The Disastrous Love Lives of the Delaney Family

A/N: New Rules

When I started publishing, I set some 'ground rules', and while I'm usually a stickler for rules, I've broken a fair few of the ones I'd set. So, let's review some of them. 

*Unchanged* How will this be structured?

There'll be between ten and fourteen chapters per story, depending on how I've mapped the character's arc.

There'll be a 'cover' chapter for each story, and you'll know whose story you're in by the chapter title. For example, book 1 is Sera's story, so each chapter will be 1.x, i.e., 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc. Book 2 is all about Léa, and her chapters will be 2.1, 2.2, 2.3... Book 3 (Joseph) will be 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, and so on.

*Unchanged* So, does eleven characters mean eleven books?

Um, no. Not quite. I'm not a fan of odd numbers, so I need a book 12.

The twelfth and final book will be full of epilogue chapters per character.

*Updated* If the epilogues are in book 12, there won't be any in the stand-alone stories?

Nope.

Updated note: Apparently, I'm a sucker for an epilogue. 

*Updated* Then how will I know if the couples got their happily ever after?

You won't. At least, not until book 12.

Updated note: There will still be 12 books - a story per character, plus a follow up to bring all the characters back together so we see them and their better/worse halves interacting.

*Umm...* Fuck.

Have you met me before?!

Updated note: I'm still not always a nice author. Will upset some readers. Will apologise for it. Will not change anything, though.

*Updated* Ok, so 12 books in the series. 12 months in a year. A book a month?

Yeah, sure.

Updated note: By now, we should be coming to the end of book 3 (Joseph), but as it happens, I've only just published the epilogue to book 1. I've been planning ahead because of how many connections there are in this series and I needed to get my timelines right. But book 2 is next!

*Updated* And the publishing frequency?

It'll differ per story, but every few days, there'll be an update.

Updated note: I'm not going to put myself under pressure to stick to a rigid update schedule. It takes as long as it takes to tell the story.

*Unchanged* Amazing! What order will the books be in?

I've structured these in age order, starting with the eldest of the characters, working our way down to the youngest. The stories won't all be set in the same year, so they'll all roughly be in the 25-27 age bracket when their story is told. Now in order:

Sera Fletcher, Léa Whitaker, Joseph Fletcher, Christian Rousseau, Owen Fletcher, Levi Fletcher, Éliane Whitaker, Madeline Rousseau, India Delaney, Dashiell Whitaker, and finally, Hero Delaney.

*Unchaged* Can we talk story names?

They're all linked to alcoholic beverages. Originally, there was no thought behind this other than the fact that they were all pretty cool to have. But as I turned to book 12, I came across mixology: the activity or skill of mixing drinks such as cocktails (= drinks, usually alcoholic ones, made by mixing other drinks together.

I'm a character mixologist (*sniggers*, totally egotistical). However, I'm mixing these characters together and seeing what comes out the other side. The couples might be the best mix, or they might leave a sour taste in your mouth (but I like sour cocktails, so...)

*Unchanged* What about chapter titles?

They're typically linked to something to do with the story. Léa's chapters are named after British Vogue editors. Christian's chapters are all named after places on the French Riviera. Éliane's chapters are named after tennis players. Hero's chapters are named after grapes used to make red wines.

*Unchanged* Will old characters be making an appearance?

Well, I mean, we can't have a Delaney spin-off without seeing some of the OG characters. Naturally, Danphie will be back, Charlotte & Isaac, Emma & Hugo, Lucas & Millicent... Martha & Samuel, Keira & Logan... Camille Clément-Delaney, and my absolute favourite- Jimmy Delaney!

Oh, and also Mick & Lyanna Taylor.

*Well...* This all sounds so exciting. When do we get started?

Um, how about... now?

Updated note: We've already started, so... onto Book 2, and let's get to know Lady Léa Whitaker a little better. First chapter will be published soon.