Now that Stream Pirates is wrapping up into the editing stages, I've been thinking about what comes next. At the moment I'm toying with a post-apocalyptic YA novel (a little snippet of which is now in my "Writing" sidebar), but I would also like to do a sequel to Stream Pirates. I'm inordinately picky about my sequels; unless they have a continuing thread that builds off of the first book's climax, I generally don't like them. I'm pleased with how Stream Pirates ended; I think it would be too much of a stretch if I built off of Yazoo and Alluvial's story. That being said, I was considering continuing it from another character's POV.
The general consensus with sequels from other characters' POV's has never been good. They don't sell as well, they don't live up to the wonders of the first book's characters, they fall short in any number of ways. So my question of the day is: how do you feel about sequels from other characters' POV's? Do they signal an automatic no-buy for you, or do you give them a chance?
The only series I've read and liked that had sequels from other characters' POV's was the Twelve House series by Sharon Shinn. And she is fabulous, so of course it was awesome. But everything else I've read along these lines has left me unable to focus and/or accept this new character because I'm already so in love with the former ones.
So, what's the verdict? Am I the only one whose loyalty interferes with sequels?
Hmm, I think it depends. I think that if the MC in the sequel was a central part of the first book it could work because as a reader you have a connection to them.
ReplyDeleteIf it's a more minor character, I think it doesn't work as well.
I've only thought of one POV switch sequel, but I don't know if I'd ever actually write it. On the fence myself with that one.
That's true -- I guess I didn't realize that the POV switch sequels with minor characters were the ones I tended not to like, while the major character POV switches were the good ones. Hmmm...I'm still on the fence myself about the "Stream Pirates" sequel. I'd love to do it, but...I think I'll wait for some feedback on the first one before I dive into a second one!
ReplyDeleteHmm, unless you have a crazy awesome idea of what you want to do with it, maybe leave the sequel to simmer for a while.
ReplyDeleteJump on the dystopian bandwagon with me! It seems like tons of people are doing it! Is it hot?
Also, do you want me to send you my crits chapter by chapter or all together at the end?
I think I shall jump on the dystopian bandwagon! Though at any moment it seems my "Stream Pirates" characters may revolt and draw me back in. But for now, my focus is post-apocalyptic goodnesses! It must be hot, there are quite a few books popping up with it. Quite a few GOOD books too. Competition!
ReplyDeleteHmm...you can send me chapter by chapter, that way I can work on it bit by bit. I am restraining myself from asking the million questions that popped into my head...haveyoustarted-doyoulikeit and such. But I'm trying to be more self-controlled. So I'll just smile. :)
Hee hee, I've only read two chapters so far, but of course I love it! I'll finish a couple of more and then send them to you.
ReplyDeleteDude, I am working on post apocalyptic right now! It rocks! (Post apocalyptic, I mean. :) And your story idea sounds fun.
ReplyDeleteAs for sequels, I'm kind of in the same boat. The book I'm querying right now is pretty much wrapped up. I can't see a sequel, but I wouldn't mind writing one if the right plot came along.
Power to the post-apocalyptic novels! Woot woot!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I've changed my mind. Now that I've read your book. I'm going to need more in the cool world you created:)
ReplyDeleteI think I may need more too. Gah! I'm so torn! Sequel or no sequel, that is the question...
ReplyDeleteYou could always just write it for fun:) I wrote a sequel for fun. I couldn't stop it from coming out. Other than that, I've been good.
ReplyDeleteIf I tried to write it for fun, I fear it would explode into a full-fledged novel. I don't think Yazoo and Lu would be so easily turned aside.
ReplyDelete