tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post4463337789802975889..comments2024-03-28T15:01:21.285-04:00Comments on SleuthSayers: Building a DollhouseLeigh Lundinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921276795499571578noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-45952312323327759482022-05-02T11:19:23.267-04:002022-05-02T11:19:23.267-04:00R.T., you were one of the folks I was thinking abo...R.T., you were one of the folks I was thinking about, during this discussion of series short stories.<br /><br />I've felt the same way you do, about the possibility of taking one of my stories, like your "The Road to Hana," and expanding it into a series. Sometimes that seems a great idea and sometimes I wonder if it'd work. Who knows how much is too much, of one kind of thing?<br /><br />Anyhow, keep doing what you're doing, because it's obviously been successful. So proud of you, for that Edgar win!<br /><br />Thanks as always.John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-34848477347772908972022-05-01T12:49:01.737-04:002022-05-01T12:49:01.737-04:00John, my copy of AHMM was here when I got back fro...John, my copy of AHMM was here when I got back from NYC. I always enjoy your stories, so I will get to it soon.<br /><br />My first sale to AHMM was a standalone in the Golden Triangle of SE Asia. The background went on to make a series, but with different main characters. The elderly protagonist in the standalone was good for a one and out. However, when the two half brothers in a later story started their feud, the plots and stories kept coming, and thus they became a series in the same geographic area. My Edgar story ("The Road to Hana") may stay a standalone. I could always bring the detective protagonist back to Maui on vacation for a second crime to solve, but by the 5th and 6th crimes, the circumstances would become a little wearing and people might stop taking vacations in the Hawaiian Islands.<br /><br />Congratulations to you and Michael on your Derringers!!!R.T. Lawtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15523486296396710227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-55859138923905568902022-05-01T00:57:01.892-04:002022-05-01T00:57:01.892-04:00:):)Jeff Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00316081079528920123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-70676015409580896682022-04-30T21:56:56.757-04:002022-04-30T21:56:56.757-04:00Good points, Steve. (And I'm glad to hear you ...Good points, Steve. (And I'm glad to hear you liked my story!)<br /><br />I hadn't thought about it before, but you're correct that series characters do lock you into a specific kind of story. In fact, I think one of the advantages of a series (novel OR short story) is to give both the writer and the reader familiar ground, and let both of them know pretty much what should be and will be expected. You're also correct that that's reason enough to make the writer choose to write standalone stories now and then (or maybe mostly).<br /><br />I write far more standalones than series installments, and probably will continue to do that. I wonder sometimes how writers like Robert B. Parker was able to write SO many series novels with rarely a break. Just another interesting question about this crazy business/pastime/hobby of ours.<br /><br />Thanks for stopping in, and for bringing this up! John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-68027875442331974202022-04-30T21:02:20.686-04:002022-04-30T21:02:20.686-04:00My AHMM came Tuesday, and I loved your story, John...My AHMM came Tuesday, and I loved your story, John, as usual. The standalone vs series characters is something I haven't thought about as much as I should. When I was sending queries to agents about my Woody Guthrie novels, I wrote two or three stories using the Detroit cops from that series. None of them sold, and I eventually rewrote them to remove the cops or change POV, and a couple of them finally did sell. <br /><br />My two Black Orchid Novella Award stories both use Woody Guthrie from my Detroit series, though, and I tried a novella later with Zach Barnes from the Connecticut series. It got honorable mention. <br /><br />Outside of those, I think all my stories are standalones. A character from a series locks me into a certain kind of story--I think so, anyway--and sometimes I want to try something different. Standalones give me the chance to experiment more, and have fun doing it.<br /><br />Steve Liskowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07107703903536520140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-50131861996697530252022-04-30T18:03:56.452-04:002022-04-30T18:03:56.452-04:00Bob, sometimes those stories that immediately foll...Bob, sometimes those stories that immediately follow the "pilot" in a series are the hardest to do, but I think once you get past those it gets easier. I suspect you'll find homes for those other stories in your series--As I think I mentioned earlier, those sequels can certainly be marketing to other places than the one that published the first one.<br /><br />I was selling stories to magazines for eight years or so before it ever even occurred to me to try a series--and that was at the suggestion of an editor. So I too really enjoy writing the standalone stories.<br /><br />Thanks as always for your thoughts, here. Keep writing!John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-25233327341745498172022-04-30T17:58:29.497-04:002022-04-30T17:58:29.497-04:00Hi Bob -- Still waiting on my AHMM. Sure hope you&...Hi Bob -- Still waiting on my AHMM. Sure hope you'll like my story. <br /><br />Thank you for the kind words. I'm not sure how thoughtful my approach is to some of these, but--as you know--each story is always interesting to try to put together. I think the differences that are always there between stories, and the challenges each one presents, are some of the reasons we keep on doing this.<br /><br />Take care, and thanks again!John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-25000713640376696662022-04-30T17:50:58.531-04:002022-04-30T17:50:58.531-04:00Nice article. It's always interesting to learn...Nice article. It's always interesting to learn where story ideas come from. I enjoyed "Mayhem," and (perfect timing) my latest AHMM arrived in today's mail! I think I'll read your story first.<br />As far as series characters go, I've always struggled with that. Had a detective in three stories -- only sold the first one. My few other attempts came up empty. I was always pleased with the first story, but never satisifed with the follow-up.<br />Oh, well. I just keep writing.<br />rjpetyohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01456461141590991475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-32378068746467411882022-04-30T16:54:16.694-04:002022-04-30T16:54:16.694-04:00My AHMM copy just arrived, so I'll dig right i...My AHMM copy just arrived, so I'll dig right in here. I'm amazed at your equally terrific quality and quantity. I learn each time you share the thoughtful approach behind it all.Bob Mangeothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07888391367916922601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-44264847350894113372022-04-30T16:28:31.257-04:002022-04-30T16:28:31.257-04:00Joan, how very kind of you! I hope you'll stil...Joan, how very kind of you! I hope you'll still think that after you read this story. As I said before, it was fun to write, and I think one reason was juggling the two different plotlines. Let me know if you like it.<br /><br />Thank you again, and thanks as always for stopping by SleuthSayers.John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-80464847624100123852022-04-30T16:17:03.958-04:002022-04-30T16:17:03.958-04:00Always a good read to hear you describe your proce...Always a good read to hear you describe your process. Look forward to reaidng this new AHHM. You are definitely one of my favorite contemporary authors<br />Congrats !!!!Joanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11024800666609290282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-583883543204188252022-04-30T14:41:05.138-04:002022-04-30T14:41:05.138-04:00Hi Elizabeth -- Nope, original title stayed, this ...Hi Elizabeth -- Nope, original title stayed, this time. They told me before the Jan/Feb issue that they'd like to change my title from "MacGuffins" because they'd like to use "Mayhem at the Mini-Mart" for the cover illustration. (Hey, Woman's World has changed about sixty titles of my stories so far, so I'm used to that.) I do hope you'll like "The Dollhouse"--I had a great time writing it.<br /><br />Yep, R.T. made us all proud the other night!John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-28349620605635631922022-04-30T14:02:45.609-04:002022-04-30T14:02:45.609-04:00Congratulations John! I guess AHMM couldn't ha...Congratulations John! I guess AHMM couldn't have changed the title of your Dollhouse story, even if they wanted to. I look forward to reading it.<br /><br />And congratulations to R.T. for his Edgar-winning story!Elizabeth Dearbornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14714209544959819305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-69684824653127454072022-04-30T12:24:23.028-04:002022-04-30T12:24:23.028-04:00Thanks, Anonymous. Hope you'll enjoy the AH st...Thanks, Anonymous. Hope you'll enjoy the AH story.<br /><br />You said several of your Anita Ray stories have shown up in AHMM--does that mean you've also published some of those in other places, or just that you've written more that haven't yet been published? I was at first reluctant to try a series installment in a different place from where the others have appeared, but it doesn't seem to matter much. Hopefully mystery readers who like a particular series also read stories in different publications.<br /><br />Thanks again for your thoughts.John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-6580378239850085932022-04-30T11:52:05.895-04:002022-04-30T11:52:05.895-04:00An interesting analysis of the difference between ...An interesting analysis of the difference between the two forms. I do both stand-alones and series, and overall I think I like the series ones better. Anita Ray is loads of fun to write about, so I've done over a dozen of those, several them showing up in AHMM. My copy of AHMM just came so I'll get right to it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-32259947756267394582022-04-30T10:24:36.089-04:002022-04-30T10:24:36.089-04:00Eve -- I never thought of it quite that way, but s...Eve -- I never thought of it quite that way, but sure enough, sometimes these familiar characters do seem to help the writer along, in the plot.<br /><br />Looking forward to reading your SF story in Black Cat Weekly! <br /><br />Hope you'll like my story in this AHMM--let me know.John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-15808353678177108152022-04-30T10:21:24.744-04:002022-04-30T10:21:24.744-04:00O'Neil, I think most of us have to find out, o...O'Neil, I think most of us have to find out, over time, what kind of things we like to write and how we like to write them. I certainly never dreamed when I started out that I would one day be writing a lot of series short stories.<br /><br />As for commenting, I'll send you an email with some of the ways I've found to get around some of our weird Google/Blogger problems. They'll run you crazy.<br /><br />Thanks for fighting through the obstacles in order to comment--it's always great to have your thoughts on all this stuff.John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-61942914531610538662022-04-30T10:17:49.436-04:002022-04-30T10:17:49.436-04:00Hey Jeff -- I too have done some flash series stor...Hey Jeff -- I too have done some flash series stories, and yes, I think those are a LOT easier than flash standalones, because there's not room for much character development, and certain no backstory, etc. Your teenager series sounds interesting right off.<br /><br />As for one-shots, most of my series "pilot" stories started out that way, and then the character found a way to live on in other stories.John Floydhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001712728130488485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-39615104705608860582022-04-30T10:17:29.371-04:002022-04-30T10:17:29.371-04:00Congratulations! I just got the AHMM issue and wi...Congratulations! I just got the AHMM issue and will read it ASAP. <br />I write a lot of series stories set in Laskin, SD, with my regular narrators - Grant Tripp or Linda Thompson. I like doing series stories, because I know the characters so well now, and I can feel them informing the plot, so to speak. <br />But I also do standalones, because there are some storylines that won't fit Laskin, including sci-fi mysteries (one of which "For Blood" is coming out soon in Black Cat Mystery Weekly - check it out when it comes!). Eve Fisherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03015761600962360110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-53763566178435796072022-04-30T07:25:43.227-04:002022-04-30T07:25:43.227-04:00Interesting and pretty cool, man.
As for your que...Interesting and pretty cool, man.<br /><br />As for your question, when I started writing I was all over the place. Lately, most of my short stories feature characters from my novel series. As you say, it’s easier using an established character and setting.<br /><br />I do like writing stand-alone short stories and a few my recent ones sold quickly.<br /><br />PS This is the fourth time I’ve tried to comment on this posting. Hope this one goes through. I even switch computers and switch web browsers. Don’t know what the heck is wrong with our blog.O'Neil De Nouxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03142721824657611738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-23660856201868746942022-04-30T02:18:56.712-04:002022-04-30T02:18:56.712-04:00John, congrats on the stories! I love series stori...John, congrats on the stories! I love series stories and have written a few; they come in handy when one writes a weekly flash fiction story for a blog. But these weren't intended to be more than one-shots. I have one about a closeted gay teenager in the 1970s who runs across the country to avoid being put in a boy's home. He runs into the spookiest things in a series unconsciously emulating Manly Wade Wellman. that may be my favorite and I have a full-length story in this series half-plotted out!Jeff Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00316081079528920123noreply@blogger.com