Comments on: Writing of Pemberley Manor

By: Keira

Keira — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:19:30 +0000

Giveaway Update: Winner for Kathryn Nelson Giveaway

By: PuzzledPrincess

PuzzledPrincess — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 04:26:32 +0000

I think sequels are a pleasant addition to any beloved series! One of the saddest moments for me as a reader is when I get to the last page of a particularly stimulating series. Hopefully, the ending will have left me feeling fulfilled, but even if I am lucky enough to have my desired happy or not ending, the fact of the matter is, it’s over. I find that when I am reading the last book in a series, I slow down and keep putting it off or I try to read just a little bit when I do pick it up to prolong the experience for as long as possible whereas in earlier books, I plow through them wanting to find out the ending of every cliffhanger and the fate of the characters to whom I have grown the closest.
I recognize that on occasion, some sequels are just bad or are interpretations of the characters’ futures which seem blasphemous to “true” fans, but truth be told, everyone probably has a slightly different idea of the characters’ happily ever after so what’s to stop an author for sharing their version with the world?
So thank you, sequel-authors out there, for giving us one more taste of our favorites.

By: Jen Schaller

Jen Schaller — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 02:24:54 +0000

It is a flagrant abuse if it is done poorly. Talent trumps all. I’ve heard many good things about Pemberley Manor and look forward to reading it.

By: Kathryn L Nelson

Kathryn L Nelson — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 02:12:08 +0000

I think, Keira, that there’s a place for fanfiction as a quick response, thrown into the ring to inspire more thought, or just for fun. A good sequel, like any other story, had better deliver the goods that serious book-buyers expect – a carefully thought-out plot and characters that hold together for a couple of hundred pages, as Becky pointed out (more like 400 for Pemberley Manor, but who’s counting?)

Fun visiting with you tonight. Thanks again.

By: Becky

Becky — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 01:21:13 +0000

To answer the question…

For me it depends. Jane Austen wrote complex novels that were about many things. There were multiple layers, intricate plots, great characters, etc. It seems a few adaptations/sequels are more one-dimensional. Not always! I’ve read quite a few that I’ve enjoyed that have held my attention. But there needs to be depth and substance to the book.

By: Keira

Keira — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:11:16 +0000

Anytime Kathy!!!

As for your question – I would say sequels are flattering and fun, but can be abused by the new author if also. If the author writes out of love and respect it comes across and makes for a great read and a way to revisit characters and worlds that are old friends to the reader. I know I can’t wait for the copyrights to wane on several books and popular series. For instance will there be in the future bookshelves populated with Twilight and Harry Potter sequels, modern versions, prequels, etc? The question I wonder is if the internet and the plethora of fanfiction out there detracts from published sequels because of fanfiction’s overall bad reputation as being written sloppily and on a whim.

By: Kathryn L Nelson

Kathryn L Nelson — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:00:06 +0000

Thanks for inviting me in to your great site. I’m just beginning to discover the depth of the blog world and it has me gaping in amazement. Such a great way for readers and writers to reach each other – thanks again!

Kathy