Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post here on Rainy Day Ramblings where I discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog.
This week's hot topic:
Do you like to jump on board and start a series when it already has ten books or more out?
Long running series in the last few years have intimidated me. Why? Mostly because as a busy blogger with time constraints and a full schedule, the thought of picking up a series that is ten books out or more scares me away. I think there is no way that I can find time in between all my commitments to make time for a long running series.
Thankfully this past year, my outlook has changed a bit. There are numerous series that are nearing the ten book mark or past it that I have long been wanting to read and haven't had the time Now I am jumping in and catching up on some of these series everyone is reading and loving. I have finally decided it is time for more reading for myself, so I am accepting far less books for reviews and requests than ever before. This has lightened up my load considerably, and I am loving having the freedom to reach for a book at whim to read.
The second reason I have been able to incorporate more of these books in a long running series is due to audiobooks. I have discussed this before, but for all you newbies, I have discovered that audiobooks are an excellent way to work in extra reads. Not to mention an audiobook is an excellent way to help make daily chores more alluring. Vacuuming, cleaning, and laundry goes a lot quicker when you are dialed in with a good audiobook. Not to mention listening while running errands or while exercising makes the time go by faster.
I realize audiobooks can be a bit expensive, but there are alternatives. Most public libraries offer audiobooks for checkout, so this is an excellent way to alleviate the cost of an audiobook. Also look into Library 2 Go or Overdrive, a good majority of libraries will allow you to check out MP3 audiobooks online, so you don't even have to go to the library. Win! Win!
Furthermore, it is much easier to find the earlier books in a long running series at your local library, especially if it has been out for awhile.
Besides, I find returning to a series and catching up with familiar characters is an excellent way to recharge between reads.
I am currently in the midst of listening to Magic Bleeds from Illona Andrews' Kate Daniels Series, and I am kicking myself for not reading it sooner.
I also have hopes to tackle Elemental Assassin, Jane Yellowrock and The Dresden Files via audio in the near future.
Now I admit, once a book gets in the twenty book and beyond range, I am still intimidated because I worry that at that point the series may have gone on too long. Can an author still keep story lines and characters fresh and exciting after twenty or so books? I have to be honest, I don't know as I have never committed to a series that has gone on that long. I am a reader that thinks a series is usually good around the ten to fifteen book mark, but perhaps that is just me. What do you all think? Are you intimated by long running series? Are you willing to jump in and give one a go?
Next week's TMST:
Are you blogging for yourself or for publishers and authors?
