The other day, someone asked how finishing a trilogy felt. Sad came to mind although I wasn’t sure if that was exactly what I meant. Empty is more like it, I guess, but I feel that way after any book, so finishing a trilogy isn’t all that different for me. It’s one of the reasons that I make like a shark and keep moving on to the next project. In truth, I didn’t feel quite as sad/empty after SHADOWS because I knew there was more to the story and yet another book to come. (But I was plenty grumpy; just ask the husband how relieved he was when I started WHITE SPACE.) With MONSTERS now out, there’s a certain finality, a true closing of that chapter, and I feel the end—and loss—of this series much more intensely than I thought I would. I wouldn’t say it’s more than my standalones; I know that I always wonder what happens next for all my characters. But leaving this series is definitely tough—and more so, now that it’s actually on shelves.
I’ve never finished a trilogy before, so I really wasn’t prepared for just how intense the ride and loss are. Notice that word: finished. Once upon a time, back in my Mechwarrior days, I was on tap for a trilogy; I’d even written the first two books and was looking forward to the third. Unfortunately, the line disappeared beneath my feet (or my keyboard, as it were). That happens. Imprints go away; licenses aren’t renewed; publishers fold. I remember being sad then, too, but in a different way because I really wanted to finish this character’s story. All I could think was, whoa, there she is, little Katana Tormark, with only one friend left to her in the whole wide world . . . and it just so happens that he’s also the psychopath who murdered just about everyone she ever loved. (God, I loved that psychopath to death. Jonathan was a gas, so flippin’ fun to write, because he was so perverse. I mean, we’re talking really really perverse, and in the most deliciously seductive way. When I was a forensic shrink, I paid attention.
Talk about an unfinished life.
The same thing happened to me with a character arc and set of stories I was developing—and had already set up in previous novellas—in the Star Trek: SCE series. Never heard of them? I’m not surprised. SCE was e-book only (with compilations released in paperback a year later). The series editor, Keith DeCandido, understood the importance of e-books before they really caught on, and so the series fell victim to the fact that there just weren’t many platforms and the experience wasn’t so hot. I think you could read them as pdfs or something; I know I squinted through several on my first little Palm Pilot. (And how times have changed; go back and watch the first two seasons of NCIS, and see Kate poke her Palm with a stylus. A decade ago, that was hot stuff.) Anyway, that series was ahead of its time in so many ways, and was eventually axed by Paramount, even though the paperbacks did fine (and, in fact, the one in which my two-parter, WOUNDS, appeared did extremely well in paperback, and still does pretty fine, all things considered).
Anyway, because Paramount pulled the plug, the fabulous four-book arc I was planning and set up in the WOUNDS sequel/follow-on, GHOSTS never got off the ground. So Elizabeth Lense remains strained on Earth, a character in limbo—and still pregnant, by the way—and now I’ll never know what happens because I can’t write that character’s story anymore. She belongs to Trek, not me.
But these ASHES guys are my characters, my babies. So I guess what we’re talking about here is when and if you finally let go and a character—or characters—leaves your life, which isn’t all that dissimilar to letting go of a kid, a sort of go forth, young man kind of thing. Some author-parents are better at tolerating that empty nest than others. Me, I fill the emptiness with other stories and new kids to worry about. But I can see how, as often happens, writers want to revisit these characters and the story to which they’ve got this incredibly intense attachment. I’ve certainly read blogs where writers talk about how they wish they could’ve written a fourth book (or more), only their publisher wouldn’t take it, or whatever. Conversely, I’ve seen a few reviewers’ blogs—not many, but some—where they say, up-front, that they hope that an otherwise fine writer moves on to something new and different.
I’m only talking about myself here, but I think I can understand both sides to this story: the desire to continue versus the need to let go and leave the story as it stands. I even understand the calculus of an editor or publishing house. Clearly, if there truly is more to say—or a series has velocity and a writer has the enthusiasm and more story to tell (I think we all know series where there was no more story, but the series was doing so well, that people just kept coming back to that well; and, conversely, how a series was left to quietly die by a house when the story wasn’t even close to being done)—then, yes, writing that next book makes sense. In a traditional house, you might even have had that discussion with an editor ahead of time, maybe as soon as you realized there was more to say and do.
But I also think—and, again, I’m only talking about myself here—that, after doing what you set out to do, you have to be able to step away for a little while and just wait a bit. Be patient; let things settle down and all the emotions even out. Sure, it’s hard. It hurts. You feel awful and even worse when people tell you how much they love what you’re doing (and you’re convinced, as I am so often, that you’ll never write anything half that good again). But it’s a little like deciding whether you’ll call your kid every week, or leave it up to your kid to decide what she wants. I have two kids; one likes to touch base every week; the other is perfectly happy to talk for hours, but she’s also fine with zero contact for a good long while—and that’s okay. I’ve left all that up for each to decide what fits best. I’m confident they’ll talk to me when I want, and vice versa.
So I guess what I’m trying to say is that if and when a writer feels the need to revisit a series . . . maybe it’s wise to decide if that’s what the series wants and needs, whether you self-pub or go the traditional route. Obviously, it’s a lot easier to jump into another book if you self-pub; you don’t have to wait for someone to decide it’s okay.
But . . . hold on . . . wait a second: are you doing it because the series is just begging for another book, or you are? I’m serious here. See, I said good-bye to MONSTERS several months ago: there was the writing of the book and then the revisions and then the copy-edits back and forth. A lot of months of getting myself all worked up and then crashing every time I finished the book (again) before picking myself up, blowing my nose, and moving on. Now that it’s hit shelves . . . I’m having to really focus on not looking over my shoulder, not longing for that series—which feels so much more polished (because it is) than the miserable specimen of a book I’m currently drafting for the first time—and not giving in to the idea/temptation/desire to go back to characters I adore and lives with which I am so intimately familiar. It’s a real struggle.
Now, is there another ASHES book (or two or more) in me? I want to say yes; I even know what the fourth book would be about and where I’d go from there. But will I write it? No, not now and for more reasons than just one. First off, I have other people/characters/kids I care about, and their books to write. But I also understand that returning to the trilogy right this second is seductive because it’s familiar and I’m so comfortable with these kids. Yet I’m not totally convinced that, at the moment, they’ve picked up the phone; that they’re actually dialing and trying to connect. Before I return, I need to be sure that they’ve called me because they need me . . . not the other way around.
So, for now, let’s say that the next move is up to them.
* * *
Say, before you go, don’t forget to enter the Goodreads giveaway for your chance at a signed copy of MONSTERS *and* a nifty ASHES backpack, stuffed with some decent survival stuff. Give my kids a home, why doncha’?
Oh, and in the spirit of moving on . . . a bunch of you chimed in on those profile pics (and thanks; it was interesting to hear how people respond to a picture). Anyway, as you can see . . . I’ve changed the pic because, honestly you really do want to stay away from my cheese.
I absolutely loved the Ashes trilogy! You did such a wonderful job with them. I can not imagine how you managed to come up with such a intricate plot like that. It’s brilliant! I also loved all the allusions to movies. I ‘am a movie nut so that allowed me to relate to the book more. But anyway I fully support your decision on weather to make another one or not. But it would be so wonderful to maybe do a spin off series that explains what happened afterwards and where Tom, Alex, and Ellie ended up. But either way I support you choice of course, just thought some opinions from your fans would be helpful.
Thanks, Nicole. I’m so glad you enjoyed that trilogy, and grateful for your support. Like I said, I need to get a little distance, I think–and give some of my other “kids” time to grow 🙂
Yeah, I adore movies. I just wish I had time to see more!
Ah, so that’s what happened to SCE. That’s a shame; I loved that series. First e-books I ever bought, long before I had an actual Kindle. I’d always hoped you would write more SCE (or any ST!) someday. (Okay, I wanted more Dr. Stern. She was awesome.) But I will read anything you write. Loved Monsters. Keep up the good work.
Yeah, I loved that series, and especially what Keith let me do with the characters. Stern was just so much fun to write, too. I had a whole bunch of Trek/SF-NCIS style kind of stories planned: this nice four-book arc and, if it took off, a spin-off series.
Glad you enjoyed MONSTERS, though 🙂
Great book! It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it. Oh my that battle at the end!!
You wrote that you may or may not go back to this series, if you decide that you won’t down the line can you at least tell us what happens with Wolf?! Even if it’s just an entry on a blog or something.
That ending wow!
Aww, thanks, Christina. Glad it kept you entertained. As for the future … we’ll just have to wait and see 😉
I really enjoyed this series. It helped me with some dark moments in my life an helped me get out of my head. But I don’t completly understand the ending of Monsters. How is it for Tom and Alex (and only them) that Wolf came for her? I keep thinking rereading but I don’t see it. Can you help me Ilsa?
I’m glad you enjoyed the series, Savannah, but I’m not sure I understand your question. If you’re asking why Wolf appeared at the end, it’s because he’s able to connect with Alex’s monster on a very primitive level. Is that what you had questions about? Think of it as him being able to reach her when she’s least guarded (i.e., alseep).
You probably won’t see this, but if you do, I want to thank you for the wonderful story you’ve shared with us in the Ashes trilogy! It ranks up there with my favorite books of all time. My English teacher and I fangirl over the books all the time. Our fingers are painfully crossed for a fourth installment of some sort. I understand if you don’t though, and with so much to absorb in this series, I can always keep myself plenty entertained by rereading it once more. So again, thank you. (:
Lauren, my pleasure, truly. And thank you: I’m so glad you liked it 🙂
HOW CAN YOU END IT ON A CLIFFHANGER???? I feel so emotionally drained after finishing this series, and I am in physical pain over not knowing if Wolf will eat the candy bar and become Simon again. And if he does…where does that leave Alex and Tom? Is it like a person with multiple personality disorder, where each person is in a committed relationship with another man, but they just happen to have the same body? GAH! It’s almost 2:30 in the morning and I will not be able to sleep for hours rehashing everything in my head. I might just have to kidnap you and make you tell me the rest of the story. You must have thoughts already, I’m sure there’s a back story that you had to develop in order to create the world they all live in. That story can still be told without being over-bearing in your characters lives. Please reconsider taking a break from writing Alex’s story. I promise you, she is calling you, begging you give her her happy ever after. She’s using me to call you!!!
Amazing series however. I’m 25, so outside of your normal category, but it is honestly one of the best survival series I have read. Just wonderful. I can’t praise it enough. Sorry for the shouting and kidnapping threats, it is late and I’m devastated from marathoning the last 45 pages or so. But please, write about these characters again. Or maybe write, not a sequel, but another novel that is set in this world, maybe from Wolf’s point of view as he struggles to return to human, that would be fascinating. (Feel free to use that idea, just toss a shout out to me in the acknowledgements lol!). Ok, rambling over, emotions slowly returning to normal. And tomorrow I’ll be checking out the rest of your novels from the library!
No worries; I’m glad you feel so passionately about it 🙂 Remember, too, all of life is uncertain. At the risk of sounding positively Zen-ish, one door close, and another opens. I may or may not revisit this world. I hear them calling sometimes, and feel the tug . . . but we’ll see.
I am so pleased, though, that you enjoyed the trilogy. Thanks for letting me know!
I’m keeping my finger tips crossed that you have a fourth book in you:). I would love to see how Alex navigates her illness, Simon, Tom, and Chris in what appears to be a new frontier. The ideas are deep, and kids today need this type of deep stuff. Your themes and characterization are rare in the YA world. This is coming from an AP English teacher. So until then, my fingers remain crossed.
Thank you, Helen. I am flattered and touched. We will just have to see. 🙂
loved the trilogy… :'( so much… hope there’s more in you to continue the trilogy
We shall see 🙂
Their calling u can’t u hear it I can and they say they want a 4th book out I think u should listen to them because their right u can’t end it on a cliff hanger and say ur putting ur weapon away when it’s most needed in a time of shock. They call. Pick up the phone and say yes. And one little thing from me I think it would be a crime if u just left it hanging with only a branch to hang on to and is about to snap because this is a great series that should not go without a fight. And if u don’t mind me asking WHAT HAPPENED WITH THAT ENDING U ALMOST MADE ME CRY BECUASE OF THE CLIFF HANGER
Thx u. For reading and plz post a punish date for it when u can if u do decide to write it thank u
You bet 🙂
LOL! Actually, I feel your pain, I really do. But I think it’s important for me as a writer to develop other characters and other worlds. Having said that…I know they’re all there, at my shoulder, waiting for me to decide 🙂
Your Ashes series was amazing, though I’m surprised the fan base hasn’t picked up. There’s not even a fanfiction archive for it, which is odd considering it’s not a 2015 brand new, barely existed book.
As a novice writer (still struggling to stick with a plot and finish it), I understand that a good series ends, and stays done. I’m not sad it’s over, it’s just a nice thing. I am sad no fan base is leaping up. Pity.
I hope you can craft another series just as good.
Heh…at least you know when to end your series, unlike Rick Riordan. As a kid, finished Percy Hackson, loved it. Picked up the new series hoping for a flush of new characters, and perhaps deeper stories of the side characters he mentioned that was returning, and found the main characters from the last one being juiced for every ounce they had. Sure, new characters were added, but they’re depth and emotions paled compared to the old ones which he seemed to milk and use constantly. The plot wasn’t humorous, the story dragged, and the characters reached high levels of dullness.
It’s better to end it, then to drag it out and lose quality. I think you made a good choice. Quality always triumphs Quantity.
Thanks, Angelica. I’m glad you enjoyed it . . . and, yeah, I often wonder how come this series hasn’t found a wider audience. But it’s out there, and that’s better than nothing, right? 😉
I found Ashes searching around for reads on Amazon. I’m outside of the normal audience – so not saying my age – but I read a lot of YA fiction. This is trilogy is on my top three for sure! I read Ashes and Shadows in days, but forced myself read Monsters for weeks because I did not want it to end. Love the way it was written – the book was written like Finn’s messages – gogogo PUSHPUSH – and I had to fight my excitement to make it last! Perhaps a fourth book in not in the cards, but maybe you can write a (Kindle downloadable) short? (Pretty please.) I would love a peak into the future – did Wolf not take the candy or Did Simon take a chance too?
Anyway, thank you for this story and the time I got to enjoy it!
You are quite welcome, Rosemary. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the trilogy. I miss those guys sometimes, but I have to force myself to stop looking over my shoulder. It’s like I wrote for my entry, “Letting Go.” If I write more in this universe, it has to be because they need me, not the other way around 🙂
But thank you.
Oh…
Oh wow…
I never realised you had a website, let alone one we could actually talk to you on. Considering how much time I spend on the Internet, you’d figure I’d be better at finding these things out, ha!
I miss the Ashes trilogy. It’s my favourite series and, ah, I still re read it all the time. That is, when I haven’t loaned it out to all my friends.
I loved the ending. Made me bawl. Didn’t make me angry, just conflicted. I was happy there was no definite answer to what will happen, and the inner fan of teen romance stories wanted them to have a happy ending… But that wouldn’t be quite realistic, now would it?
Your books are perfection. Your skills of writing are just, jeez, WOW. Never have I felt so compelled to read on and be emmersed in such a gloriously dark storyline. Thank you so much for letting us fans have this experience. Thank you thank you thank you!
And ps. Take it from a 16 y/o girl.
We kids like having contact. We like feeling loved. I don’t know how old your girl is but she’ll probably miss spending all that time with you when she’s away from you. Sure, everyone is different, but sometimes a good hug is just wonderful.
Lots of love
– loyal British fan (kind of starstruck at the moment, ah) xx
Oh, I miss them, too, Ellie. I know exactly how you feel. There are days when I think that I ought to revisit them, but looking over your shoulder does you no good unles there’s a really good reason for it. Keep moving: that’s my motto 🙂
Hey, contact from readers who like my work? That’s just like getting a hug 😉
So I just marathoned SHADOWS and MONSTERS over the course of this afternoon… I literally dropped the book at that cliffhanger, and I’m pretty sure that I, and everyone else here, will never get over it. You brought us to the edge of the abyss and hinted at what was lying below, while never fully telling us, and it’s a painfully beautiful ending.
This series was addictive, riveting, and kept me wanting MORE. Your writing style and command of the language is absolutely exquisite, and the images you painted were, in a word, ethereal. This series was recommended to me by a very good friend, and I’m currently yelling at him over text for making me become enthralled with yet another fantastic series that drained me because of how freaking good it was.
I know I speak for myself and your whole fanbase when I say that these characters ARE calling out to you to give them just a little bit more time, to pull the curtain back just a tad more.
I had a question or three of my own that I hoped could be clarified- How exactly was Finn controlling the Changed? And was the monster in Alex’s head a personification of her cancer (which I thought was cleared up after the Zap in ASHES) or her alternate, Changed self yearning to break out?
Well, we’ll see. I’m so glad that you enjoyed the books enough to want more. I’m always open to revisiting this universe, but it has to be the right time for me–and them.
As for your questions, I leave these things up to readers to decide and your opinion is as good as any other. What do you think?
I may or may not have just finished MONSTERS… And cried in frustration. You have a knack for cliffhangers, have I ever told you how much it bothers me? ? No seriously, my hat’s off to you for the best series ride of my life, thanks, and hopefully in time the countless ones like me who crave more Alex, Tom, Ellie, and Chris, (and I never thought I’d say this… Wolf) will eventually witness your return to these children. This series will both delight and horrify new and old readers for a long while yet, like it did me!
Thank you, Mikaela. I’m so glad you enjoyed that series. Made my morning cuppa that much nicer 😉
Wow……im speechless. I read the whole Ashes trilogy in three days and it has been a LONG time since i have gotten hooked liked that. Thank you for helping me relive that experience and i want to say that that series is definitely my favourite and I’m going to move onto the other books you have written because I CAN’T LET GO.
Im craving for some knowledge on what your ideas for Wolf were (especially cause i love him so much and nearly skipped forward in the book to see any interactions with him) but i understand that is unlikely. 🙂
Just……thank you.
LOL!!
Well, first off, thank you, Genevieve! I’m so glad you enjoyed those books. Yeah, letting go is VERY hard.
And, yes, you’re right: I’ve got ideas. But your ideas about Wolf are as valid as anything I think. Right now, I might return to this world (specifically to find out what happens next to all of them, including Wolf). So you’ll understand that I’m not gonna commit one way or the other. Want to keep all those options and possible stories alive and in the mix.
But…thank you and my pleasure.
Your reply made my day WAY better!
It gives me hope to think you might return to the series but i do understand completely that you shouldn’t hold yourself back and expand your horizons 🙂
Thank you (again haha) for everything!
You can’t just leave it that way, is wolf more boy than monster, what happens to Ellie, Alex, Tom, and Chris. Do they find a professor, or are there too many chuckies and they have to abandon that plan, what happenes!!!! I love this series but you need to continue for my sanity.
Heh-heh. Well…sure, I can ;-). But I hear you; I don’t know when or if I’ll come back to the series, but I do have ideas. So, we’ll see.
Don’t go crazy in the meantime, and have a lovely holiday!
Sincerely, my pleasure 🙂
Ilsa you shouldn’t have scared us on the second book with a cliff hanger of alex almost dieing i was literaly crying for a whole hour my parents kept on telling me its just a book but you ar really AMAZING. I <3 YOU ILSA!!! Keep on writing ok your awesome sauce.
Love you like an obsessed fan girl. You R my BAE and FAM Ilsa!!!
please comment back it would mean the world to me <3
luv you<3
p.s- sorry for spamming but im just going fan girl all over your website.
<3
P.S- you should contact me but not on my email. Its actually my friends account we are both big fans
make more books just finished monsters. WHY THE CLIFFHANGER ILSA!!!
But your still awesome keep on writing.
🙂
Hon, making you suffer is what I’m all about 😉
I don’t mind a little obsessing. Writing is sometimes a very lonely business. 🙂
And I just did!
S’fine, dear. It’s what the site is for.
Well, if I’m remembering correctly, you’ll get a notification that I answered. So there you go!
Oh, believe me, I am trying, sweetie.
Thanks for commenting bak your so awesome!!!!!
P.S- i know everyone asks you this, but do you have any advice for future writers
P.P.S- your the most awesomest writer ever!!!! even though you always scare me to death with your books!!
I have aquestion though if ashes way to become a movie who would you want to play Chris, Alex, Ellie, Wolf and Tom!!!