I have to say how I feel about waiting on a book depends on how long I have to wait. 3 or 4 years? Somehow that doesn't bother me. I know it takes time, and I know sometimes other stories take precedence for whatever reason.
But I know of one author who is now in her...twelfth year between book 2 and the final book of a series. And that is just too long. I've given up going to her website and pretty much given up on the book itself. I'm not interested in reading any of her other series that she has put out because what if she does the same thing and just drops it for other books or whatever. Heck, if it ever does come out, and I reread the other books to prepare for it, I may find myself in a place where I'm no longer into that story. I know some life things got in the way, but she's written other books since then. Note the plural.
So, I think there's a balance: take a break if you need one, but don't leave your readers hanging. And if the publisher pulls the plug, let the readers know. If you've given up on the story, let your readers know.
And yes, I used to be frustrated about this particular book. Now? I don't even know if I'd bother to buy it. Probably would, but I'm to the point of whatever about it. (And since I've moved not once, but TWICE since waiting for this book, I'd probably have to buy at least one of the other books again because things get lost in the shuffle, which also will influence my decision if it ever comes out.) And you're right: if I had known it would be this long between those books, I would NOT have bought the first one until #3 at least had a pending publication date, which we still don't have (and I suspect we'll never have for whatever reason). And now I'm not buying her other books either. I just don't want to be left hanging like this again.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2009-05-15 10:22 am (UTC)But I know of one author who is now in her...twelfth year between book 2 and the final book of a series. And that is just too long. I've given up going to her website and pretty much given up on the book itself. I'm not interested in reading any of her other series that she has put out because what if she does the same thing and just drops it for other books or whatever. Heck, if it ever does come out, and I reread the other books to prepare for it, I may find myself in a place where I'm no longer into that story. I know some life things got in the way, but she's written other books since then. Note the plural.
So, I think there's a balance: take a break if you need one, but don't leave your readers hanging. And if the publisher pulls the plug, let the readers know. If you've given up on the story, let your readers know.
And yes, I used to be frustrated about this particular book. Now? I don't even know if I'd bother to buy it. Probably would, but I'm to the point of whatever about it. (And since I've moved not once, but TWICE since waiting for this book, I'd probably have to buy at least one of the other books again because things get lost in the shuffle, which also will influence my decision if it ever comes out.) And you're right: if I had known it would be this long between those books, I would NOT have bought the first one until #3 at least had a pending publication date, which we still don't have (and I suspect we'll never have for whatever reason). And now I'm not buying her other books either. I just don't want to be left hanging like this again.