One would think writing a series would be easy because the setting is in place and the protagonist established, but each book has its own plot and characters. Even the weather doesn’t change all that much in northern California where my Shakespeare in the Vineyard mystery series takes place. So all I have to do is create a new situation for Cait Pepper, my protagonist. Right? So I ask myself, what’s my problem?

There always has to be high stakes in each book that the readers can connect with and care about. When I started writing the second in the series, I thought I knew my characters well, but soon realized I couldn’t remember certain aspects. How old is Cait? Was her degree in English Lit? When did Cait realize that Royal Tanner meant more to her than just a handsome Navy SEAL? I keep a log on most of the characters, but it doesn’t include details about their thoughts, desires, and habits that only occur as the story unfolds.

How much should I repeat in case people didn’t start the series with the first book? Each one should be written as a stand alone, but it’s hard to phrase it without sounding repetitive. I can’t assume readers will have read the first book and are familiar with the setting and main characters. It’s up to me to provide readers with enough details to keep them interested and excited about the story without over burdening them with too much background.

By tying the first book to the second, etc., it’s important to open new questions in the readers mind that will get them eager to read the next, and the next in the series. If I’ve done my job well, they will be eagerly waiting to see what’s next for Cait and RT.

The week of April 8-14 is National Library Week. I am blessed to live in a city with three branches of the Livermore library. They all have PCs available for public use on a first come, first served basis. Livermore’s Civic Center Library is the one closest to my house and where I spend lots of time browsing.

The library is warm and inviting, offering a readers’ room, kids’ place, teen space, meeting rooms and exhibits, and a fine cafe. No matter how filled the parking lot is, when you walk inside you have to wonder where everyone is. It’s that spacious.

The Livermore Public Library encourages the development of a lifelong interest in reading and learning by youth and adults, provides materials and services of popular interest, supports the educational needs of the community, furnishes timely, accurate information, and builds cultural awareness and enrichment. I have attended many events at the library, from musical groups, to readings by actors from Shakespeare Associates, to book signings. This is one of my favorite places to be.

Last week I attended the Left Coast Crime conference in Sacramento, California. Imagine my surprise when, some weeks back, I was invited to be on a panel, “Where the Palm Trees Meet the Pines,” even before TWISTED VINES is to be released in August. The panel of Northern California writers provided me an opportunity to jump start promotion for my book. Thanks to our moderator, Margaret Lucke, and the rest of the panelists, I had fun and was able to answers questions without stumbling all over my words. Everyone in my critique group attended, offering cheers and smiles and lots of encouragement.

With my new promotional postcards in hand that Penny Warner’s daughter designed for me, I was able to spread the word about TWISTED VINES. Left Coast Crime gave me the opportunity to meet other Five Star authors, make lots of contacts, and pick up writing tips from other panels. I came home with tons of books, which probably means I won’t get much of my own writing done. Next year, Left Coast Crime will be in Colorado Springs. With a little luck, I’ll be there promoting the next book in my SHAKESPEARE IN THE VINEYARD mystery series.

Shilo, my adorable dog and favorite writing companion, excitedly greeted me at the front door when I returned home from the conference. While I was away, she hid under the bed, my reading chair, and in her little velcro house and wouldn’t come out to eat or go outside. My husband, Cliff, had to call our daughter Carla to come over to help. Carla’s solution was to bring her three dogs over for an evening of doggie playtime. It worked like a charm!

Now that I’m back home and full of great ideas and inspiration from the conference, I’m ready to get rolling on my second book, SOUR GRAPES. But first I need to spend some special one-on-one time with little Shilo, who seems to be experiencing a temporary bout of writer’s block thanks to some “serious” neglect while I was in Sacramento. Cheers!