Actually, given the fact I’m currently writing a serial (a book released in episodes over a regular schedule until the full book is available), I hope no one ever hates one! But I do understand the thought, because if done well, the serial will be the exact type of book that you both love and hate!

My current serial, Ex on the Beach, is hopefully living up to this standard. It has currently released the first three episodes (with the fourth due out on 3/12), and I’m certainly getting enough comments of frustration in wanting more at the end of each episode that I have to believe it’s doing its job pretty well! J I hope so!

And what is its job? Simple. To leave you hanging! Of course, it needs to be a good story, too, but that goes without saying. All books should be good stories. So yeah, it’s one main purpose is to leave you hanging.

I know. It sounds mean. But that’s the whole point. We want you to WANT to come back and read the rest of the book. So the goal of the serial is to leave each episode on a cliff hanger, making the reader want desperately to turn the page, only they can’t. Frustration. Heavy sigh. Evil little laugh from the author ;)

I’ll be the first to admit, this type of reading isn’t for everyone. And NO WAY would I want to do it for all books. I need instant gratification too much. But for the occasional book, I’m finding out it’s a very fun way to read. You get about 30 minutes worth of book, you end desperately wanting more, and then your anticipation gets to build until the next episode releases.

And they’re cheap! Kindle serials are only $1.99. The purchase gets you all currently released episodes of the serial, with all remaining episodes being delivered to your Kindle or Kindle app for free. You’ll also get an email when it’s delivered, letting you know it’s there! Just open the book back up, and start reading right where you left off.

Currently, EX is releasing one episode every two weeks, with an estimated ten episodes for the final book. And the real kicker is, I’m still writing it!!! Yep. It’s releasing as I’m writing it. Scary. And also a little exciting. But mostly scary.

So ok…that’s a brief chat about serials, but I mostly want to tell your readers today about a really great contest I have going with two other romance serial authors.

Cheryl Bolen, Patrice Wilton, and I are giving away a Kindle Fire HD on April 1^st to one lucky entrant. The way to enter is to go to one of our contest pages and answer a simple question about our serial. Want to enter three times? Go to all three contest pages and answer all three questions.

We’re also giving away Amazon gift cards along the way, so be sure to check out our contest pages for full details!

Kim’s contest page: http://www.kimlaw.com/contest/

Ex on the Beach: Andie Shayne is getting ready to host the wedding of the summer at her resort on Turtle Island. As the guests arrive she’s taken aback to learn that her ex--who left her at the altar--is the best man. What he did was unforgiveable, and now he’s back with an agenda for her affection.

Cheryl’s contest page: http://www.cherylbolen.com/contests.htm

Falling for Frederick: Laden with mystery and suspense, Falling for Frederick is a fast-paced romance that takes place in contemporary England. Aided by the lord of the manor, a lovely doctoral student seeks a priceless medieval artifact – just a step ahead of those who've already murdered to get it.

Patrice’s contest page: http://patricewilton.com/contest

A Hero Lies Within: Old secrets linger and two reunited lovers are faced with more deception and mistrust. Can their love survive a second time around? Jake Harrington left her once when her life was falling apart, and now he’s back, and so are all the emotions she fought hard to expel. Can she forget his bitter betrayal, and will he forgive hers when to save her career she must betray his trust?

And now…what questions do your readers have about serials? Have they ever tried one? I hope they’ll consider giving ours a try!

Thanks FranJessca, for having me on today, and helping us get the word out about our contest!