Teaser Tuesday: Whither Pink?
Now that I’m (momentarily) home from book tour, this seemed like a good time to unveil my Grand Plan for the rest of the series.
As many of you know, the initial plan for the next book, Pink X, involved Tommy Fluellen (Robert’s best friend from The Temptation of the Night Jasmine
I hate it when characters are right.
Not only did Miss Gwen’s book follow logically in the series, it also forced me to take a step back and think hard about the future of the series as a whole. Miss Gwen’s book leads very logically into Jane’s book– and, as we all know, Jane’s book will be the Official End of the Series.
There are, of course, ways to push off the Official End of the Series, interesting by-ways one could take, Napoleonic officials to torment, side characters to play with (and, hey, let’s not forget that proto-railroad!), but, in doing so, I would be doing both the series and all of you a disservice. It would be a case of delaying to delay– and I would never want to risk Pink becoming one of those series that meanders on and on without ever coming to a satisfying resolution (like the 90’s TV remake of Dark Shadows; I’m still bitter about that).
The bottom line? The time has come to tie the various plot threads together. There will be two more Official Pink Books: Pink X, which is Miss Gwen’s book, and Pink XI, which is Jane’s book.
That doesn’t mean that I’ll be leaving Pink Land behind forever. I very much hope to write a Christmas novel about Sally Fitzhugh (because if Turnip has one, Sally has to have one, too!), and I harbor vague schemes of writing a mystery novel starring Eloise and Colin. I’m also not ruling out the possibility of side novels about side characters (Tommy Fluellen and Kat Reid, I’m looking at you!). And, of course, there will be more little novellas and bonus chapters, like Ivy & Intrigue and Bunny & Biscuits.
As always, my plans tend to change on me, so take this all with a grain of salt– but right now, the plan is for the Pink Carnation series to come to a Thrilling Conclusion sometime in 2014 with Pink XI.
In the meantime, though, stay tuned for plenty of Pink!
Yes to a Colin and Eloise book!
And to a book about someone named Kat.
Yes Yes yes!!!!!
Please, please, PLEASE give Colin and Eloise their own happy ending!
Hate to contemplate any end to the series because it has given me so much enjoyment but glad to at least have a few more books to look forward to!
I will be sad to see the series come to an official end but I am so excited about stories for Miss Gwen and Jane! Yay!
Sad to hear about the wrapping it up part, but I understand!! Hopefully all of the side stories will give me something to look forward to!!
I’m with the group on a book about Coli and Eloise. I love the historical apsects of the books but I enjoy Colin and Eloise just as much.
I have loved the Pink books from the beginning so while ending the series makes sense-I am sad to hear it. I would love to read Tommy and Kat’s story-and I would rather read that than Miss Gwen’s by far! I cannot wait to hear what kind of adventure concludes with Jane herself falling in love.
I was so sad to miss your tea with Tasha Alexander, I hope to catch one of your upcoming Chicago suburban signings!
I am sad that the series will end soon but we have so much to look forward to with Gwen & Jane’s turn. And, the idea of Eloise & Colin as a mystery sounds great and now I can’t wait to read that! Lauren, you deserve to explore other writing opportunities. You’ve given your readers so much of yourself and we love you and know you will bless us many more years with whatever you write. 🙂
I think the idea of a mystery novel starring Colin and Eloise is awesome! I can’t wait to read Jane’s book, because I love Jane and really want to see the world from her perspective for a little while.
While it saddens me to even consider an ending, I’d like to sincerely thank you for having a plan for this amazing series. I have been left hanging so many times by so many writers.
And don’t forget the Eloise and Colin wedding novella that you have practically promised me! I know you are an honorable person and will not fail to make good on your sacred pledge! 😉
I too will be sad to see the series end, but I have no doubt you will continue to write wonderful charming books that we will all love to read not matter what the subject and characters. Talent like yours can’t be stopped.
Will the Uppingtons ever get their own side story? I’ve been looking forward to that possibility for years!
While I hate the idea of the series ending, may I be rude and say please, please, please. Give closure to the Colin/Eloise plot when you end the series???
I read the books more for their snippets first and think of the pink as the subplot and I want to know how modern day romance resolves as much as what happens to Jane.
Pretty please? With a marzipan pig on top?
PS: I’ll still read whatever you write no matter what you do. :-p
Kayse, at one point I wanted to go back and do a prequel series about Lord and Lady Uppington in the 1770s…. I don’t know if that will happen, but it’s still a possibility!
Well, if there’s a marzipan pig involved…. : )
We can always hope that a character will hit her on the head before the Jane book is completed, so we can get an additional Pink book or two out before Jane’s is written. LOL My humble opinion is that Jane isn’t ready for her book yet. Thanks for giving me such wonderful reading material.
Okay, so…. Like all the other Willig-Maniacs here, I’m pretty sure I’ll cry at the end of Jane’s story, no matter what happens to her and to Colin and Eloise. That’a fact.
Now, I wanted to say that I’m going to read whatever you’re going to write after that. And before that. Pink and non Pink. But know that I’ll always keep the Pinks close to my heart! Very close!
Thank you for sharing your plans. I love that your characters are so alive that they give you their agenda. I will be a fellow reader of yours in whatever you decide to write. I am looking forward to both books. Thank you.
I think it is smart to close the series, but then we can all look forward to your new books!
I love Pink and I’ve been eager for Miss Gwen AND of course, Jane’s books. So I am happy to see that their books are on the horizon.
…Even if 2014 still seems FOREVER away.
Poor Tommy and Kat ! I do hope you ‘ll find a way to get them out of limbo…I am also looking forward to reading everything you write, but if your characters don’t have a happy ending, you may be facing Reader Rebellion.
As much as I love Miss Gwen, I was really hoping poor Tommy Fluellen would get his own happy ending…he’s my favorite side character by far. Oh well, he seems destined to be forever jilted 😉
I will be sad to read the last of the Pink Carnation series but look forward to reading anything you write!
Please give Eloise and Colin their own happy ending!!!!
I love your books and I’ll read whatever you write, but I will miss the Pink series. I’ve really enjoyed them. Sometimes I’ll just re-read them for fun when I’m in between books. I must have read Emerald ten times by now. I am not a fan of Ms. Gwen’s so I’ll be interested to see how you make her likable. 🙂
This is truly sad news indeed, but then again I’ve been absolutely spoiled by your great Pink series these last few years. Pink XI does seem like the logical end and kudos to you, Lauren, for doing right by your fantastic characters. I can’t wait to read the rest of the novels, novellas and stories.
I have loved the Pink series!! They are wonderful!!! I do love the idea of a book for Sally. She is such a fun character and will have a lot to say. 🙂
Thank you Lauren. I have to admit I am so happy with this news. As much as I don’t want it to end, I totally agree with your assessment. While it is fun for all the side characters to have stories…there is a point where it gets to be too much. I am so excited to have Miss Gwen’s story and to finally see Jane hook up with Moonflower (my guess of course) .
p.s….and of course count me in on the Uppington prequel.
1) I’m burning with curiosity over Miss Gwen’s romance. Who will conquer her and will she even allow herself to be conquered??
2)I like the idea of a smart, sophisticated mystery starring Eloise and Colin. (perhaps involving the mysterious buried treasure?)
3) I’ve also considered Jane Wooliston to be all but “untouchable” but I’m also confident in your boundless creativity, Lauren!
Although I will also lament the passing of “Pink” I will continue to follow your future literary pursuits like a puppy dog, no matter where they take us.
I totally understand the reasoning but I can say this just made for a bad day!
Just because the “official series” will end doesn’t mean no more Pink books. (There’s so much to go back and fill in!) I just didn’t want the series left hanging… since that always drives everyone nuts!
I have enjoyed “The Pinks” so very much, thanks.
I think a dozen or so Eloise/Colin mysteries is a bloody brilliant idea. They could get into trouble all over the map.
Jane and Moonflower? Very interesting!
Is there some way Tommy Fluellen could assist Miss Gwen in her adventure?
Thank you for all you and the residents of the Pink world have done for us! Your writing is a breath of fresh air and enjoyable in so many ways. I’m looking forward to everything to come!
I’m sort of sad to hear that there will only be two more official books in the series, but any book is a good book! 🙂
Ah well, “all good things”… You’ve given us a wonderful ride Lauren and I’ve loved the series. I’m holding out hope for Tommy though, the Welsh can be a stubborn lot and as said in the song “Men Of Harlech”… “Welshmen shall not yield!”. I’m fairly certain he’ll get his book at some point. Though I’m sad to see the series come to an end, there are 10 more years of Napoleonic Intrigue left and maybe some other flower will come later on to pick up the cause for Jolly ole’ England!
Kevin
Like so many others who have commented, I hate to see a great thing end, but you’re right to stop when you feel it’s right. I can’t wait for the next two Pinks, and for whatever else comes over your horizon!
Sounds perfect! Plus, think of all the other stories that are non-Pink we need you to tell.
Bittersweet. I’m very excited that Jane will have a book, but I’m also sad that the series will end.
I’m so happy to hear that Miss Gwen and Jane will finally get their own books. I’ve been looking forward to their stories ever since I first read Pink I. It’s sad that the series will be ending soon, but I get your reasoning. It’s better to wrap up all the plot threads than to have the series meander around with no conclusion.
I am shocked I thought you would keep writing pink for a long time. I am disappointed Tommy doesn’t get his own book. I thought Jane would have many years of being the pink Carnation and not just one or two.
that being said I am not sure how I feel about Colin and Eloise. I never thought those two belonged together for the long haul. Colin is too sensitive and Eloise is too self-centered. Plus a bi-continental relationship is always hard. Its hard to picture an HEA for them.
I’ll be sorry to see this series end, as fun as it’s been, but can’t wait for Miss Gwen’s and Jane’s stories!! And please do write a story for Tommy and Kat and a happy ending for Colin and Eloise!!
So, if I understand correctly, Lauren, you could be writing more Pink books, but which will take place before Jane’s story? Great, great great (imagine me bouncing off walls! :D)
As you know, I’ve bounced around chronologically before (ahem, “Mistletoe”, ahem), so I’m not ruling out that possibility. Kat and Tommy’s story takes place, chronologically, just around the same time as Miss Gwen’s… so I might go back and fill in their bit later, a la “Mistletoe”.
I started chanting “Eloise and Colin!” in my head when I read that little blip about the possibility of their own mystery novel. Please do!
Thank you so much for being so open and honest with your readers, Lauren. It is much appreciated! I’m glad that we can expect a few more books, as well as closure, for the series. As much as I love the Pink series (there will be rereads galore), I can’t wait to see what else you will create by branching out in other areas! I’m with you for the long haul! 🙂
Only two more books? Well, I can’t help but be disappointed. I do love the entire series, especially the Christmas ones. (Turnip seems to strike a chord.) 🙂
I still remember reading the first book in a hospital waiting room while my father was in surgery. The whole waiting room must have thought I was insane because I kept laughing and smiling while I was reading.
But, cheers to a book for Miss Gwen! I can’t wait.
Chad
P.S. Oh, and I’m with you on the 90’s remake of “Dark Shadows.” I mean, really…really?
1) It seems I’m in the minority in burning with curiosity over Miss Gwen’s romance. Now Lauren, you must consult your readership with a contest to name this book!
2) I LOVE the idea of a smart and sophisticated mystery starring Eloise and Colin. (one that could possibly work in the alleged buried treasure on the grounds of Selwick Hall?)
3) Although I lament the loss of the “Pink” series, I’ll be following your literary pursuits around like a little puppy dog. You can count on it.
Keep writting and I will keep reading 🙂 love your series! You have a wonderful style and wit which I particularly appreciate as someone who has lived in both the US and UK. Can’t wait to see where your imagination leads.
Adding my voice to the “please-o-please-o-please give Eloise and Colin a happy ending” chorus. 🙂
So sad! But I’m so glad for all the wonderful novels you’ve given us. And pleaaasseee try to give Tommy and Kat a novel too!
I’m not surprised by this news – it makes perfect sense to have Jane’s story follow Miss Gwen’s. Can’t wait to see the world through Jane’s eyes (and desperately curious to see who she ends up with!). The prospect of side-Pink books makes me happy – esp the Uppingtons! Fabulous!
Of course, I am saddened to hear that the end of the Pink series is nigh, but that is tempered by the excitement I feel at the prospect of you being able to try your hand at something different! I know how important it is as a writer to have new challenges and new worlds to create and you have more than earned that opportunity. You have a large and devoted fanbase who will follow you anywhere!
It is definitely fitting that the Pink series ends where it began with Jane and I look forward to seeing her meet and fall in love with the gentleman (or rogue, I’m flexible) who is worthy of our Pink Carnation!
Thanks for sharing your plans with us, Lauren!
Another comment on Miss Jane Wooliston:
In The Garden Intrigue you have made her all but untouchable. I’m dying to read how you bring all of your creative powers to bear in bringing Miss Jane a beau! Even Emma Delgardie declared her “not that type of lady.” Who can possibly deserve to capture this magnificent woman’s heart? Wow, my imagination is running amuck!
While I am sad to think about the Pink books coming to an end, I look forward to reading some of your other books (like the Kenya one). As long as you write really fun books, I will continue to read them, be a fan, and tell others to read them as well (as I did just yesterday).
Your comment, #31, certainly made my day ! You said on FB that you have the best readers. Your genorousity is the reason why.
So sad. I felt that the stories were still fresh and there was plenty more scope for additional Pinks. That said, I’m not worried that things will be wrapped up very satisfactorily in the remaining 2 volumes.
(I barely remember the Dark Shadows remake. OTH, I very clearly remember the original. I watched it every day after school (along w/ roller derby). It terrified me so much; it’s amazing that I ever got a decent night’s sleep during its run.)
I have to say, I was so excited when I heard that you were writing a Tommy and Kat book. I really hope you follow up with those characters because I think some Welsh intrigue sounds fascinating. I like Miss Gwen and, of course, Jane, but I really, really hope that you write that Tommy and Kat book. I was a little crushed when you said there would only be two more books!
Best of luck with the writing. xx
Also, the prospect of facing my own history thesis defense soon makes me think that Colin would be the type of guy who shows up to give Eloise some support…. Nothing says “you’ve got this” quite like a handsome Brit with a coffee in hand!
Oh, please do use the proto-railroad somewhere, at least in one of your side stories!
I, too, am curious as to what paragon can attract Miss Jane’s affections. Or perhaps he won’t be a paragon?
ooo! well you never want a good thing to end, but if it must, then ending well is always the point. 🙂 Am glad that there may be more Pink books here and there and count me in for any Coling& Eloise mysteries!! as for Jane’s beau, I am certainly throwing in my hat for a certain moonlit rogue…
@arah- I completely agree about Colin…and the mysteries sound fabulous. As to Jane and the possibilty of a Moonflower romance….note that Lauren says her book follows Miss Gwen’s book “logically”. HInt Hint….perhaps we may get a Penelope update. As for Miss Gwen, since Lauren made Mary Alsworthy sympathetic in her book, I am sure she can do likewise with Miss Gwen. No matter what ensues, I know I can’t wait….
I hope you write all of those things!
– Sorry to wish so much work for you, but it’s fun for us! 😉
Thanks that for the reassurance that there may be more pink books after the official end.
I let out an involuntary “Nooo!” on reading that there would only be two more Pink books.
I knew this day would come but I thought I would be able to handle it better! (woe is me etc. etc.)
Jack’s presence in “Blood Lily” has been turning over and over in my mind since the end of the book. What is the story so carefully concocted that even Alex might not know the right of it?
If The Moonflower isn’t intended for Jane, perhaps you can find one of your readers for him? What a fun contest THAT could be! “Name the heroine suitable for Jack Reid…”LOL
The idea of Eloise and Colin having their own series would be wonderful! I love C.A. Belmond’s books, and marriage hasn’t slowed Penny and Jeremy down one bit! Eloise and Colin could have such great adventures as she helps him research his spy novels, etc…