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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

What Do YOU Think I Should Do about My Serial Novels?

by Chautona Havig · 51 Comments

“How soon can you get Past Forward ready for publication?”

Nothing strikes fear in my heart like Ashley asking me when I can get something done.  You see, it usually means I need to do it yesterday, and it usually means a lot of work.

It also usually means a lot of success.

And it was.

It’s also a whole ton of work.

My serial novels began in 2012. First, there were six VOLUMES of Past Forward— twenty-eight episodes. Seven episodes of De-Cluttering Junkie followed.  And six more VOLUMES of HearthLand came after that.  That’s another thirty-six episodes! And then came The Vintage Wren.

Guess what?  Ashley didn’t want me to do it anymore, but I’d kind of made my serial novels my… “thing. So, I planned my new one.  A simple plan. One episode a week for 52 weeks.  A Year of Cassie.

But I got busier–and busier.  And I kept slowing down.  And almost two years later, I’m down to… yeah.  I have nine weeks under my belt.  Not enough.

So, back in August, I began sending out installments in my newsletter each week. And that kept me up.  Except for a short hiatus during a trip and just after, I’ve been on track with it each week.  And I love it.  I do.

There’s just one problem.

I’m not sure everyone else does.

What Do YOU Think I Should Do about My Serial Novels?

As it works right now, each Wednesday about a chapter’s worth of the story goes out to my entire newsletter list each week. I try not to put any other news in it, but sometimes I have to.  And that means that those who don’t read the serial novel don’t get that news.

So… I’m wondering how you feel about me making the serial novels, The Vintage Wren right now, an “opt-in.”  It would be a lot like the blog post emails–if you choose to get the serial novel installments emailed to you, you do.  If you don’t sign up just for them, then you won’t get that email each week.

If the widget doesn’t show up below, please click HERE.

I even created a little poll to get your .02 on the issue.  Would you like to be able to opt-in (or not!) for the serial novels or do you just want me to keep things as they are?

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Filed Under: General Information, Writing

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Comments

  1. Ronda Kane says

    August 11, 2020 at 1:01 pm

    I would love to get series(es?) piece by piece! Unfortunately, I am not clear about how to make that happen. Blog? Newsletter? Email? So many threads, so little understanding on my part! I want to be signed up for whatever gets me those bread crumbs piece by piece.

    Reply
  2. April Gebhard says

    December 21, 2017 at 7:29 am

    I love getting the Cassie chapters each week (Sometimes I think it’s torture to have to wait a whole week for the next one, but I also love that it makes me savor the book instead of reading it all in one day). But I understand how some people feel about their inboxes getting swamped with more than they can handle so I voted for opt-in.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 5:46 pm

      I wish I could write faster. I just do!

      Reply
  3. Jackie says

    December 21, 2017 at 5:44 am

    I like the opt-in option because right now, I’m missing all the news because I’ve not the time to read The Vintage Wren and so my Chautona emails are piling up. I don’t want to open them until I can sit and read The Vintage Wren. So if the series was in its own email I wouldn’t be missing out on the news too! My .02 for what its worth! Love your weekly series!! It was Past Forward that got me hooked on you as an author! And I’ve introduced so many to you thru your serials!

    Reply
  4. Nancy Luebke says

    December 20, 2017 at 7:03 pm

    I get too many emails to read that much each week. Sorry, I’m actually will be cutting out some sites the first part of the year.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:40 am

      Well, we’ll miss you if you choose to unsubscribe, but I absolutely understand. It’s why I considered this option, actually.

      Reply
  5. ozarkgrandma says

    December 20, 2017 at 5:48 pm

    I voted no because I enjoy the way it is now. I’m ok with the opt – in choice- as long as I DON’T MISS a week. The serial installments remind me of the Sunday School take home papers we used to get with a installment serials each week. (maybe I am showing my age there 🙁 The only thing I don’t like about serial books . . . is WAITING for the next one!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:42 am

      I feel your pain on the waiting. I remember Sunday School papers, too– Landers, California in the 1980s!

      You would still receive them each week, but those who didn’t want the installments would not. They’d only get the other news as it went out.

      Reply
  6. Janice Carter Forbis says

    December 20, 2017 at 4:43 pm

    I would really have a whole book to read at once rather than stretched out over a period of time. I’m liable to lose a week, forget about what happened last, or just want to know what happened. I really, really, love your books and the characters are so real in all of them. But my opinion is, NO More Serials

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:59 am

      I feel for you. I do. I prefer it myself, but it has been popular. So, I’ve done it this way to get it out faster. It’s a compromise between none (and I so love to give away books) and trying to bang out a full episode every week AND still write books. Not so easy. I think opt-in will save people like you the hassle of emails that aren’t something you’d like. And when the volumes release, you can just read the whole book then! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Barbara says

    December 20, 2017 at 3:20 pm

    I thoroughly enjoy your serial novels. Makes me look forward to Wednesdays and what Cassie is doing now. Please do not stop! Thank you for sharing you gift with us.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 3:00 am

      Oh, I would not stop. Ashley has tried, but I kind of branded myself as the “free serial” gal, and I’d like to keep that commitment. So, as long as I can, I will. Just making sure I get it to ONLY those who want them. 🙂

      Reply
  8. Pat Fenstermaker says

    December 20, 2017 at 2:48 pm

    I love getting a little chapter each week and then I buy the whole week when it comes out for .99!!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:42 am

      You are a blessing to me!

      Reply
  9. Linda Menkes says

    December 20, 2017 at 1:25 pm

    Since I read the serial novels, I don’t mind getting them in my inbox, but I can see those people who don’t read them wanting to be able to NOT get them. So, I guess I am saying, either way is fine with me!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:42 am

      Thank you! 😀

      Reply
  10. sheila alford says

    December 20, 2017 at 12:57 pm

    I would opt in of course, but I like them in my email also so whatever is easiest for you is perfect for me

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:43 am

      They’d still be in your email if you opted in… they just wouldn’t if you didn’t! 😀

      Reply
  11. EJaa says

    December 20, 2017 at 12:37 pm

    I chose to keep it as is, not because I oppose opting in, but because I don’t mind it the way it is now.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:44 am

      I considered doing a “Neutral” answer but I was afraid I wouldn’t know for sure what to do if I did. Glad so many don’t really care. 🙂

      Reply
  12. marcy says

    December 20, 2017 at 11:43 am

    If it’s less work for you, I’d go with “opt-in” option. Could you put the “news” at the beginning of the email? That way, those who don’t want the serial, can still get the news easily and you don’t have to send out two different things.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:46 am

      I’d say it’s less work for readers who don’t want the serials. They just wouldn’t get them so they wouldn’t have to open to see if they want it OR wouldn’t miss out on something I just tacked on for ease. 🙂

      Reply
  13. Barbara Eward says

    December 20, 2017 at 11:40 am

    I choose opt in, but I don’t mind the way it is now. I read it every week, as I have from the very beginning of your serial stories.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:47 am

      YES! You were one of the first I ever got an email from! 😀

      Reply
  14. Debbie Rhoades says

    December 20, 2017 at 11:14 am

    I just read my first bit if your Cassie story and I am hooked, and angry because I have missed all of the former episodes. I think you should publish them as a novel.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:48 am

      All of January is available here: http://amzn.to/2z9i4gQ (affiliate link). February will be available as a complete volume next week!!! 😀

      Reply
  15. Diana Nesbitt says

    December 20, 2017 at 10:58 am

    I voted yes for opt-in because I enjoy the weekly installments but I know my mom prefers to read a whole book at a time. I think it would be nice for those who don’t want to get the weekly stories to have the choice to opt out.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:49 am

      That’s what I was thinking. Right now it’s almost 50/50 but so many have said they said no but don’t care as long as they get them… so I’m suspecting it’s going to be an opt-in option. 🙂

      Reply
  16. Mari Tysar says

    December 20, 2017 at 10:26 am

    I chose opt in but honestly would still collect them in my email until it’s done then read them all at once like I usually do ? either way works for me!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:49 am

      WOOHOO! I’m excited about that!

      Reply
  17. Chrys says

    December 20, 2017 at 9:44 am

    I voted no because it has been working just fine the way it is but I will definitely do whatever it takes to continue. 🙂 Either way, it will be in my library when it is ready to be purchased all together! Thank you for all your hard work. I don’t have it in me to do what you do but am so glad you do!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:51 am

      I feel your pain. I do. I just feel bad for those who don’t read it. More stuff in their inbox means a greater chance they unsubscribe altogether. And while I don’t want anyone to be subscribed that doesn’t WANT the newsletter, if we can keep them with just that change, I figured I should ask and see if it’s a good idea.

      Reply
  18. Helen Carol Collett says

    December 20, 2017 at 9:33 am

    Keep things the way they are, please.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:52 am

      Technically, whichever way we go things will work the same. The emails will go to your email if you “opt in” by checking a box once. Otherwise, you wouldn’t get them. But I’m still undecided. So hard to know the best thing for everyone.

      Reply
  19. Lynn B says

    December 20, 2017 at 9:12 am

    Chautona, I love seeing weekly episodes in email. I do t always have time to visit your blog, or open my kindle app, and having it in email lets me keep up. You are up there with my favorite authors, so whatever you do I’ll still keep reading my “sister city author”

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:53 am

      Never fear! Even if we do an opt-in, it’s just a matter of checking a box once and then getting the emails as usual. BUT… those who DON’T want them each week won’t get them. 🙂

      Reply
  20. Rosetta Miles says

    December 20, 2017 at 9:08 am

    I voted no because I like it the way it is. I like getting the Cassie update each week. I’m horrible with change. I read them when they come and then put them in a special file so I can go back and read them all together when you’re done. Which ever works for you as long as I keep getting them. Thank You for your hard work.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:54 am

      Nothing would change, I promise. You’d just have to check a box once to ensure that nothing changed. 🙂 And, if you missed one, you could still email me for it. I often send out ones that someone’s spam filter ate or delete monster devoured. 🙂

      Reply
  21. Anonymous says

    December 20, 2017 at 8:47 am

    I love a chapter of VW coming every week, I’d like it to stay just how it is

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:54 am

      Either way, an email with the latest installment WILL arrive every week for those who want it. 😀

      Reply
  22. Lucinda Culp says

    December 20, 2017 at 8:33 am

    Whatever you decide to do, I’ll follow through with whatever I need to do to keep getting VW and any other serial novels you decide to write. For the record, I did vote for the opt in….

    Reply
    • Kirstyn Langley says

      December 20, 2017 at 12:02 pm

      I voted no on the opt in but like others, I’ll follow either way. 🙂 My only opinionated vote is not to stop doing serials altogether! I don’t love them all the same amount (Willow’s is hands down my favorite), but when I really enjoy one it’s delightful to have so MUCH to read, even if it takes awhile. Six volumes for one book is a huge treat. 😀

      Reply
      • Chautona Havig says

        December 21, 2017 at 2:45 am

        I do love the serials myself. Mostly, because I love that my readers are so invested. It’s cool! 😀

        Reply
  23. Arlene says

    December 20, 2017 at 7:48 am

    I like your serial novels. It fills in the space while waiting for your next novel.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:55 am

      YAY! Thank you! So glad to read that!

      Reply
  24. Marty Moore says

    December 20, 2017 at 7:42 am

    I’m in! That would be an easy way for you to get it out there and there wouldn’t be a ton to read each week. Win – win

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:56 am

      YAY! I just want to be sure everyone who wants it gets it… and those who don’t… well, they don’t!

      Reply
  25. Rebekah D. says

    December 20, 2017 at 7:33 am

    I’d be okay either way. I love Cassie, so it doesn’t matter. I’d read it either way. (And it doesn’t come out fast enough, by the way.) 😉

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 2:56 am

      THAT I agree with completely! LOL.

      Reply
  26. Wanda Myers says

    December 20, 2017 at 7:29 am

    I loved the other serial novels but this one, not so much. I think it is because of the email format plus the fact that it has taken so long to wait between installments. I am a “jump in and read it all now” kind of person. I would prefer to opt in or out as long as I still get your other emails. Love your books!!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      December 21, 2017 at 3:06 am

      I think that’s why I need to make this an opt-in. I hope you enjoy the novels later when they’re done. Be sure to let me know when you’d like to read all of January in one sitting. I’ll zip it to you. 🙂

      Reply

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The Because Fiction Podcast

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Episode 448: A Chat with Nancy Naigle
byChautona Havig

 I fell in love with Nancy’s writing with The Shell Collector. Imagine my joy when I discovered she has a SEQUEL! Eeep! Listen in and discover which characters you’ll find in To Light the Way Forward and what’s coming next for one of America’s favorite authors!

note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

It’s been three years since Nancy and I had a chance to talk, and in that time, she’s been BUSY.  So in addition to falling in love with her character, Tug, and wanting to give him his own story, she’s written a small-town duet (and maybe we talked her into a third?) as well as a romcom duo!  Think we can talk her into a third of that series as well?  Because… SPOILER ALERT… we’re getting a third Shell Collector Series book, too! EEEP!

To Light the Way Forward by Nancy Naigle

A novel of overcoming deep loss, taking risks, and learning that life—and love—often surprises you when you least expect it, from the USA Today bestselling author of The Shell Collector. “Bringing to life characters you can’t help but fall in love with, Nancy Naigle goes straight to the heart with this story of tragedy turned to triumph. A poignant reminder to never give up hope.”—Sheila Roberts, author of The Best Life Book Club Feeling adrift after the loss of her husband, Rosemary sets out to visit an old friend on Whelk’s Island, undeterred by the threat of a hurricane. Before the storm hits, she finds herself at Tug’s Diner where she quickly connects with the owner, Tug. But the storm destroys the diner, compounding Tug’s grief from losing his love the previous year. The longer Rosemary stays, the more she sees Tug’s deep sadness and resolves to help him. Together with Tug and friends Amanda and Paul, they all pitch in to help the close-knit community recover and rebuild. As Amanda and Paul reconnect after losing touch during the storm, their plans to take things slow seem increasingly impractical. While Rosemary and Tug help the young couple navigate their relationship, they also find themselves building a friendship that begins to restore them both. But can that friendship convince them that love is possible for anyone who’s willing to take a risk—even those who never hoped they’d find it again?

Learn more about Nancy on her WEBSITEand follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

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