Sunday, March 14, 2010

Writing a continuity


The Love Inspired Suspense continuity this year is Protecting the Witnesses about the Witness Protection Program. I am one of six authors in this series that runs from January to June. The first book was Marta Perry's Twin Targets out in January. Next came Killer Deadline by Debby Giusti in February. My book is the third one in the series with Cowboy Protector, out this month. After my book is Deadly Vows by Shirlee McCoy, the Fatal Secrets by Barbara Phinney and lastly, Risky Reunion by Lenora Worth.

I loved working with these authors. One of the reasons I enjoy doing continuity series is the authors I get to work with--all top notch. But also it is a challenge to make all the stories fit together. We had to work closely together to make sure our stories fit together into a whole picture. Each of us were responsible for certain continuity threads in our story that would link the books together. We formed a yahoo loop to discuss our series and work out the details. We ran scenes by the others, especially when their characters were in the scenes. I especially had to work with Shirlee (with the book after mine) about her hero and heroine as well as with Debby (with the book before mine) about her heroine.


Blurb for Cowboy Protector:

Two years ago, Hannah Williams left the Witness Protection Program—and she's been running ever since. To stay ahead of the mob, she changes her name and location constantly. So when she takes a job caring for a Montana rancher's sick daughter, she expects to leave soon. But little Misty Taylor tugs at Hannah's heartstrings—and so does her handsome father. Hannah knows Austin Taylor suspects she's keeping secrets. But how can she tell him the truth without endangering the pair she's come to love?

10 comments:

CatMom said...

Your story sounds great, Margaret! I'm sure it must be a challenge writing a continuity series, but it sounds like you ladies all work together to make it successful. Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Patti Jo

Nicola said...

Hi Margaret

As an aspiring author, I love hearing about different writing processes. It's really interesting to read how all the pieces fit together. The book sounds great and the cover is gorgeous. :-)

Best wishes
Nicola

nicolak3(at)gmail(dot)com

Margaret Daley said...

Patti, it's good to hear from you and I love your picture with your cat.

Nicola, writing a continuity series offers its own set of challenges that are different from writing your own book or series. I love the cover of Cowboy Protector as well as the title. It fits the story.

Janet Dean said...

Hi Margaret, I'm impressed with all the planning that goes into writing a continuity. But not surprised. The book prove your attention to detail.

Congrats on the release of Cowboy Protector!

Janet

Debby Giusti said...

Can't wait to read Cowboy Protector. I'm reading Marty's book now...got a late start on the series. So fun to see the characters come to life!

Project Journal said...

Hi Margaret!
I cannot wait to get to Walmart ot buy Cowboy Protector!!! Seriously, this is my first continuity series that I'm really following and it's fantastic with the first two books!

I love getting to see how they intertwine, it's really neat. Must've been hard, but gratifying work.

Did you ladies get to preread all 6 books or are you left in suspense like the rest of us!? Just wondering....

Also wondering where you got the name of your heroine from *wink* It's really lovely!

Thanks Margaret, I'll let you know what I thought after I finish it (first I've gotta GET it!),
Hannah

Margaret Daley said...

Hannah, we often pre-read sections if not all the book. We post on the yahoo group our synopsis and three chapters first before the final book is written. Then we post the final book or it is available if someone needs it.

Project Journal said...

That sounds like a system that really works : )
Congrats on your book and the whole continuity!
Hannah

Cindy W. said...

Would love to read Cow boy Protecter. I already read Debby Giusti's book in the series and loved it!

Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy Woolard

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Megan said...

WOW, How interesting to work with different authors and tie your works together! Your book sounds great and whole project/series-intriguing!
Inspired by Fiction