On the joys of rereading
I've been re-reading Lauren Willig's Pink Carnation books, although not entirely in order. I re-read the fourth novel (um, about four times in rapid repetition, because I love Vaughn and Mary), then the second (once), then the third (twice, in back-to-back readings), and now I'm back to the first one.
It's funny, because I know lots of folks who cannot fathom how or why I reread books at all. And I have to say "right back atcha", because I find so many more layers and connections during rereading, particularly when a series is involved, in part because I can slow down a bit once I know the outcome, and take more time paying attention to detail, and in part because knowing what happens down the line (sometimes several books down the line) helps me to appreciate the small signposts hidden along the way (as they invariably are). I suppose that my fondness for looking for layers and connections at least partially explains why I've read Lord of the Rings more than 20 times, or Harry Potter at least a dozen times (although actual tallies per book vary - I've read HP1 at least 15 times, HP2 & 3 at least 12 times, HP4 about 10 times, HP5 about 8 times, HP 6 I've read thrice and, to date, I've only read HP7 twice), and the Twilight series (including the unfinished Midnight Sun manuscript) a handful of times as well.
Back to the topic of re-reading the Pink Carnation books: It's actually very good fun this way, since I'm not sweating the outcome, but can pay closer attention to the details and the writing. Also, since I've seen how some of the characters develop in later books, it's interesting to go back and find places where she planted information along the way that didn't come into play until much later in the series - sometimes several books down the road.
Mind you, I'm not positive I'll ever write a series, but it sure is interesting following how she's put it together. Also? The fifth book in the series, which I've read exactly once, still includes a story from 1803. And the first book (which I've just restarted) makes clear that the Pink Carnation was busy as a spy from 1803 until 1814. So, um, I'm wondering whether Willig is planning on writing 50 or more of these novels. And, if so, how one would accomplish such a thing.
Another thing I've been appreciating are the historical notes at the ends of each book, all of which let you know what bits are drawn from reality and fessing up to any bits that are anachronistic. Plus, sometimes Willig dispenses excellent writing advice in those notes, whether she means to or not. Take, for instance, this quote from the back of The Deception of the Emerald Ring (book 3 in the series), which discusses the Irish rebellion of 1803:
Truth can be very convenient for fiction.
Plus, this time I'm reading my very own paperback copies of the novels. Which have the added benefit of containing Q&As at the back (it's not until book 4 that actual reader questions appear - prior to that, it's Willig crafting her own discussions).
It's funny, because I know lots of folks who cannot fathom how or why I reread books at all. And I have to say "right back atcha", because I find so many more layers and connections during rereading, particularly when a series is involved, in part because I can slow down a bit once I know the outcome, and take more time paying attention to detail, and in part because knowing what happens down the line (sometimes several books down the line) helps me to appreciate the small signposts hidden along the way (as they invariably are). I suppose that my fondness for looking for layers and connections at least partially explains why I've read Lord of the Rings more than 20 times, or Harry Potter at least a dozen times (although actual tallies per book vary - I've read HP1 at least 15 times, HP2 & 3 at least 12 times, HP4 about 10 times, HP5 about 8 times, HP 6 I've read thrice and, to date, I've only read HP7 twice), and the Twilight series (including the unfinished Midnight Sun manuscript) a handful of times as well.
Back to the topic of re-reading the Pink Carnation books: It's actually very good fun this way, since I'm not sweating the outcome, but can pay closer attention to the details and the writing. Also, since I've seen how some of the characters develop in later books, it's interesting to go back and find places where she planted information along the way that didn't come into play until much later in the series - sometimes several books down the road.
Mind you, I'm not positive I'll ever write a series, but it sure is interesting following how she's put it together. Also? The fifth book in the series, which I've read exactly once, still includes a story from 1803. And the first book (which I've just restarted) makes clear that the Pink Carnation was busy as a spy from 1803 until 1814. So, um, I'm wondering whether Willig is planning on writing 50 or more of these novels. And, if so, how one would accomplish such a thing.
Another thing I've been appreciating are the historical notes at the ends of each book, all of which let you know what bits are drawn from reality and fessing up to any bits that are anachronistic. Plus, sometimes Willig dispenses excellent writing advice in those notes, whether she means to or not. Take, for instance, this quote from the back of The Deception of the Emerald Ring (book 3 in the series), which discusses the Irish rebellion of 1803:
Truth can be very convenient for fiction.
Plus, this time I'm reading my very own paperback copies of the novels. Which have the added benefit of containing Q&As at the back (it's not until book 4 that actual reader questions appear - prior to that, it's Willig crafting her own discussions).