Making a ‘to do’ list…
November 18, 2010 at 5:00 am 16 comments
…for the series I want to complete.
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I’m great at starting series, and then not keeping up with them. In the world of all the bright and shiny books around me, I tend to start a series like gangbusters, and then move onto another series, starting that one. Then, the cycle starts all over again.
Well, this month, I was really pleased with myself for FINALLY making progress on not 1, but 3 series I’ve been meaning to get current with. I enjoy all of them, and there was no good reason why I’d fallen behind.
Earlier this year, Tracy did a “Finish the Series Project”, where she caught up on series books. Her FTSP has inspired me. So, as a challenge to myself, I want to choose at least 1 series a month that I will focus on. These are series where I’m not just behind on the current release, but have fallen behind on multiple installments. (If I’d included those single book series, the list would be completely overwhelming!)
Here’s the list:
CE Murphy’s The Walker Papers series: Walking Dead (book 4) and Demon Hunts (book 5)
I find that this series, with Joanne’s mystical trips to the astral planes work best for me in audiobook, and, with the influx of so many series now in audio format, the Walker Papers have been sadly neglected.
Meljean Brook’s The Guardian series: Books 2 thru 8.
I’ve only read Demon Angel (book 1) which I LOVED, so basically, I need to read the other 8 (depending if you count novellas). I have 2 on my shelf and 1 of the anthologies. What am I waiting for? No idea.
Rachel Caine’s Morganville Vampires series: Books 7 through 9.
Rachel Caine puts out a new book about every 6 months, so it’s easy to fall behind. However, they’re also quick reads, so it’s easy to catch up with Claire and the gang.
Samantha Kane’s Brothers in Arms series: Books 4 through 7.
This is such a ‘no excuses’ oversight, since I have the next one on my nook, ready to go! I have to be in the mood to read a menage romance, but when I am, Sam Kane hits all the right spots, and I never fail to believe in her books’ HEAs.
Lorelei James’ Rough Riders series: Books 2 through 10.
I was so glad I’d finally read Long, Hard Ride. It totally lived up the the buzz around blogland. I bought Rode Hard, Put Up Wet, and (again) there it sits on my nook, waiting to be read.
Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ Chicago Stars series: Books 1 through 5.
One of my favorite contemporary romance authors, and one of my favorite contemporary romances (Natural Born Charmer), yet I haven’t read them all. Even more surprising, as compulsive as I am about series, I haven’t read them in order
Tanya Huff’s Confederation series: Books 3 through 5.
I’m not a big space opera reader, but this series is so much fun. It often reminds me of Star Trek. I love heroine Torin Kerr, and the diverse humans and aliens with whom she comes into contact. The cherry on top is that the audiobooks are narrated by the awesome Marguerite Gavin.
Phil Rickman’s Merrily Watkins series: Books 3 through 10.
This mystery series is such a unique kettle of fish. Part mystery, part psychological thriller with supernatural overtones. Merrily is a single mother and an Anglican priest, assigned to a rural parish. I loved the 1st 2 books, which I listened to in audio, and need to get back to it!
Phew! That is a pretty daunting list,and probably not complete. I’m sure I’ll think of more in the coming days. However, this list is good enough to be going on with. It seems to me that rather than reading a book from this series, then another book from that series, I might feel more accomplished if I just do some mini-gloms. One month can be “Month of Meljean (Brook)”, another can be “Month of the Rough Riders”.
If I feel really ambitious (and work actually slows down in January) I may make this a more formal challenge for myself. But, for now, I think I’ll just keep it as a ‘to do’ list.
Do you have any series you’ve fallen behind on? Which ones?
Entry filed under: 2010 Book Challenges, Ramblings. Tags: .
1.
Erotic Horizon | November 18, 2010 at 5:33 am
**Hangs head in shame***
I know that person you just describes – she looks an aweful lot like me…
I may need to pull my socks up and do one of these challenges as well..
Keeping my fingers cross for you that the shinies don’t pull you away from your goal…
Happy reading hon…
E.H>
2.
Renee | November 18, 2010 at 9:15 am
So I’m not the only one? *wipes brow*
Thanks, EH, I think for me, a big part of accomplishing it is articulating it and making a list.
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4.
Hilcia | November 18, 2010 at 6:51 am
Oh, I try not to fall behind but that’s impossible with the amount of books we ALL read. At least that’s the way I rationalize it. LOL!
I’m behind on Nalini Singh’s Archangel series by 2 books, I only read the first one Archangel’s Kiss and the novella, Angel’s Pawn. Also behind on WVMP by Jery Smith Ready; Carolyn Crane’s UF series; and Lorelei James Rough Riders. I could go on… but I don’t think you really want me to, lol!
I hope you enjoy Meljean Brook’s Guardian series! I’m up on that one and SEPs Chicago Stars series. I’ve read them all EXCEPT Natural Born Charmer which I still have on my TBR.
5.
Renee | November 18, 2010 at 9:19 am
Oh, WVMP! I have book 2 sitting on my tbr, too!
I just finished CC’s Double Cross. SO good, but now I’m dying for book 3.
I think I going to choose 1 series for December and catch up. The hard part is which one…
6.
Chris | November 18, 2010 at 7:00 am
I’m far more likely to get tired of trying to keep up with a series and just drop it…
7.
Renee | November 18, 2010 at 9:20 am
I’ve done that with a few, but sort of feel like maybe I need to go back and revisit if I dropped them on purpose (like Merry Gentry) or just wandered away.
8.
Leslie | November 18, 2010 at 9:07 am
Going over my own list in my head is overwhelming! So many I’ve fallen behind on. I really need to quit starting new series and catch up with the ones I’ve already got going. And I don’t even want to think about all the series on the tbr pile that I haven’t even started yet. Yikes!
9.
Renee | November 18, 2010 at 9:29 am
Yes! Last year, I was pretty good at not starting a new series with a backlist until I’d finished one I was currently reading. I’d use the prospect of the new, shiny series as extra incentive to finish. This year, however, I’ve forgotten to do this. Hence, the scary list.
Oh, man, the tbr pile is a whole other big thing, isn’t it?
10.
Skye | November 18, 2010 at 9:48 pm
Wow, that’s an impressive list. Good luck with your catch up goal. On your recommendation of Natural Born Charmer, I quickly devoured SEP’s books, all in audio book format. In the process I became a huge fan of Anna Fields (the narrator for most of SEP’s books). Sadly, I’ve now nearly listened to all of the books she ever recorded and will forever miss her voice. This is my roundabout way of saying thanks for making a point to mention which books are available in audio format. Being always on the move, without this format, I wouldn’t get much “reading” done. I can’t wait to check out Huff’s series. I also adore Marguerite Gavin’s narration talents. She brings so much to Kim Harrison’s books.
11.
Renee | November 18, 2010 at 10:45 pm
Thanks! I’m so happy to hear how much you enjoy Anna Fields and SEP. Anna Fields was SO talented, and as much as I enjoy her narrations, I always listen to them with a little sadness.
Yay! Another audiophile!
The audiobooks definitely double (or more) the amount of books I can get to.
I so closely associate Marguerite Gavin with Rachel, that at the beginning of the first (Huff) Confederation book, I kept thinking, “Rachel in space!” However, I quickly got past it. It’s a really good series, and she does a great job. MG also does the Kitty Norville series, too, apparently.
12.
LesleyW | November 21, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Very inspired this is going to be the basis of my reading challenge for 2011. Some of the series I’m currently behind on:-
J.R.Ward – Black Dagger Brotherhood
Rachel Caine – Weather Warden
Kelley Armstrong – Otherworld
Jim Butcher – Harry Dresden
Nalini Singh – Psy/Changeling
Lindsey Davis – Falco
S.L.Viehl – Stardoc
Lynn Viehl – Kyndred
I could go on and on, but I think you probably get the idea.
13.
Renee | November 23, 2010 at 5:51 pm
Very cool!
You have some good reading there! And, a couple (the Viehls) that I need to ck out. I have a couple of Falcos on my tbr, but not the 1st one.
14.
orannia | November 21, 2010 at 5:24 pm
Me too! *hangs head* There are just so many pretties…
I’m behind on the Psy-Changeling series..and Nalini is one of my favourite authors! I have borrowed Bonds of Justice from the library, but…the lack of Changeling main protagonists…
And I have to read Walking Dead (book 4) and Demon Hunts (book 5) of the Walker Papers too!
15.
Renee | November 23, 2010 at 5:53 pm
Yeah, there are!
Yup, I’m w/ you about the PsyChangeling series. Just got PoP from the library, today!
I think catching up with the Walker Papers may be the first one I get to.
16.
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