Lots of how-to guides say writing trilogies and series is the best way to succeed as an indie author. The “experts” say you build a fan base that way. Of course, that assumes you have a character readers really want to follow and compelling storylines for a series of books. I’ve already begun writing a sequel to my climate fiction novel, “The Shade Ring.” I’ve dived back into the world of Neave Alvarez in 2117, when sea levels are fifteen feet higher and it’s a helluva lot hotter than it is today. A third book is plotted as well so there will be a Shade Ring trilogy. I’m planning for the second book to be out next summer and the third book by early 2017. I’ve heard from a number of readers that they’re looking forward to a sequel, which is a good sign that Neave is a character people enjoy reading about.

I haven’t decided whether there will be sequels to my other two books – “The Time Telephone” and “VisionSight: a Novel.” Still stewing over possible storylines. And there are other stories I’d like to write. So many plotlines, so little time.

As a reader, I tend to gravitate more to stand-alone books. Although I admit I gobbled up every one of the Harry Potter books right along with my sons. And when I was a kid I devoured the Little House on the Prairie books. There are times, though, when a story stretches out too far for me, including the Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon. She’s an engaging writer and she’s got some great characters but I should’ve stopped with the third book. I generally prefer to imagine how things play out beyond the last page rather than having the author spell out every twist and turn of a character’s life right into old age. But to each her own.