Lynn Slaughter

I’ve been working on revisions of my third YA novel, Gone. This process can, of course, go on for weeks and months. My agent will undoubtedly have suggestions, and if the novel finds a publishing home, a skilled editor will identify plenty of additional areas in need of revision.

But eventually, unless I end up writing a sequel or a series, I’ll need to let these characters go and move on to my next writing project. I admit it. I’ll miss hanging out with Leisha and Cody, watching them fall in love while investigating the mysterious disappearance of Leisha’s mentor. I’ve bonded with these two, even if they are imaginary.

This has made me think about why many authors develop series. In grad school, we talked a lot about the popularity and marketability of series—how readers love returning to beloved characters and familiar worlds again and again. It’s like following a favorite TV show: You’re not only curious about what will happen in future episodes, but it’s comforting to check back in with familiar folks you’ve come to care about.