Today’s guest is Leeann Betts. She writes cozy mysteries and 
Deadly Dissolution is number eight of her By the Numbers series. She’s also written a devotional for accountants, bookkeepers, and financial folk, Counting the Days, and with her real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, has published two books on writing, Nuggets of Writing Gold and More Nuggets of Writing Gold. She also giving away a copy of A Deadly Dissolution to one person randomly selected from those who leave a comment. This is a chance at a free book from an excellent writer.
A series is a completely different animal to write than a stand-alone. In a stand-alone novel, you write about characters and events that you hope resonate with your readers, perhaps including an issue or topic that’s close to your heart, such as sex trafficking or the breakdown of the family. And then you’re done, and you can move on to the next collection of characters, settings, maybe a new issue or even the same one told from a slightly different context. A series, however, involves the same or at least some recurring characters, perhaps recurring locations, but different events.
So how to make every story in a series new and fresh, without confusing new readers starting in the middle, or losing existing readers who want some continuity without boredom?
In the case of A Deadly Dissolution, I took a recent event that thrilled me: I had the opportunity to go to Guernsey, Wyoming in October 2017 to see the total solar eclipse. The area was busy but not packed, because most people went to larger metropolitan areas in Wyoming and Nebraska to view the event. However—and isn’t there always a ‘however’?—those other places clouded over and where we were was the perfect viewing location.
I figured—and I say this a lot—“that has to go into a book”.
I did some research, and unfortunately, there were no solar eclipses—total or otherwise—in 2004 or even early 2005 on the east coast. I wanted this story set in Bear Cove, Carly’s hometown, because the last two books were set elsewhere, and I felt I needed to bring readers back to Bear Cove. But I did find out there was a lunar eclipse, and that everything west of New York was clouded over. Which fit perfectly into my story.
To write an effective mystery, we must have several elements:
- A compelling premise—mine was that the eclipse brought people to town who would leave as soon as the eclipse was over, so the suspect pool tended to be fluid.
- A personal interest—with Carly’s grandson going missing, she now has a murder and a kidnapping to solve, not to mention that somebody was trying to frame Mike for drunk driving. Are the three connected?
- A ticking time bomb—if Carly doesn’t solve these cases soon, the culprits could get away, so I closed the highway with Mike’s accident to slow that down.
- Red herrings a.k.a. suspects—I introduced several characters that might have done the deed, making sure each one had a good reason to be suspected.
The title was the tricky element this time around. Usually I have the title in my head and simply write the story that goes with it. This time I had the story but no satisfying title. Because of the accounting connection, I wanted something to do with accounting, of course. I settled on A Deadly Dissolution and referred to it near the end of the book. A dissolution is when a partnership dissolves, and it’s not usually amicable.
Question: Do you choose a book based on the cover design, the title, or the back cover copy? Leave your answer in a comment for a chance to win a copy of this mystery.
A randomly-drawn winner will receive a free ebook of A Deadly Dissolution.
About A Deadly Dissolution:
The total lunar eclipse of October 2004 leaves more than Bear Cove, Maine, in the dark. The town’s newly-elected mayor, Walter Akerman, hires Carly to audit the town’s books but is then caught in a compromising situation with his secretary Evie Mack. A journalist in town to cover the eclipse turns up dead. Tom and Sarah’s adopted son Bradley comes to stay overnight to see the eclipse, then goes missing on a walk in town. When Mike’s car is in a serious wreck which the police say is an accident, Carly thinks somebody is trying to send her a message to stay away. How can she solve all these mysteries while not completely wearing herself to a frazzle?
Website: www.LeeannBetts.com Receive a free ebook just for signing up for our quarterly newsletter.
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Thanks for hosting me, James. Have a happy 4th!
Writing a series does indeed create challenges not found in a stand-alone. One needs to give enough background to inform the reader what’s going on but not enough to be a ‘spoiler’ to what came before. I’ve done four in my Black Cat series, and 3 1/2 in my WWII humorous mystery/adventure. I like to look at titles and covers, as a wise author will create both title and book cover to suggest the main theme/elements of the story…at least enough to get reader to flip the book and read the back cover blurb. Sounds like you’ve done a good job with the concept to be on book eight! Congratulations.
Thanks, Elaine, for stopping by. But, what is the 3 1/2 books? You’re halfway through with number 4? I look forward to seeing it.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing, Elaine. Blessings to you and your stories too!
A cover has to catch my attention and resonate first, then I read the back blurb. Usually by then I can tell if this is something I want to read. I like to give new authors attention but love it when I come across a new series. Will definitely check out a Deadly Desolution.
Thanks, Gay, for the nice comment. And new authors love you for giving them a chance.
Glad to hear it, Gay! Good luck in the giveaway.
Hey Jim,
I enjoyed the post today. I went over to Donna’s blog. Enjoyed it. On to the question at hand. (byw): working to Political Dirty Trick)
I love reading titles. I love the play on words or just the simplistic. The covers of books rarely does anything for me. I love reading the first few paragraphs and flip through the book (without harming the spine) and read a few more paragraphs…
What I really love is when friends or associates recommends an author. The author or book do not have to be a bestseller. I will purchase their book and it goes on from there to me reading their blog (if one exist).
Thanks Augie for sharing your approach to books. (And NOT harming the spine. That drives my wife crazy when she sees someone abusing the spine.)
But you’ve hit on the most important item for writers – having people talking about your book. (Be sure to mention mine, too.)
Thanks for taking the time to comment and share, Augie. I appreciate you visiting my blog too. Good luck in the drawing!
When choosing a book from an unfamiliar author, I consider all three elements. The title or cover might catch my eye. Which in turn, will cause me to read the blurb.
After that, I read the first few paragraphs of the story. If the opening doesn’t hook me, it doesn’t matter how good the cover, title, or blurb is, I won’t buy it.
Thanks, Ann, for reminding us how very important those first few paragraphs are. And that’s an art you have mastered.
I appreciate you stopping by, Ann. Happy Reading!