The Ups and Downs writing My One-Night Stand Series

Two years ago when I started writing My One-Night Stand series, I planned for this to be only two books not four or in my mind 4.5. I knew two years ago that I would not please everyone with the stories I write and that some readers would find every little flaw and happily point them out. And although I knew this, it still hurts when I see a negative review. But I am also happy when I see a review that tells me that I have a new reader. As I close the door on My One-Night Stand, I can't help but think how the characters and plots changed as I was writing them.

Jaxson & Christen

Jaxson and Christen were set in stone. But Brenden was supposed to be paired with Ethan. But as I continue to write Christen and Jaxson's story, I started seeing Brenden with someone else, and that was when Stephen came to life. The tension I saw between Stephen and Brenden was exciting, and I couldn't wait to start writing their story. But while was ready to listen, they were not ready to talk to me, Ethan and Tyler were, and so I listened. I wrote Jaxson and Christen the way they presented themselves to me. Christen a smart mouth doctor with good bedside manner. And Jaxson a top FBI agent who was ready to settle down.  Jaxson and Christen's story was written the exact way it was supposed to. 

Ethan & Tyler

Two men avoiding their attraction for each. Ethan who was in an unhealthy relationship. A mother who hated him because he was the apple of his father's eye a man she didn't love. Tyler, the middle son of a rich family who didn't wear his wealth on his sleeve and saw people for who they were. I really enjoyed their story, the sweet moments and related to Ethan in so many ways.

Brenden & Stephen

Writing Brenden and Stephen's story didn't come as easy as I had hoped it would. They were ready to talk, but something was missing. I'd hinted in book one about Nicholas because in my original draft Tucker knew about Nicholas being Brenden's son and was keeping it a secret because Stephen asked him to. Initially Julian was Julia, who would eventually marry Mark. Instead of Stephen and Mayson working on the child adoption case, Brenden, Stephen, and Jaxson were going to go undercover. Stephen would pretend he wanted to give away his baby and Jaxson and Benden would pose as the couple adopting the baby. It was to have Stephen and Brenden to get to know each other, but I didn't like the fact that he wouldn't get to know Nick. Stephen was also going to become friends with Paige and yeah she was still batshit crazy. I ended up deleting half of the story and starting all over again because the plot did not fit.

Lucas & Tucker

I enjoyed writing Tucker and Lucas' story. They were an unexpected couple. I knew that I was going to write a story for Tucker and planned to pair him with someone else. However, Lucas overrode me and told me plainly that Tucker was his. I enjoyed watching the two characters fall in love and building a family. I loved their banter, the unsureness of their feelings, yes their flirting. I won't give away spoilers, but a few things happen in the book that although I tried my hardest not write my muse as well as my characters wouldn't let me back out of. But I have to admit it worked well for the story. I loved that Tucker was Lucas' strength when he needed him to be. I enjoyed watching both Lucas and Tucker change for each other as they fall in love.

Mark & Julian

Mark in book one was presented as older because in my head he reminded me of Dick Van Dyke when he acted on Diagnosis Murder. Until he asked for his own short story and made it known that he was nothing like Dick Van Dyke. Yes, he was silly and loved to make people smile, but he also had a serious side. Julian didn't show up until the third book since he was originally going to be Julia, so he was a mystery to me. However, I enjoyed creating a personality for him. A father who supports his son and only butts in when necessary.

The original plot

Believe it or not, the series was not supposed to revolve around the Hamilton family. Thinking back it should have been called the Hamilton Saga :). As a writer, I learn that I need to be My initial plot would center around the hospital, and it's staff, not FBI agents or even the Seeker organization. It was always going to be mpreg a non-shifter series. Not really Alpha/Beta/Omega but similar where a hierarchal system was not essential only love and happily ever after.

That is what I want all the stories I write to be centered around. Two or three (there will be threesomes in the future) men or women finding that person(s) they connect with and see themselves building a life together.