My special guest today is author Josh Lanyon. Josh writes for several publishers including Loose Id and MLR Press.
I read one of Josh’s books early this year, enjoyed it very much, and since I’m a huge mystery fan, I immediately went off to download the first in Josh’s Adrien English series. I loved this story so much that I purchased the rest of the series and read them one after the other. That’s the great thing about discovering a new author with an established series–being able to enjoy all the books without waiting!
I’m now eagerly awaiting the August release of Death of a Pirate King, the fourth story in the Adrien English series. And all this brings me neatly to the topic of the day–writing a series.
Hello. I’m Josh Lanyon. I write gay or M/M romance — usually within the context of a mystery or a crime story. I’m best known as the author of the Adrien English mystery series — although you may know me through Man, Oh Man: Writing M/M Fiction for Kinks and Ca$h. This is my first time at Shelley’s blog — and I’d like to thank her for inviting me.
When Shelley invited me to guest blog, she mentioned a number of terrific topics, and one of those topics was on developing a series. I wrote Fatal Shadows, the first Adrien English mystery over a decade ago. When I started the novel, I had no intention of writing a series. Adrien — a thirty-something bookseller with a weak heart — is not exactly the kind of protagonist who typically lends himself to series success. In fact, in that first mystery novel, I initially toyed with the idea of making Adrien the killer. I thought the cop antagonist might let Adrien off — or Adrien’s weak heart might finish him. But as I wrote the character, as the character developed — as characters typically do through the writing process — I realized that Adrien was too stable and had too strong a sense of humor to resort to murder. I just couldn’t believe he was guilty, and I knew if I couldn’t believe it, the reader wouldn’t.
By the end of the novel, I knew I liked Adrien English enough — and that there was sufficient depth to the character — to make him worth exploring through other stories. And this, I think, is one of the key things in deciding to write a series. A successful series has a character arc. While each book should be complete in itself, the best series — certainly, the best contemporary series — also have an over-arching storyline. And that storyline is ideally connected to the growth of the main protagonist.
A successful series protagonist is a special kind of animal. In general, especially in genre fiction, readers want to like the main character. So the character has to be engaging enough to appeal to a wide range of readers. If you’re going to tie yourself down to writing a series, you have to have a pretty good shot at the character proving popular with a lot of readers — because while a flawed, and even unlikable, character can intrigue readers for the course of a novella or a stand-alone novel, following someone’s adventures book after book for years generally requires more of a reader investment.
And this is tricky for writers. We tend to love our main characters. We tend to think any character we create is going to prove good for the long haul. And that’s simply not the case. Readers take more strongly to some characters than others. Very frankly, I’ve never had any character appeal to readers the way Adrien does. Though all my characters spring from the same source, there’s something different about the way Adrien’s stars aligned. Readers love him. They rejoice at his triumphs, and they hold serious grudges against those who hurt him.
The best thing a writer can do is listen to feedback from readers — as well as a trusted editor — as to whether a character is strong enough to carry a series. I don’t advise writing three books about a character in a series you haven’t sold yet. But if you truly believe in that character…follow your heart.
A series protagonist has to be complex enough and interesting enough to carry the series — meaning several books. Which means the character can’t be too perfect, and certainly can’t have everything he wants, or there’s no growth. The character’s growth is his journey and the journey has to take place over several books.
The Adrien English books are mysteries, so in each story Adrien solves a crime, but the over-arching storyline is Adrien’s quest for true love — that weak heart of his is symbolic of his quest. In the series Adrien falls for a closeted LAPD homicide detective. Adrien makes some unwise choices and contributes to his own problems — and that’s where the journey comes in. But the journey is what interests readers and keeps them coming back for more. Before you set out on that long journey, choose your companion wisely.
I Spy Something Bloody is Josh’s next release. This book is a standalone and is out on June 24 in e-format from Loose Id and also in print from MLR Press. To find out more about Josh’s books and news of upcoming releases visit his website at www.joshlanyon.com
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June 18th, 2008 at 3:57 pm · Link
Who are you calling a circus? *g*
I started out with a conscientious effort to address a very serious point. And that is a mystery can and should include the sleuth’s (amateur, pro, or bookstore owner’s) back story and life. I don’t know of anyone who can just say I found a dead body and now everything in my life must stop until I solve Ze Case. Except Hercule. But his life is Ze Case. I read (most memorably) Sayer, Perry, Hansen, now Stevenson, et bien sur Lanyon, and I’m willing to be any body’s circus who provides me with that fleshed out world of people I enjoy reading about and a good mystery to solve.
June 18th, 2008 at 3:58 pm · Link
Hi Josh,
What a gang you have here! Playing in the sunshine and plotting out more Adrien books? Is that what I’m reading? COOL! I’ll pencil that into the releases schedule for you.
June 18th, 2008 at 4:03 pm · Link
I feel so badly about Russell. RUSSELL you can eat my donut any day!
Did that sound funny?
And Laura B, thank you for the nice nice.
Verra pretty. My 12 year old wanted it immediately.
June 18th, 2008 at 4:52 pm · Link
LOL! It was so like the DIK banner I had to buy it and send it to you! Glad it found a good home.
June 18th, 2008 at 5:30 pm · Link
Who are you calling a circus? *g*
As I told Lisabea, as circuses go, you’re all more along the lines of trapeeze artists than clowns. Very nimble this crew.
June 18th, 2008 at 5:31 pm · Link
I’ll pencil that into the releases schedule for you.
Could you put that in invisible ink?
June 18th, 2008 at 5:33 pm · Link
started out with a conscientious effort to address a very serious point. And that is a mystery can and should include the sleuth’s (amateur, pro, or bookstore owner’s) back story and life.
I know. You can’t help it if you’ve got an amusing turn of phrase and you start everyone snickering — including me. And it is a good question! And, yes, I agree. Especially in the contemporary mystery, the sleuth should work against the realistic backdrop of family and friends…and consequences of sleuthing.
June 18th, 2008 at 5:37 pm · Link
Could you put that in invisible ink?Invisible ink? I was thinking more along the lines of…blood.
June 18th, 2008 at 6:16 pm · Link
Ya know, usually when I disagree I keep mum (a wise policy ‘m thinkin), but after reading all the the comments…I’m just going to throw it out there even if I have
Lauralyncertain people demanding I hand over my Lanyon Lover membership card and my pretty WWjD bracelet.I’d follow Adrien into doddering old age, but I would not follow Aike indefinitely. Sometimes there really can be too much of a good thing, and quite frankly, I would get tired of the will-they-won’t-they thing eventually. Because let’s face it, as good as Josh is…I don’t think even he could stop me from getting frustrated/bored if the next 5 or 10 (did someone suggest 25?) Adrien books each only take us one step closer to an overreaching resolution between Adrien and Jake. I’d like to be left wanting more in that hey, I’d love to see these old friends again soon way, instead of thinking boy am I glad that’s finally over. But I also don’t want to be left gasping for more in the holy hell, how could Josh do that to us way.
I think it takes a very talented writer to know the best exit point for their series, and I have no doubt that Josh is up to that challenge.
Just my 2c.
So now…before anyone does anything *cough* LL *cough* rash, remember I’m young and have a lot to live for. I may even have a great novel in me (hey stop snickering) but you’ll never get to read it if you smite me.
And if that doesn’t fly, atm I’m critiquing a WIP novel for an author you all know and love (and read!), and you wouldn’t want to deprive him of my services, now would you?
Just remember, think before you
smackact. *nods solemnly*June 18th, 2008 at 6:35 pm · Link
And a little child shall lead them.
When you’re right you’re right Dakota. That’s why there’s three fates. One to spin, one to weave, and one to cut. I think you’re the cutting fate. Now. Give me back the damned eye.
June 18th, 2008 at 7:39 pm · Link
I think there would be lots of conflict if Jake and Adrien ever decided to become a couple. Lots of compromise and problems. Plus with Jake’s job there could also be other murders to investigate. I am not giving up on one a year or one every other year!
June 18th, 2008 at 9:57 pm · Link
Yay, more Taylor and Will popcorn, I have to say this floats my boat!
Jadrien, oh my lord.
And, fellow circus folk, sorry I have missed the partay, had to work. While still in my moss green t-shirt and hat, I must say I do like to be thought of as nimble!
June 19th, 2008 at 6:22 am · Link
LL~Weave, spin, cut???NOONOOO I refuse to be a hag! Charm, Beauty, and Creativity. Now we’re talking. It’s the mom finishing school.
LB~Hey. We have the same initials. Huh. I’ll wear it to the beach on Friday(Fry Day).
June 19th, 2008 at 6:43 am · Link
I’m with Murray. Getting Jake and Adrien together is just the start of the intriguing storylines. The conflict, the misunderstandings, the dead bodies, the character arcs! Hurt/comfort galore. At least in my version of their world.
June 19th, 2008 at 6:44 am · Link
I meant Murphy! Sorry!
June 19th, 2008 at 7:48 am · Link
I actually agree with Laura. But that “getting Jake and Adrien together is just the start” is the key for me.
I tried to think of a good example in a book series, but all I could come up with this early (hey, early is relative) was a TV example…I watched Grey’s Anatomy from the first, and loved it. But after about the third time the writers of the show had Derek and Meredith committing to each other, and then breaking up again…well, I stopped watching mid-season this year. It got tiring, watching them make what you thought was THE committment and then poof, they’ve decided to not see each other again.
I think the possiblity for conflict is still there even after a couple is committed, and…well, I think I’m going to shut up now and just hope that Josh will continue to give what I need as a reader to keep rooting for Jadrien (because I’d already follow Adrien just about anywhere, even if Jake was out of the picture).
Time for that second cup of coffee, ‘m thinking.
June 19th, 2008 at 7:54 am · Link
Invisible ink? I was thinking more along the lines of…blood.
Ah. I keep seeing those specially marked cartridges at Staples.
June 19th, 2008 at 7:58 am · Link
I’d follow Adrien into doddering old age, but I would not follow Aike indefinitely. Sometimes there really can be too much of a good thing, and quite frankly, I would get tired of the will-they-won’t-they thing eventually. Because let’s face it, as good as Josh is…I don’t think even he could stop me from getting frustrated/bored if the next 5 or 10 (did someone suggest 25?) Adrien books each only take us one step closer to an overreaching resolution between Adrien and Jake. I’d like to be left wanting more in that hey, I’d love to see these old friends again soon way, instead of thinking boy am I glad that’s finally over. But I also don’t want to be left gasping for more in the holy hell, how could Josh do that to us way.
I agree. That would be irritating to read — and boring to write. No, that plot line resolves in PK. Then it comes down to…how interesting is the series without that? Which is why, personally, I see only one more book.
That’s not carved in stone, because other things may occur to me — that’s the beauty of writing.
June 19th, 2008 at 8:00 am · Link
I think there would be lots of conflict if Jake and Adrien ever decided to become a couple. Lots of compromise and problems. Plus with Jake’s job there could also be other murders to investigate. I am not giving up on one a year or one every other year!
It works for me in Richard Stevenson’s series, certainly.
Hey, Murphy, have you read Mark Richard Zubro’s books? What do you think of those?
June 19th, 2008 at 8:01 am · Link
Hey, Sarah! Nice to see you here.
June 19th, 2008 at 8:04 am · Link
I tried to think of a good example in a book series, but all I could come up with this early (hey, early is relative) was a TV example…I watched Grey’s Anatomy from the first, and loved it. But after about the third time the writers of the show had Derek and Meredith committing to each other, and then breaking up again…well, I stopped watching mid-season this year. It got tiring, watching them make what you thought was THE committment and then poof, they’ve decided to not see each other again.
I agree. I find that stuff very irritating. I think it’s all about manipulating the reader, and I have no interest in that. It wouldn’t be true to Adrien. Once he makes a committment, he’s committed. And he’s an adult. He understands that relationships take work. You don’t break apart the first time you can’t agree on where to go for Christmas.
June 19th, 2008 at 8:38 am · Link
J. ~ Didn’t you know that to sign in blood you need specially marked staples by the carton?
Dakota ~ way to flip flop. Monsieur can make even the instruction booklet that came with my car unputdownable, true, but you’re right about the dragging the heart around thing. That’s the Moonlighting Syndrome, (before your time, honey) and we’ve hopefully all learned from that. What? You didn’t hear me cause you’re watching General Hospital? Oh.
LisaBea ~ Oh, sure. Just assume the fates are hags… Have you ever seen one? Okay the eye thing… but I think the one who weaves? (you) very attractive indeed. And the one who cuts. They just don’t give that other one the eye very often, is all. So she won’t know she’s the only actual hag. I’m LB too, due to a strikingly unattractive middle name, and I have friends who have called me that. Coincidence? I think not.
June 19th, 2008 at 8:48 am · Link
We are not old! Sure the Moonlighting reference dates us…but he was hot and I was young. SO YOUNG, I tell ya.
Anywho. LB, LB and LB should get together and stir a big cauldron of nekkid manlove. Not that I’m disrespectful of certain nekkid hot lifestyles. I’m an equal opportunity perv. Yes? I can see it now: ManLove Monday: LB Goofs Off. (although how that’s different from any other day, IDK).
I have to go before someone notices I’m blogging instead of writing. DOH.
June 19th, 2008 at 8:53 am · Link
LL…Did you just call me a flip-flopper? Oh, the horror. ( I still have nightmares of that particular name calling from my days working on the Kerry campaign.)
I would like to point out I didn’t change anything I said, just clarified my point. In both posts I said I’d follow Adrien through whatever, but my patience with the relationship development between Jake and Adrien only goes so far.
Humph.
Just for that, I don’t think I’ll be buying a certain someone’s book on July 15th. Yep, I’m thinking I may manage to hold out until the 16th.
;)
June 19th, 2008 at 9:05 am · Link
Yeah. You flipped, you flopped, but I hadn’t made my point clear at all or you wouldn’t have had to say any of that. I said I’d read those books forever, not that I’d thought of exactly what that would mean.
You’re a bright one, Miss Dakota to see that coming!
I wouldn’t want my heart dragged around for that long either. I just assumed that Josh, being Josh, could make them interesting. Shocking blind devotion.
June 19th, 2008 at 12:00 pm · Link
I have to go before someone notices I’m blogging instead of writing. DOH.
That’s right. Finish your homework or no TV for you tonight.
June 20th, 2008 at 9:51 am · Link
Hey, Laura,
I support anything you can do to keep Adrien around.
June 20th, 2008 at 10:24 am · Link
“I happen to know you ALL have books you’re supposed to be working on.”
LOL. I’m not trying to write anything original — I just proofread. You do have quite the legion of people who are out and proud about being fans.
June 20th, 2008 at 12:16 pm · Link
You do have quite the legion of people who are out and proud about being fans
I pay them well.
June 20th, 2008 at 12:46 pm · Link
Wow day late and dollar short! But add me to the Fanyon list. It is always interesting to see how writers come up with their stories. And I have been endlessly curious about series.
Thanks for taking the time to visit with us!
June 21st, 2008 at 8:00 am · Link
Thanks, Sarai. My pleasure.