Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

I figure this is as good of a forum as any to get a temperature check, as it were. I didn't see any rules this topic violates, but if it does, please let me know and I'll adjust fire accordingly.

I've been conversing with my contemporaries about trends in my genre (action/adventure thriller) and the current trend is that a very long series has diminishing returns. People want shorter, defined series or stand-alone projects.

This spells trouble for my first series, which so far includes my first three books and a novella. I had plans to make it a very long series, but I've been away from it for so long and the new trend makes it seem that sticking to my original plan isn't the best option.

Additionally, I self-published my first book at 24. I've learned a whole bunch--about writing in general, publishing, and my subject matter--since then. The world has changed a lot since I first conceived the character. There are so many topics I'd love to tackle, and I'm not sure the topics that were originally planned to be tackled would be received by a general audience (though history buffs and die hard action aficionados would like it).

As I see it, I have two options:

-unpublish the novels currently in existence, reboot the series, update it for the times, and tackle the topics I want while incorporating what I got right from the original publication run.

-let the series fade away, don't attempt to resurrect it, and attempt to write a new series with brand new characters and tackle said topics.

As writers and readers, which would you prefer and why?

While there are a handful of series our there that have books in the 20s, I would keep your series as it stands now. You have a trilogy with a bonus (novella).
Start a new series and keep your original MC for those readers you've already established but move him/her into a different role (secondary vs MC or a higher position). You could still tackle the topics you originally planned but update them to fit current "standards/trends" or keep the original topics and cater toward your established readers and enjoy writing for your niche audience.
Use what you've learned since you first published to focus on your writing style and marketing rather than changing who you are as a writer.

You said that you learned a lot from writing and publishing your first books. I would say: use that experience, let fly your imagination and write something new. Warming up leftovers is not as good as making a fresh recipe. As for the length of your series, it all depends how much you have to say about your main character or the world you built for him/her. I wrote long series (12), short series (3) and standalones as well, with their length governed by how much potential for ideas I had left for them. However, I found rewriting an old story not very exciting and not much of a stimulus for the imagination. Go for new stuff!

Steven wrote: "I figure this is as good of a forum as any to get a temperature check, as it were. I didn't see any rules this topic violates, but if it does, please let me know and I'll adjust fire accordingly.

..."
Hi Steven,
Just a few thoughts at random about your situation. I agree with what Trish wrote for the most part.

Unless you have a very good reason, I think revising your current books is best left for now at least.

When writing my main creative driver is a character or characters. I need a context as well of course, but I do not try to hash out a plot except vaguely in my head.

If I picture/imagine a person, then ideas come based on what they will do in some scenario or other.

If you write similarly, I'd say start again either with your previous character in a new context or go right back and begin with a different person.

BTW I'm currently reading On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
by Stephen King https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... and I am enjoying it hugely.

I recommend it as a great read for any new writer, as well as being an insightful autobiography.

Cheers - Nick

Thanks for the advice, all! I've decided to follow the recommendations here and start planning a new series. I think I'm gonna let the old series gradually die out and use ideas I had for the future of that series in this new series. I appreciate all of your feedback!