Patti S. brought up another good point yesterday in her comment. I started writing my response to her comment, and realized it was way too long, so I decided to write an entry as my response.
Patti S.:
“I agree that some authors really stretch out a story. I have hit another problem. I have read a mystery series of a certain author since the first book, but the last two I didn’t even finish. Something in her writing is missing, it just doesn’t have the “catch” that her earlier ones did. They did not hold my attention at all. I have been trying to figure out why and all I can think of is that her writing has changed in some way. I am so disappointed!”
(By the way, I should probably warn those of you who don’t like my “Rants and Raves” that this is one of my Rants!)
Patti S, I have SO been there!!! I “make myself” continue reading a favorite author at least two books after I feel like dropping him/her >>> at least I try to read two more books!
I have one author who I absolutely loved reading. I was quite lucky, too, since she is so doggone prolific. She has written over fifty mystery books, so I could always count on having more of her books in my reading future. But I then found that I got to the point where I wasn’t even looking forward to her book release dates, let alone reading her books. (This has happened with many of the authors on my Favorite Authors list.)
I wonder if “very established” authors don’t reach a sort of complacency, sort of an “I can do no wrong, my fans will love me regardless” attitude. I felt like she was simply putting out two (or even four) mystery books a year >>> for the money. Don’t get me wrong, I realize writing is a profession, and she should be paid for her efforts. But her books seemed like they were being “phoned in”. They were formulaic and repetitive. The mysteries tended to be wrapped up in the last chapter, almost making me think she had a word deadline she had to make. (Sort of like: “Whoops! The publisher is only paying me for X amount of words, I only have to write 300 more, I had better wrap it up now.”)
This author’s books had the same personal relationship being played over and over, and over again. I like a little “will-they-get-together or won’t-they” >>> but, come on!!! How many books was it going to take until they did (or didn’t) get together?!? I hoped they would get together during the first +/-7 books, but after that, frankly, my dear, I didn’t care – AT ALL! I was reading a mystery series, and wanted the focus to be on that!
It’s a big disappointment when this happens, and it leads me to again say, I would rather an author simply wrap up a series than put out substandard books. I have to wonder why publishers continue to publish series when they start to go down.
I’m guessing it has to do with President Truman’s “The buck stops here.” Only, the “buck” in this case is “$$$$$”.
Sharon says
I wonder if sometimes I tire of a “character” regardless of the quality of the book. I think those authors that have more than one theme, i.e. Christie’s Poirot plus Miss Marple plus Tommy and Tuppence give me a chance to leave one character for a while and return like from a vacation. And then there are those that just don’t “hold” me – period. Of course, if I really “love” a series or character, I ride out the bumps or length in anticipation of a fresh twist to retain my interest. In other words, I don’t think it’s any singular pattern to my sticking with or leaving an author behind. So I ask, “is it the author or am I just ready for a change.” And then there are those authors I want to like, continue to read hoping I will, but just plain don’t. Fortunately, there are many choices available :>).
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sharon, I try to “ride out the bumps” a favorite author throws my way for two books. Because it is so difficult for me to finally drop a favorite author, I always hope it’s me.
Nita says
The only author I came across that their writing changed toward the end of the series is Lilian Jackson Braun. I am really surprised that she kept writing as long as she did. I am sure that her age and illness had a lot to do with it. I would do some searching and find out if anything has changed. Do they have a ghostwriter, are they sick, how old are they? Just something to think about.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
You make a really good point, Nita. Factors like age, health, ghostwriters obviously will affect an author’s writing.
Lexie says
I have this same experience. The first two or three book are a world away from the writing of the next few in a series. The 100 or so extra pages is just not relevant to the mystery, its fluff and ill written based on everyday activities of those involved. I sometimes wonder if some may have a formula as we know they submit chapter headings and the outline before the completed book to the editors. The editors make the decision on the chapters and then the story is finished by the author. And is it possible an assistant is writing for them from the formula. I recently noticed this with a series of 8 of late, that by book 3 it was a formula and not a very good one. They do not fool the reader and once this happens, I do not return to the series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lexie, I had no idea authors submit chapter headings before the book is completed. I guess I’ve just watched too many old black and white movies where the author submits the one typed manuscript HE (I can’t remember any old black and white movies with women submitting anything!) has to his publisher.
linda c says
Just maybe Lexie this is what is happening, the tried and true author is getting someone else to “help” write the book!!?? I know there are several “note” authors who have other writers listed on the front covers along with the ‘noted’ author. Maybe it’s this other writer who is filling in the gaps. I suppose maybe by using this “also’ author is how so many of our favorites are able to have more than one book written each year.
Bella says
Good Morning,
I have wondered about this myself. One thing I have always wondered was if authors sign contracts for a certain amount of books? If so, this puts the author in a position of time vs. quality – some times. An author has all the time in the world to write her first book but once that gets picked up and they are bound by rules of the publisher, might that be the problem we see with mystery series petering off? I have absolutley no skills as a writer nor do I know anything about the publishing world and these are just my thoughts and questions. Bella
Maria (BearMountainBooks) says
Usually an agent tries to sell at least 3 books at a time (for a series). Sometimes the publisher will only contract for 2 based on one and an outline or if it is a new author, maybe both. It really varies. But generally, the agent does try to sell a “package” because it can mean the author has some money flow–which provides her time to actually write. If we all had to write a book not knowing if we could write another one…with the length of time it takes to get a book published…let’s just say it’s hard enough to make any money off a single book. It takes at least a year from the time an author submits the finished book to the publisher for it to hit the shelves. It’s an iffy business. So the more “For sure” sales an author has, the better.
Susie says
Bella, I believe your instinct is correct. Many authors work on the first book for far longer than they will ever work on any other book they write, especially genre writers who create series. I think most authors (except those who are purely self-published) are contracted for a set number of books (usually 1, 2 or 3), often with the approximate release dates laid out (6 months, yearly). Later, the publisher will review sales (maybe reviews too) and then make a decision about renewing a contract with the author. Some authors may find it difficult to keep to a certain pace, and unless the publisher offers extensions, the author may revert to formulas he or she knows will sell (or at least keep the publisher appeased). That’s the time vs quality element you mention.
Ellen G. says
I agree with your assessment that sometimes a story is just over and the author–and we readers–just have to let go. In that situation, however, I feel honor-bound to stay with her (or him) through the first two or three in the new series as a thank you for having the honesty and courage to let go when the time had come. Any new series is like meeting a bunch of strangers; of course they are not as comfortable as old friends which once were like gold. But now it’s time to appreciate silver. (Rather mixed metaphor, but you get the idea.)
Ellen G.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ellen G, you are way nicer than I am! If the first book doesn’t cut it for me, I cut the author off my Favorite Authors list! (Yow! I sound mean!)
(I love your gold VS. silver idea, though.)
Maria (BearMountainBooks) says
Or…do readers change over time??? Or is it both???
Certainly writers age and could tire of characters or settings or have no more to say. And certainly publishers demand they keep writing popular series because not all readers will follow an author to a new series. Many times an author doesn’t have a choice. Sometimes she does.
But…what if readers change too??? Is it us who get weary of the same characters? Or did we love the budding romance and it’s no longer there? Or…do we just no longer gain comfort from the setting and characters? Maybe we’re smarter now and have the mystery pattern figured out?
There are authors I used to read when I was younger. That sort of book doesn’t appeal to me anymore. The authors are still writing, but…I don’t really enjoy thrillers as much as I used to. Then, sometimes I’ll find one that I do like, but I’m still not really tempted to go read a bunch of them.
I do think series get old. Even if the writer is writing great stories, sometimes I’m just tired of … hearing about it. There’s comfort in predictability, but there can be boredom too!
Diane says
I would like to expand on a subject that was lightly touched on in the above post, and that is about how important the cover of the book is to you. I, personally, like a cover that reflects the tone of the story I am going to read (in my case cozy). A good cover sets the scene, it draws you in. It almost becomes the first chapter. If I see my favorite pet or favorite flower, I néed to grab that book because the cover speaks to me of good times ahead and sometimes I am let down. At least I got to see the beautiful art work involved, and some of them are just that, beautiful works of art. If there is a soft chair, a fire, a pet, a window framed in my favorite flower of my favorite season then I’m a sucker to buy it because I want to be let in and meet the people that reflect me. If I see a cover that depicts a stick drawn character or cartoonish character, then I pass on by. Unfortunately, my favorite series I just finished started out with beautiful covers I enjoyed as much as the book, then changed half way through with the modern art approach which totally lost me. I still finished the series, but it just wasn’t the same. How do you feel about this subject? Are the covers as important to you as they are to me and should the author chance the style halfway through his/hers series?
BB says
I love covers, too, Diane. I try and not judge a book by its cover (literally – ha!), but if I’m drawn to the front, I’m more likely to get it. I immediately think of an independent author whose brother draws and illustrates her books, based on consultation from a graphics designer. The covers provide a clue to the story and the primary color ties in with the main character. There is no telling how many copies of her books this author has sold thanks to her brother’s splendid cover art work.
Now that I’m buying primarily digital books, I’m trying harder to evaluate whether I’ll like a book based on the description and I’ve read some very good self-published novels with terribly cheap covers. But authors shouldn’t under-estimate the impact of covers and even SPAs should try to avoid plain photos and flat text on digital books, IMO.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
BB, I know exactly what you are saying about trying to not judge a book by its cover, but it does help if the cover draws us to it.
Maria (BearMountainBooks) says
I like a good cover and they’ve become more important to me. When I was younger, I paid little attention. Now, it’s part of the package. I love going back and looking at an excellent cover that reminds me of scenes or the ’emotion’ of the book!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Diane, I love book covers. They give me a feel for what the book has in store for me. Since a lot of the time, the author is depending on the artwork on the cover of his/her book, I would think they would want to keep the same art going all the way through the series. I’m guessing that the author’s fans expect it that way.
I enjoy book covers so much, I have written about them in the past.
Mystery Books’ Covers Part 1
Mystery Books’ Covers Part 2
Mystery Books’ Covers Part 3
Patti S. says
I am so glad that I am not the only one who feels like that! Like you, Danna, I really try my best with a book that I just cannot seem to get into. It is such a letdown when we have enjoyed the previous books. I think the author I am referring to should have stopped two books ago. I guess, if this happened, I would not be so disappointed when I see one of her new books out.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Patti S, I wish I only felt “disappointed” when one of my “fallen favorite authors” puts out a new mystery. Usually, I am astounded! (I know that’s very egocentric of me, but I’m sorry to say, it’s the truth! I guess I just don’t get how EVERYONE else can’t see that the emperor is no longer wearing any clothes!)
Angela says
For me character development is sooo important in a cozy mystery series (or any series for that matter). If a character doesn’t grow, learn and expand then I get very frustrated with the series. Let’s face it, there is a certain amount of “formula” to these types of books and for me it’s the characters that really make the difference. I can think of one on-going series in which the main character is still making the same rookie mistakes and dealing with the same personal stuff she was in book 1 and I think there are now 16 books in the series! I stopped that one around book 9 because I had started to loathe the main character. If the characters aren’t evolving, and their stories progressing (enough of the will they/won’t they for 20 books please! a little goes a long way) then the series loses me pretty quickly.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Angela, I know life is complicated and that in real life relationships don’t always fall into place immediately, but I’m with you on the “enough of the will they/won’t they for 20 books please! a little goes a long way” If that is still going on in higher numbered books, I hope they don’t get together! Either way, I’m still not reading the series, so I don’t ever find out…
Myra Duffy says
This is such an interesting discussion. Perhaps some writers think readers will be disappointed if they don’t keep to a tried and trusted formula? Even Agatha Christie wrote under another name for her non-crime novels.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Myra, you might be right about some authors thinking they have to stick to the same old-same old formulas because their fans expect it. Perhaps that is the reason that I don’t tend to be able to stay with a lot of my favorite authors after (let’s say) eight or nine books. Most of the time I tire of either the characters or the contrived “same old-same old” plots.
Edie Dykeman says
I have a feeling there is some ghostwriting going on. Also, it may come to a point where the author is ready to move on but the publisher wants more in the series – may even have a contract to fulfill. I do know that I’ve been disappointed at the last couple of books from more than one author.
This has been an interesting discussion thread.