READING FEVER!

A student visiting my office one day disclosed that he/she liked reading series books and wouldn’t even consider a book unless there was a minimum of four books in the series, but preferably six. Now this had nothing to do with why he/she visited my office, but this type of disclosure was a welcomed phenomenon and an icebreaker of sorts. From a writer’s perspective, this was interesting. He/she went on to say that he/she would rather, now get this—read than play video games.

The student could have been pulling my leg, but I prefer to see youth through rose colored glasses. So, I checked the student’s temperature for a fever (not really) and sent the student back to class, requesting he/she walk among classmates to spread the reading fever. He/she snorted a fake laugh and went back to class.

As a child, I remember reading and escaping to worlds that I didn’t have access to and becoming lost in books. When it ended, I felt sad. Millie likes books, too, eating them. No relevance to my post? True.

I have three books in mind that could be potential series. All outlined. Some outlined better than the others. Some have waited patiently for my magic keyboarding skills. They are:

1. One adult book that has the MC, Roni, solving a murder and/or disappearances for her family and could do so in other books. This has entered my mind.  A series. She's been a PI or a police officer (don't know yet which one), but has decided to quit all of that and go into teaching. (Partially outlined, first two chapters written.)
2. In my YA book the MC, Mona, just wants to be a normal teenager, but there are so many secrets in her family of one parent and herself. She can’t stand not knowing and tries to figure out the secrets because they seem to complicate her life. Not to mention, there’s old bones showing up and new bones disappearing.  I can stretch this story for two books, but not sure about three. (Half written.)
3. My MG book has the MC, a young girl, whose father was recently reported as MIA, dropped off by her stepmother, at her great aunts old Victorian house? Can you imagine all the weird things going on in an old, dilapidated mansion (with good bones)? Plus there’s a secret garden of sorts—overgrown, but that’s okay, our MC doesn’t go outside much since she has a bug phobia. Really? Let’s make her go outside. There's conflict between the great aunt and some town officials. (I have in mind a series of three, three titles, but only one plotted book.)

I could tell you more about the books, but then as they say, I'd have to hunt you down and well...you know.

I realize that I ramble a lot on my blog, but the reality is that I'm a woman of few words and enjoy writing the short story. I feel challenged when I think about writing 50000+ words, but I know I can do it because I have a plan! One wonderfully wise—um person (sorry I can’t remember who) told me once, on this very blog, pretend each chapter is a short story, write it, and soon you'll have a book.

Recently, Dr.Lovely Daughter told me to get Mona’s book finished so that she can read it.  She sometimes reads YA books, because--she's got the READING FEVER!

Peggy Lee sings about Fever best here! “Everybody's got the fever, That is somethin' you all know, Fever isn't such a new thing, Fever started long ago.”

I could write a song about Reading Fever, but I won't. I promise.

For more reading pleasure, hop over to The Ruralhood to read Friends and Séances, Love and Regret, another goofy story from my rural childhood. It's a wonder that I survived some of my stupidity. Remember the fast speeds in High Speed Reasoning and fighting a spider while driving in The Upset?

ALSO,

Here's a couple of links on writing a series:

7 Tips on Writing a Series by Janice Hardy.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Fiction Series at Writer's Digest Magazine.

Sources:  Peggy Lee - Fever Lyrics | MetroLyrics, YouTube.com