Deja Vu Reader
Arnaude Kubiak
However, series can share more than one element. Those with a Shared Character usually also share a Setting, and those with a Shared Story Arc usually share Characters and Settings as well. So the dividing lines between types may be trickier than we assume.
If our series experiences that Shared Story Arc growing in importance, we should also tweak our marketing. For example, we should make it clear in our book description/back-cover blurb that while the remainder of the series is standalone and can be read in any order, for the last book(s), readers should first read the rest of the series to get the most out of the story.
For example, in a romance series, the couple of book one may make an appearance in book two, as friends or family of the new couple. Obviously, readers will know those characters ended up together at the end of the previous book, but any references to events of that earlier book could focus on all the obstacles the couple ran into along the way, which would be more likely to intrigue readers with a desire to learn how they managed to work things out. (See Tip #3 in this post for more advice and examples on this balancing act.)
However, we can condense explanations or descriptions for common elements if the element is less important in this book than it was previously in the series. In that case, we should describe or explain the setting or story world only to the point necessary for understanding this story.
In other words, we should at least find different words/phrases to share repeated information. In addition, we can try to use other characters or simple condensing to vary how we present the information.
Anytime I think of this subject, I remember that danged old otter bag from Clan of the Cave Bear, et al. We followed that bag through a lot of harrowing stuff, but it always reappeared the worse for wear in the next book. I think she even made a new one in a later book. I bet it looked just like the first one, lol!
Friday Flashback Reviews are a weekly feature here on The Introverted Reader. These are old reviews I wrote on GoodReads. Thanks to Angieville and her Retro Friday Reviews for the inspiration and encouragement!
I'm a voracious reader from North Carolina currently traveling the United States with my husband and reviewing books as the mood strikes. I'll read almost anything--contemporary fiction, the classics, fantasy, historical fiction, horror, adult, young adult, middle grade... If it looks like an interesting story, I'm game!
My friend Jessica Zellers offers editing services of all kinds, indexing, and coaching for writers. She is a wonderful human being, a published author, and fantastic at her job. Please consider reaching out to her at bluemanuscript.com if you have any manuscript needs. I highly, highly recommend her!
We have space for new readers and services on the divination roster at Dj Vu Esoterica. Our gorgeous reading room is an ideal place to read for clients! We are seeking only very well experienced spiritual advisors to provide services to our lovely customers, and we are looking for folks with a sensitive, understanding, collaborative reading style that engages the querent. We care just as much about the questions as we do the answers here at Dj Vu.
The kind of people we are seeking are skilled and compassionate individuals. They are adept in their areas of specialty, as well as professional in their presentation and speech. They are practitioners who specialize in one of many areas of divination or symbolic interpretation, such as Tarot, Lenormand, astrology, palmistry, aura readings, dream interpretation, etc. They are deeply kind, punctual, knowledgeable about a large number of topics, and they are moral people. All who read at Dj Vu must agree to our code of ethics.
We will work together to promote whatever openings you have in the weeks and days leading up to each reservation as to minimize unbooked time. We will also be serving paid promotions of your services specifically to downtown dwellers, local witches, and visitors to our city who are looking for an unforgettable experience while visiting our magickal city.
If you're interested in providing services at Dj Vu Esoterica please reach out via our contact page and introduce yourself, give a little background about your education and qualifications (including how many years you've been studying and who you learned from). Please let us know what kinds of services you'd like to offer, including prices. Please include your social media handles, information about your newsletter, or any other applicable promotional tools that you use to keep connected with your clientele. We are currently only seeking out providers who have already established themselves a presence online and have been reading for the public for at least three years. Readers must have a booking link active and handle all payment processing on their end.
You wondered if not for his weakness, if Elijah would of ever told you about her at all, maybe not in the detail of showing you how it felt when the two of them kissed, or the warmth of her dark, bronzen skin pressed against his own paleness, but rather would he of told you of his love for her; and the strength of his attraction for her heart and soul rather than just her body.
Elijah and Hayley and their closeness had occupied the back of your mind from time to time in moments when you were insecure, the idea that Elijah could have more motives than his niece keeping him drawn to her had plagued the weaker part of you for a while. But you knew that Hayley was your friend, and above that Elijah was your boyfriend who had found you first in Mystic Falls, Virginia and taken you with him wherever he intended to go from there.
Which was how you foundyourself covered with blood that was not your own as you stepped through thedoor of your home. You tossed your relatively clean jacket in the direction ofthe couch, not checking to see if you hit the target or not. Pulling up yourfavorite playlist, you put your phone in the dock that would send the musicthroughout your entire home and cranked the volume.
Request: Imagine being in a relationship with Elijah for decades, waiting for him to pop the question. But one day with some inspiration from Klaus you decided to take the matter into your own hands and propose to him. (by @emilyshurley)
Five minutes went by, your mind and heart racing. Ten minutes went by. Twelve. Klaus was getting impatient. Fifteen. Your heart was still frantic. Sixteen. Klaus shifted, turning to you and opened his mouth.
Finally, on a Saturday evening, it was time. Elijah and you had plans to see a show, one you knew Elijah adored and was excited to introduce you to. Elijah was dressed impeccably, of course. You wore a beautiful dress that complimented your eyes and hair, one you bought specifically for this occasion.
You leaned in and kissed him again. He pulled you onto his lap as the car pulled away from the curb. His hands held your hips as you kissed and just as you sensed the moment was going to be taken one step further, you pulled back.
You laughed into his mouth before you once again pulled away. Elijah decided to try to persuade you into seeing why his plan was oh so better by moving his lips to your neck. You closed your eyes and humoured him for a moment, grinning as you thought about having this exact same situation while you could call each other husband and wife.
The car pulled up to an old brick building. When the two of you got out, Elijah narrowed his eyes at it. He looked it up and down before opening his mouth and taking a breath. He thought for a moment, then let the breath out and closed his mouth. You smiled at the adorable frown on his face, watching as he tried to figure out what was going on.
Elijah followed you through the grand wooden doors and through a crumbling small hallway. He was accessing every bit of the building and his eyes narrowed at the eroding brick archway you were heading towards.
The arch led into a courtyard. It was overgrown and wild. Flowers intertwined and climbed up the old stone building. There was a fountain on one side, beautiful and serene (and a pain in the ass to get working again). It was a natural and hidden utopian hideaway from the busy city outside and it was breathtaking.
Eager for answers, or just really enjoying his dessert, Elijah cleaned his plate in record time. He looked expectantly at you. You smirked around your fork. You still had a third of yours left. Slowly, you continued to eat, drawing it out and pausing to wash it down with wine. He waited, watching every bite and shaking his head at your teasing.
There was a moments pause. You produced a small velvet pouch from your purse. Elijah eyed it with curiosity for a moment. You stroked it and looked lovingly at it for a second before speaking. The butterflies were back.
Elijah stood suddenly. You jumped up, eyes darting to see the ring still in his hand. He walked closer to you, standing so you almost touched. He lifted your hand and as you held your breath, he slid the ring on your finger.
The vermin gestured to the tablebeside him where one of your favorite teacups rested. Dark red blood filled thecup, some spilling over onto the saucer beneath. The fool actually reached forthe it then, prepared to sample that which was not freely given.
You texted or emailed theinvitations and one by one the responses came in. For once, everyone could gettogether on the same day. You spent weeks planning the menu and two dayspreparing what you could ahead.
You were a little disappointedbut two less people would hardly put a dent in your numbers. You took theirplace settings from the table and put everything away. But as the afternoonwent on, the guestlist whittled away and the table grew emptier. Eventually,you took the extension out and made the table smaller.