Wednesday 7 July 2021

#IWSG post - Yolanda Renee on writing a #ries - and finishing it!

Welcome to IWSG for July! 


Alex's  awesome co-hosts for the July 7 posting of the IWSG are Pat Garcia, Victoria Marie Lees, and Louise – Fundy Blue!



Today I've handed over my blog to Yolanda Renee. I'm not sure what she's got to feel insecure about, and she certainly would never let anything make her quit writing,  but let's find out. Because I write series myself, I'm always interested in how other authors go about writing them. 

How My Murder Mystery Series Came to Be!

Denise asked me to write a guest post on "How to Write a Series - what worked for you, kind of thing." And she said, "I'm especially interested in how it feels to have written your last book in the series."

I had several emotions at once. Immediate excitement, then relief, and finally a sense of accomplishment. However, I was also hit by a touch of anxiety. Had I released it too soon?

But I shook that off because what I really wanted to do was celebrate. Pop the cork, laugh, shout, dance, and tell the world. It felt much the same way after I published the first book, but like then, I was alone. The highs and lows of the writer's life are seldom shared.

That's why holding a launch party is so important. Even though I won't have one for this book. I did for the first, and it was a blast! But immediate gratification, that pat on the back, or 'you go girl' response, just isn't there for most writers. So, my friends, get it when you can! Like this guest post, thanks, Denise. It means the world to be able to share my experience and the results!

Keeping with the phrase 'what worked for me' - the real secret to my series, or the method to my madness, is this, pure happenstance...

Once the first novel was written, I submitted it to publishers. One even called. She said she liked the premise, and had I considered writing a trilogy? Of course, I said yes, although it was a lie. But not for long, because she'd given me a great idea. Why not a trilogy. So, before the first book, Murder, Madness & Love, was published, I'd written the rough draft of books two and three, Memories of Murder and Obsession & Murder. While it took me years to write book one, It only took me a few months to write the next two.


Once the trilogy reached publication. I was looking for ways to draw attention to it. So, writing a prequel came to mind, and since I'd mentioned the first case, Detective Quaid solved, The Snowman, in Murder, Madness & Love, the first book. It just made sense to elaborate on that. But instead of a short story, it became a novella. Now, it will become the draw for the series when I offer it free just for signing up for my newsletter. (Now under construction)

But the most shocking thing about The Snowman was the villain, Stowy Jenkins. He had a voice that wouldn't let go. I always assumed it was because he went to prison. In the other books, the villains all died at the end of the book. But Stowy lived, and because of that, he wouldn't let go. So, I had to write his whole story. (You know how it is, some characters just won't shut up.)

Therefore, book 5, Murder, Just Because came into being. Stowy escapes prison to wreak more havoc on Anchorage. It's a brutal book. Some would claim too brutal, so I couldn't let the series end there.

And now I have the perfect final book. A Passion for Murder highlights Detective Quaid's passion for his job and the murderer's provocation for his crimes. A Passion for Murder also wraps up beautifully what I consider to be an epic love story.

Now I'm off and running on the next series, thus far titled A Murder Beach Read, and the first in the series called Her Mona Lisa Smile!

 Thanks, Denise, for always being an encouragement and an inspiration during my entire writing journey.

 

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Bio:




Looking for a new adventure, Renee recently moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. A storyteller from a very early age, an avid reader, and with an education and background in business and accounting, becoming a writer only made sense. And writing mysteries pure logic.
 

A Passion for Murder: Another heinous crime occurs in Alaska, and with no time to heal from the last brutal case of The Snowman, and Stowy Jenkins, Detective Quaid returns to his job. PTSD, a former lover, and an odious villain test his mettle and his sanity.



Excerpt:

A cold pre-autumn rain fell in straight lines from the swollen gray clouds sitting over the valley. The residents of Anchorage thanked their personal deity an early snowstorm hadn't fallen. While in one lone cabin, a fire burned bright. Warmth and coziness reflected off the colorful furnishings. The man working diligently at his desk hummed his favorite rhyme.

 

Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe

Grab a slut by the Toe

Blonde-Blue Brown, or Green,

Who's ready to meet Killer Clean?

 

He chuckled as he turned the pages of a scrapbook.

 

Choosing from among his collection of beauties was as much fun as planning just how they would die. Although nothing could really compete with seeing them take their last breath. Except, of course, that final thrust of the knife. Still, today was a special day. Making his choice most important. He’d have to choose someone as close to the original as possible. Which meant it would be the beauty with the green eyes. Her golden hair, career choice, and availability hit all tens on his list of go points.

A perfect thirty meant she had to die today!

Here's my review on Goodreads.

Yolanda Renee is a winner when it comes to writing murder! I've loved her hero, Detective Quaid, as he solved his way through many murders during Renee's six books. Even with PTSD in book six, he still managed to solve the horrific crimes. Don't read this at night! Be warned!

 



45 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

Huge congratulations to Renee. Her books (like too many others) are in my unread towers. Knowing her work, I will not start them after dark, but start them and devour them I will.

Denise Covey said...

Sue, you're a wonder getting around to the blogs. The good thing about Renee's books is they're all standalone as well as part of a series. Definitely not to be read after dark, you're right!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

You never considered a trilogy - neither did I! Funny how those things happen. Now we both have more than a trilogy.

Pat Garcia said...

Hi,
I enjoyed reading the trilogy. Each book caught me up into what was going on in the story. You do an excellent job at writing a series and I hope my series has the same quality of good storytelling as yours has
All the best and take care.

Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange

Natalie Aguirre said...

That's great that a publisher got you thinking about writing a trilogy. Congrats on finishing your series!

Yolanda Renée said...

Thanks, Sue! And Denise, it's wonderful to be able to talk about the process and to celebrate the end of the series with good friends!

Yolanda Renée said...

A simple suggestion turned into a whole lot of books. LOL

Yolanda Renée said...

Thank you, Pat. Especially for those wonderful reviews!
I've read the first book of your trilogy and it's wonderful. I can't wait for the rest of the story! Keep writing!

Yolanda Renée said...

Thanks, Natalie! Publisher's know what they want.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Congrats on finishing it. A novella to draw in readers is a great idea.

Jemi Fraser said...

I love Renée's series - it's a definite morning read for me, too!
The characters and that epic love story within stay with you long after you put the books down!

Yolanda Renée said...

Thanks, Diane! I hope so!

Yolanda Renée said...

Thanks, Jemi! But your series beats them all!

H. R. Sinclair said...

Funny how things turn around on ya! And your off on a new series too. Congrats.

Emma L Gill said...

Sounds fantastic, and congrats on finishing! Thanks for the insight :)

Rachna Chhabria said...

Yolanda's murder mysteries look amazing. Wishing both of you loads of good luck.

Diane Burton said...

Wow, Yolanda, what a great series!

cleemckenzie said...

Thanks for the first-hand experience recap. It's always great to hear what others have done and how it worked for them.

Yolanda Renée said...

So true, H.R. Thanks!

Yolanda Renée said...

Thank you, Emma!

Yolanda Renée said...

Thanks, Rachna!

Yolanda Renée said...

Thanks, Diane!

Yolanda Renée said...

It's always fun to share. Thanks, Lee!

Botanist said...

My first novel started as a standalone, then came a sequel. I have the germ of an idea for a third, but am backtracking to write a prequel. It's funny how things can develop in time.

Michelle Wallace said...

Congratulations on finishing your series, Yolanda!
Good luck with the new series... you're on a roll!

Yolanda Renée said...

And on it goes! LOL that's the way the cookie crumbles. Your characters won't let go until they let go!

Yolanda Renée said...

I keep plugging away that's for sure. Thanks, Michelle!

Olga Godim said...

Congratulations, Renee, on finishing the last book of the series. It's fascinating what different roads lead different writers to their fictional series. Good luck with your new series.

Yolanda Renée said...

Thank you, Olga. It is and always interesting to read about!

Denise Covey said...

When I started writing about my vampire hero I had a trilogy in mind, but it's now four books and counting...

Denise Covey said...

It's wonderful how you've used the setting in your stories, Jemi. Have you got your hands on Louise Penny yet? Please do!

Denise Covey said...

Thanks Rachna. What are you writing these days?

Denise Covey said...

If you've got the ideas, Ian, roll with it!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I love how the series came about :)
Congrats!

Nick Wilford said...

I love how you started off with one book and ended up with six. It sounds like the story wouldn't let go, just like Stowy. Exciting to hear you've got another series in the works too.

Susan B.Rouchard said...

Thank you Denise and Yolanda for sharing these insights into serries writing and for the excerpts from the trilogy and pre-quel. Congratulations on your new release.

Yolanda Renée said...

Thanks, Lynda, happenstance, as I said. LOL







Yolanda Renée said...

I'm surprised too. 6 books, wow. :) I'm just blown away!

Yolanda Renée said...

Thanks, Susan. It's fun to look back over it all and realize how it really came about.

Denise Covey said...

Thanks Susan for coming by and for your support!

dolorah said...

Hey Yolanda: so awesome to finally complete that series. I'm sure you are anxious to get started on another series. Here's toasting you virtually :)

I know how some characters just stick around and refuse to quietly fade away. I have a couple of characters doing that to me. Someday, maybe, they will have another chance. Same character persona, different setting, perhaps? Anyway, good luck with the publications, sales, and new adventures.

Yo Denise: thanks for contacting me earlier. I've missed you. Have a great weekend.

Denise Covey said...

Great to see you here, Donna. Have missed you too! I hope those characters of yours don't give you any peace until you write them into a story! I'm cheering you on!

Yolanda Renée said...

Thanks, Donna! It's so good to hear from you. I hate that you're too busy with work to write, but a living must be made, and I can tell you it's not with writing. Series or not! LOL
Stay well and keep creating. One day those characters will see the light of day!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Denise and Renee - this so fascinating ... and how interesting how the books panned out, and in fact generated a new thought ... an idea that's now produced six books - amazing. I'm so pleased for you - congratulations - cheers Hilary

Yolanda Renée said...

Thanks, Hilary!
Believe it or not I sat down today and wrote the synopsis for a 7th Detective Quaid - something. Book? Novelette? Short Story? We'll see. LOL