Starting a new series is like starting a new adventure in life.

There's a whole lot of discovery, imagination, meeting new characters, and sometimes struggles.

One of the challenges is that the author has to look beyond this first book, beyond the second book, and see where the series is going to end up. Including elements/characters that will play a part down the road, without being obvious, can take work.

For example, in "From Best Friend to Husband," we meet several extended family members. Their stories will come into play later on, but for now, they are scenery. Scenery that needs names and personalities, quirks and talents. A series starter definitely is more involved in the planning stages than a later book in the series would be.

On the flip side, all those beautiful, long-term details can overload the immediate needs of the current romance if you're not careful. And those side characters can become more interesting than the current characters. Finding that balance can be tricky.

One way that I keep everything in order is to have a series bible. In it, I keep track of characters who will get their own story, places, side characters, street names, local businesses, and family squabbles. I use a notebook and handwrite everything. It helps to be able to carry it around as I outline during my daughter's softball practice. :)

All in all I was really happy with the balance of setting up future romances and giving enough page time to Wynn and Judd in "From Best Friend to Husband: The Harvest Ranch Romances Book 1."

I hope you enjoy it!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FVJJ9ZJ

Happy reading,
Lucy