Q&A with Donna Ball discussion

For the past few years most of the books I have written have been part of a series: The Devoncroix Dynasty, the Raine Stockton Dog Mystery Series, The Ladybug Farm series. Whenever I start to write a sequel,I always worry about living up to readers' expectations. So tell me-- what do you look for in a sequel?

I like to feel like I'm reading about old friends so I guess the characters should stay basically the same (except they can of course grow and mature like real friends). I like to read the books in the order they occur so it doesn't bother me when the author refers to an event that happened in a past book, as long as there isn't too much detail. I haven't read the Devoncroix Dynasty but loved ALL the books in the Raine Stockton and Ladybug Farm series so you definitely meet my expectations when I read your sequels.

I feel the same way Barb. I feel like I am catching up with old friends when I read a series. Just natural progression of life, I guess and an interesting storyline. That always is a hit with me.

I probably shouldn't answer my own question but I've been thinking about it too and I agree with both of you. I read the new Margaret Maron and Elizabeth Peters a couple of months ago and I honestly couldn't tell you what the plot of either book was, but I remember what happened to the characters. The same with Stephanie Plum... the plots can be nonsensial (and often are) but the characters are hilarious. Besides, I'm mostly interested in what happens to Bob the Golden Retriever:)

I'm reading the new Elizabeth Peters right now. I haven't read her for awhile and haven't gotten far enough to know if there even is a plot, but I love the comfort of "knowing" the characters.

I haven't read Elizabeth Peters, but I am a big Margaret Maron fan. I love the Judge Deborah Knott character. I also love Carolyn Haines and Dana Stabenow - very different books - Alaska and Alabama, humor and serious mysteries, but very character driven books. And, I always have to read Stephanie Plum just to see how she wrecks her car! I think Debbie Reynolds is going to make a terrific Grandma Masur, what do you think?

Debbie Reynolds as Grandma Masur? I hadn't heard that! Oh my goodness I can just see her. Doubled over with laughter just thinking about it!

I don't think I can go to see a Stephanie Plum movie if they don't get Joe and Ranger right; I mean the right actors for the parts. Not to mention Stephanie . . . I still think Sandra Bullock is Stephanie, in my mind anyway! Or, as second choice, Marisa Tomei (My Cousin Vinny). But I'm afraid they'll never cast the guys right, so I'll pass on the movie and just let it "play" in my mind's eye! LOL

I'm not too sure about Katherine Heigl as Stephanie - I had always pictured Sandra Bullock in that part too, but I think they have done a pretty good job with Ranger and Joe. Ranger is Daniel Sunjata and Joe is Jason O'Mara. I think Patrick Fischler as Vinnie is okay too!
Donna, when did you say the new Raine book would be out? I'm afraid I've leant mine out and I need to order them again so I can refresh my memory before reading the new one.

Patsy, BONE YARD, a Raine Stockton e-book novella, is due for release the second week in May. SILENT NIGHT, a full length novel, is due around Thanksgiving. You can get SMOKY MOUNTAIN TRACKS and RAPID FIRE for your Kindle for only 4.99. GUN SHY is more expensive because the publisher still controls the rights. Or you can order any of those books autographed by me from my web site: www.donnaball.net.

BTW NO to Katherine Heigl as Stephanie!! I go for Sandra Bullock:)