feel tricked and if it was a good part I usually will get the rest to find out the over all conclusion. Sometimes when I read a review I feel bad for the author because they clearly stated that it was a part and not a book. Other times I want to jump on the band wagon and vent my frustrations with the rest of the peanut gallery for being tricked. While I know that not ever writer will present their books accordingly I felt the need to at least explain to readers what they might be walking into when they pick up a new series.I am a firm believer that if a reader is properly informed the chances of them having a bad experience with the book are lowered drastically. So the next time you find yourself looking for a good series try to pay close attention to the details of the book. The description may be the thing that saves you from frustration when its over.