Writing a Book. Standalone or Series: Finding the Right Balance
I have often struggled with whether to write a series, and it’s a question many have asked me about.
Writing in two genres – women’s fiction and suspense/thrillers – I have found the decision is usually made for me based on the storyline. My novels, to date (Nov 2024), are standalone novels.
Or so I thought…
In July 2023, I attended a book launch for a debut novel set in Tasmania. During the Q&A, I asked the author, “What’s next?” She mentioned her next book wouldn’t be directly related, but one of her debut characters might make an appearance.
The moderator called it an “Easter egg”—a small connection or cameo for fans to enjoy. This resonated with me because, without even realising it, I’ve been doing this very thing. I love weaving in subtle nods across my books, like using the nickname “sweetness” as a small, hidden thread for attentive readers. And, as I continue writing books, find I love to have characters from other books, pop in. Sometimes they’re even part of the story.
While writing THE DECISIONS WE MAKE, I considered making it a sequel to CAMINO WANDERING. Though THE DECISIONS WE MAKE is set in Tasmania (Australia), the Camino wisdom is woven in through characters from CAMINO WANDERING making appearances. Yet, I ultimately wrote THE DECISIONS WE MAKE as a standalone novel—a complete, self-contained story.
Why Standalone?
Writing standalone novels lets me craft fresh worlds and new character journeys each time, requiring no backstory or prior knowledge from readers. Each book has to stand alone, delivering a satisfying, complete arc without needing sequels. This approach fits well within women’s fiction, where stories often focus deeply on individual growth and emotional journeys, rather than the expansive world-building common in genres like fantasy or thriller.
Why Series?
Despite the appeal of standalones, series offer a different kind of connection. They build loyalty and draw readers back to familiar characters or worlds. Series can deepen the reading experience, allowing beloved characters to grow over multiple books and establishing a steady reader base. Yet, sustaining the story arc and keeping characters consistent can be challenging, especially while keeping each instalment fresh and engaging.
My Approach: The Best of Both Worlds
In my Camino books, I’ve found a balance between these two approaches. CAMINO WANDERING (2020) and THE DECISIONS WE MAKE (2022) can both stand alone, but they share character threads, creating a loose, interconnected feel. (You’ll even find mention of Aubrey in THE HOUSESITTER, and there may be a familiar name or two in FINDING THE WAY from my first suspense novel, BENEATH THE SURFACE.)
My upcoming novel, FINDING THE WAY (2025), will continue in this style. While it will focus on Merritt, a secondary character from THE DECISIONS WE MAKE, familiar faces like Sam, Brooke, Aubrey, Georgina, and Pam will also make appearances, bridging all of these stories together.
So, is it a series? Not exactly—but it has the spirit of one.
Freedom in Self-Publishing
What I love about self-publishing is the freedom it gives me to experiment. I’m building a collection of stories where readers can jump in anywhere. Each book has its own world, but if readers finish one and want more, they’ll find familiar faces and shared themes in my other works.
Who knows? I may return to these characters again. But for now, my focus is on writing each novel as a standalone experience with connections that readers can enjoy discovering.
