to think that nobody writes any standalone books any more?

[Arana]

Everything's always first of a trilogy.

What happened to tying all the loose ends up before you get to the last page?

By all means re-use the characters, but don't leave it on a cliffhanger, or have random (and apparently significant) characters whose backstory and characterisation takes up several pages disappear from the plot.

Hello compo, there isn't a sequel to speak of. Are you referring to Three Men on the Bummel? Yes I have, I'm a huge fan. It's not a sequel as such but the same characters and does make slight reference to the boat trip. It's not as good in my opinion but still funny. Have you read Three Men in a Boat?

Hi OP, I'm a writer who has written stand alones and series fiction.

There are several reasons why novelists write series fiction.

1. Readers love it. Really really love it. Whenever I write a standalone I get endless emails saying 'I liked your latest but when's the next Joe Bloggs book coming out?'

1. Because readers love it, publisher love it. It is very hard to second guess what the public will or won't like. If you hit on a success, it's less of a risk to release more books based on that success.

1. As a writer it is much easier to get a publishing deal with a series. And we need to eat.

1. When a writer finishes a book, it often feels unfinished business to them. A series makes sense.

ooh I love trilogies etc. What ones in particular are you moaning about talking about OP (I'll check them out)

hi kitty yes I have read 3 men in a boat, many moons ago. 3 men on the Bummel I keep on meaning to do so.

Have you read diary of a nobody if you are partial to a bit of Edwardian whimsy? Tis my favourite comic novel.

Hi compo, I haven't yet! I do own it and mean to. In fact my brother brought it to me in hospital after I'd given birth recently. (He seemed to think u would have time to read!) I'm afraid my reading has come to an abrupt hiatus since having my baby. Radio 4 serialised it and I heard some if it, it did seem just my cup of tea!

I just love their turn of phrase and the tongue-in-cheek, polite and courteous sniping. It's so clever. I think J does that expertly.

Ha @ the mention of Bernard Cornwell, he has an article in Writers' and Artists' Yearbook all about why it makes sense to write a series. DH loves his anglo saxon books.

I like a mixture of series and stand alone books - there are advantages and disadvantages to both. But each book within a series/trilogy should be satisfying in itself. I prefer to read a trilogy or short series with an overarching plot (as well as book level ones), rather than an open-ended neverending episodic series type ones. I suppose I like my loose ends tied up eventually!

Oh kitty the radio serial, with Arthur Lower is a joy to behold. Diary of a nobody is my go to book for when I am down in the dumps, I tried writing a blog once and I had to stop as I sounded too much like Charles Pooter.

If i read a book that ive enjoyed i do love it if i find out that its one of a series better still if its been going a while and still on going so i can get the few that ive missed whilst still be waiting for the new releases. I'm reading the true blood ones trashy but fun, Dexter and game of thrones as well as any standalone books i fancy. Oh and of course nearly everything thats been near Terry Pratchett though was a bit upset his latest offering wont be discworld but will still read it.

Ok I must stop mumsnetting (is that a verb?) and read this book! You've whet my appetite now!

Joan I hated The 19th Wife, others in my book club loved it though, duller than ditch water as far as I was concerned.

I don't particularly like series of books, much prefer stand alones.

I have been re-reading all the Poldark novels. During a cold and miserable June, with some gloomy family stuff going on, the series has been like literary sunshine.

Because just when you think you're done with them, the bloody characters get all noisy in your head and won't stop throwing new ideas at you till you damn well put them on paper and then their friends come along and demand more air time and before you know it you've got a six piece saga on your hands and no time for anything new.

I am perfectly sane I promise..

I've just finished the Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver. It is up there in my top ten best reads ever and is a stand alone. Kingsolver is a fantastic writer IMO and The Lacuna is just outstanding.

I started reading Diana Gabaldon's Cross Stitch, back when I was at university. I'm 38 now and she still hasn't finished writing that fucking series. I could grow old and die before she wraps that bloody story up!