Closing Out a Series: Guest Post by Kristen Otte

Today’s guest post is by Kristen Otte, the author of the Adventures of Zelda series about a tenacious pug. If you haven’t had a chance to read these books yet, you are missing a treat! Not only are they ideal earlier readers for children, but you’ll enjoy them just as much as your children or grandchildren do! As she publishes book five of the series, Kristen explains how she feels about ending the series and why she made the decision.

The release of The Adventures of Zelda: The One and Only Pug is a sad and exciting milestone for me. This release marks the fifth book in the Zelda series, but it also is the final book in the Zelda series. I know this may be a disappointment for many of the young fans (and parents of those fans) of the series, but I know it was the right decision.

The Adventures of Zelda were never “supposed” to be anything more than a few funny short stories that I wrote to practice my craft. But, after writing a few stories based loosely on the antics of my real life Zelda, I couldn’t stop writing. The stories flowed through my fingers on to the keyboard. Soon after, The Adventures of Zelda: A Pug Tale was published.

The early reader response was better than expected. I kept writing, and by book three, it was clear that young readers enjoyed reading about a stubborn, adventurous pug.

The momentum for the series has continued to build over the past year, and I published the fourth book in the series in the summer of 2015. So why stop at book five?

Being a writer and a creative is a balancing act. First, I want to create quality stories that readers love to read. For the Zelda books, I wanted to create books that cause young readers to come back wanting to read more. I also write books to sell copies so I can support myself and continue writing. For me, the first part is more important. I’d rather write five great Zelda books than ten mediocre books, and so I’ve decided it is best to end the series at five.

Writing five Zelda books has been a wonderful experience. I’ve met so many readers and received so many nice compliments and reviews that I know my decision will disappoint more than a few fans, but I hope this series will continue to delight and entertain young readers for many years to come.

With The Adventures of Zelda wrapped up, I am writing a brand-new young adult fantasy series about a sixteen-year-old boy who is looking for a life beyond his island home, which he can’t leave because of the deadly storms that ravage the open waters.

I am also developing a story concept for a new kids’ book series that takes the humor and fun of the Zelda series and places it in a setting with children as the main characters. I look forward to revealing more of this project in the coming months. I encourage you to sign up for my mailing list to learn more about these upcoming series, or visit my website to learn more about The Adventures of Zelda series.

The decision to make The Adventures of Zelda: The One and Only Pug the final book in the series wasn’t easy, but I know it’s the right one. Farewell, Zelda!

Kristen Otte is the author of The Adventures of Zelda series and three novels in the Eastbrook series: The Photograph, The Evolution of Lillie Gable, and The Perfect Smile.  She writes books for children, teens, and adults. Her mission is to bring joy and laughter through stories to people young and old. When she isn’t writing or reading, you may find her on the basketball court coaching her high school girls’ team. If she isn’t writing or coaching, she is probably chasing her husband and dogs around the house. Visit her website to learn more about Kristen and her books.

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 Candace Johnson is a professional freelance editor, proofreader, writer, ghostwriter, and writing coach who has worked with traditional publishers, self-published authors, and independent book packagers on nonfiction subjects ranging from memoirs to alternative medical treatments to self-help and on fiction ranging from romance to paranormal. As an editorial specialist, Candace is passionate about offering her clients the opportunity to take their work to the next level. She believes in maintaining an author’s unique voice while helping him or her create and polish every sentence to make it the best it can be. Learn more here.