When I was a kid in elementary school, we used to bring goodies of some kind to share with our classmates to celebrate our birthdays. As I remember, my mom baked cupcakes. My twin sister and I were in the same classroom for kindergarten, but after that, the school encouraged my parents that we be put into separate classrooms. So ever after, my mom had to make a double batch of cupcakes for us to take to school.
Did you celebrate your birthday this way when you were a kid?
In this grand tradition, I’m celebrating with a get-one-give-one celebration event. That means one lucky person will get two signed copies my novel, Claiming Her Inheritance, one to keep, and one to give to a friend.
For those who’ve read Claiming Her Inheritance, you know Sally Clark discovers she has a twin sister, Abby Reynolds. (Gee, where did I get that idea?) In book 2, Discovering Her Inheritance, Sally and Abby spend time together at Sally’s home in Kansas City to get better acquainted.
Book 2 is still in the draft stage, but is close to 50% completed. I hope to launch the book this October. Like my Facebook author page to stay updated on its status and release.
But I have a question for you, my readers,
that will impact future books I write.
Both Sally and Abby are single-never-married. Book 3 of the Her Inheritance trilogy (spoiler alert!) will be Sally’s romance story. I’m considering writing a fourth book as a romance for Abby.
My question to you is, would you like to see a fourth book dedicated to a romance for Abby or should I make book 3 a double romance? Leave your choice in the comments below and you will be entered to win the get-one-give-one prize.
I’m looking forward to reading your answers. Reviewers exclaiming they wanted a sequel to Claiming propelled me to write book 2 and, further, to make the books a trilogy. Yes, reviews are gold for authors, and we do read them!
I’ll draw a winner for the GOGO prize on Feb. 13, so you have until midnight Central time on Feb. 12 to leave your answer and be entered to win 2 signed copies of Claiming Her Inheritance.
Help me celebrate! Leave your comment below.
If you haven’t read Claiming Her Inheritance, it’s available all this week (Feb. 6–Feb. 12) for only 99 cents.
About Claiming Her Inheritance
The secret behind an inheritance wields far greater consequences for Sally Clark than the 6-figure yearly income.
Sally has received an inheritance of a lifetime, but first she must spend four weeks on the family ranch in Montana. Discontent and disgruntled with her job, she quits and flies to Montana to claim the inheritance. After a series of so-called accidents, she wonders whether she’ll survive to enjoy it.
Chase Reynolds is astounded that his father has willed one-third of their cattle ranch to a total stranger. Who is this woman and what hold did she have over his dad?
What Sally and Chase discover is beyond their imagination and wields far greater consequences than the inheritance.
A touch of suspense, a touch of romance, and a whole lot of fun. Get your copy of Claiming Her Inheritance today.
SuZan Klassen says
Well, since I’ve never read the book, it seems inappropriate to answer your question. But you asked. So, here goes…I have no investment in either character. Perhaps it would make a difference if I did. However, as a writer, I’m curious to see if you can pull off a 4-book series since it’s common practice to have a trilogy. Part of my reason is personal. I created the skeleton of a 4-book series, but since that doesn’t fit the “norm,” I’ve felt somewhat tentative about pursuing it. On the other hand, in kindness and thoughtfulness to the never-married, I wonder if it would be nice to leave her unmarried? I have several unmarried friends who get tired of the push/pressure they feel to be so. Not much help, am I?
Debra says
SuZan, I love your answer. Honesty! I have read authors who have written more than 10 books using the same character. I’m not sure how those are “officially” classified, but I consider them a series. Each book has a new mystery and a new character who gets bumped off (I read mystery mostly), but the character who solves the crime is always the same and the same characters from the town show up. Next time I’m at the library, I’ll ask the librarian for their clarification.
I’ve stepping outside the norm since I was 18 and joined the Marine Corps, but I can understand your hesitancy, especially if you are traditionally published. And I can understand the pressure singles feel about getting married. It would be easy to get paralyzed with all the options.
Donna Whittaker says
Maybe book 3, both fall in love, but only one is the true love romance and the other ends for some reason, could be an illness or accident. Book 4 romance of true love for the other sister, perhaps with baby for first one married.
Debra says
Interesting thoughts, Donna. Won’t be a baby though (unless adopted), the characters are 58. Thanks!
Ruth Schmeckpeper says
I prefer a fourth book. Each romance can be felt and enjoyed by the reader more fully. Happy Birthday!
Debra says
Thank you, Ruth, and for stating the why of your preference!
CINDY Thompson says
Happy birthday! A double romance!
Debra says
Thanks for your feedback!
Jan Hall says
I would like to see a fourth book.
Debra says
Thanks, Jan.
Terrie Slaten says
A double romance sounds more exciting
Debra says
It does sound more exciting. Thanks for your feedback.
Donna Wittlif says
Hi Debra, how busy are you? If you have time to write 2 more, that would be great. Happy birthday!
Debra says
I guess I’m as busy as I make myself. The Lord is the one who prompted me to create a romance for my other character. Writing with Him as my guide is such a fun adventure!
marykuhlmannantholz says
A sequel to a well written series is always welcome.
Debra says
Thank you, Mary!
elizabethdaghfal says
Hmmm. I guess the question is, do their romances affect each other’s romances? If not, I’d say separate 😀. But if it’s kind of a “twin thing’” combine them.
And I’m not sure if I knew you were a twin. My twins had their own language. Did you and your sister?
Debra says
Elizabeth, no I don’t think my twin and I have our own language. We’re fraternal twins and really barely look like sisters. However, our voices are identical. When I hear her on a recording, I sometimes think it’s me.
Thanks for the thoughtful feedback. This is my first series, and your comment about the romances affecting each other or not is something I hadn’t even considered. Food for thought! Thank you.
Paul says
Probably a fourth book if adding the two romances to the third book would create too many variables for the readers to track.
Debra says
Thanks, Paul. That is something I hadn’t considered.
Connie Lodholm says
I’d prefer a fourth book.
Debra says
Thanks, Connie! I’m might have to write books 3 and 4 at the same time. 🙂
Melissa says
A romance for Abby
Debra says
Thank you!