I like to fancy myself a series reader. I’m one of those readers who always wants more story, especially if I fall in love with the character. That being said, I can definitely admit when a storyline is a little played out. Some stories need a defined beginning, middle, and end or it just seems like it’s gone off the rail and, as a reader who has fallen in love with the series, I can understand pointless additions ruining a series for you.
Things happen that add drama, but destroy the integrity of the original plot leaving a sour taste in your mouth. Trust me, I get it, I’ve been the scorned reader a time or two.
That being said, I do fall in love with well-crafted supporting characters and reach the end of the series wishing I got their backstory. Or just more of them.
Have you been here?
Now of course, I’m not asking this without a motive.
I have been toying with the idea of doing a few spin-off books from my fantasy series, when the series is out, and am wondering if I’m doing that just to appease myself, or if there are readers out there who feel the same way. For any readers of my first book, thank you for your support and welcome to my blog, I’m sure there are some characters you have fallen in love with and want to know more about.
I’m an author who extensively builds my characters. That means that every character has a few pages in a dedicated notebook with trivial things like favourite snack from the Mortal Realm, or most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to them that will send them into a rage if brought up. I do this because I feel like if I know the character, you know the character, and if we both know the character then we can relate to them even if they’re only in the book for a few paragraphs.
Because I know them so well, sometimes I picture them doing things off the page. While the main characters are off on their epic adventure, the supporting cast isn’t just twiddling their thumbs, and some of them are doing some very interesting stuff. Stuff that could fill a book… if enough readers tell me that’s something they are interested in.
This short and sweet blog entry is to ask the readers: series spin-off books, yay or nay?
What are some of your favourite supporting characters from series, if any, you wish got their own book?
SJ Stewart Books 