When has a series run its course?

[SevenSquared]

So what? Just b/c something is popular/successful doesn't mean I have to think it's good.

Also I think there's a difference between ending a story and ending a series.

I think that's something not enough writers do actually. Start a new story (or series) containing one or more of the same characters from a previous series but having it as a completely standalone story. I think the end result would be a lot better than trying to keep an ever-dwindling audience of fans happy by sticking modular chapters on the end of an existing story.

 

[PennLady]

I think that's something not enough writers do actually. Start a new story (or series) containing one or more of the same characters from a previous series but having it as a completely standalone story. I think the end result would be a lot better than trying to keep an ever-dwindling audience of fans happy by sticking modular chapters on the end of an existing story.

A good idea, but only if the author sees a plan for those characters. That's the key to it all, I think. If the author is done, then they're done.

 

[sr71plt]

A good idea, but only if the author sees a plan for those characters.

I like SevenSquared's idea without any requirements attached. I don't have to have a plan for my characters before writing a series about them--or putting them in separate standalone stories (which I do on occasion). Even for the ones I have a preconceived plan, they tend to sweep in with plans of their own about themselves before I reach the end of anything. I only have to be able to see some logic in how they got to where they are from where they began.

 

[SevenSquared]

I like SevenSquared's idea without any requirements attached. I don't have to have a plan for my characters before writing a series about them--or putting them in standalone stories (which I do on occasion). Even for the ones I have a preconceived plan, they tend to sweep in with plans of their own about themselves before I reach the end of anything. I only have to be able to see some logic in how they got to where they are from where they began.

Totally agree with that. Often characters end up in a totally different place from where I envisioned them to be at the start of the story (in terms of personal growth and how they see themselves and the world) even if the story itself remains largely as I planned it.