Writing the Spin-Off

So what are the limits to writing a spin-off novel? I mean there are sequels, prequels, spin-offs, and probably a few others I can’t think of right now, but where should a series really end?

 I originally wrote Jeremiah Stone because I was told no publisher or agent will even discuss the possibility of taking on a 9 book series (which was the first series I’d written) from an untested, unpublished author. Thereby I decided to write a single book, though I left it open for a follow-up book if I came up with in idea. That idea, once I conceived it, turned into Limbus and Azazel thus making it a trilogy. At the same time I was writing those books I was also working on blog posts for a precursor to Jeremiah Stone, which I later turned into Beginnings, a prequel.

However, since publishing Jeremiah Stone I’ve received comments from a few people about a character within the story named Opus. On a whim I started conceiving of how the character actually becomes the sinister, yet snide, death-loving killer within the novel. With some thought I started tapping the keys on my way to what can only be considered a spin-off novel. And so far the novel is both fun and exciting to write. On the way, I’ve actually incorporated another character into the story out of the Limbus novel. In the end I believe this will almost be a story onto itself with another a-ha ending.

But is that it for the series? Or really, have I done too much already?

I will say that I’ve conceived of a story past Azazel, but doubt I have the wherewithal to really write it. I guess it depends on if there is a demand for it. Even then I have so many other book ideas it may never come to fruition for simply the lack of time to write it. Still, for now I plug away at my Opus novel while my other book, Burden, awaits some inspiration. I imagine that is really the way with things, you write what inspires you at the moment. Maybe a series is done when you’re no longer motivated to delve into other possible realms with the same characters.

Honestly, I don’t know. For now, however, one spin-off seems like more than enough.