That the series was in no way pre-planned helps explain what a Continuity Snarl the Oz books are, as well as the fact that he often juggled various side projects while rushing out yearly Oz books, such as theater productions (arguably his true passion over writing) and later, silent films for his short-lived film studio. After trying to end the series at six books and move onto a new fantasy adventure series starring his characters Trot and Cap'n Bill, some bad theater investments and poor book sales necessitated his return to the Oz series after only a three year absence, which he would be stuck writing for the rest of his life.

He wrote the second Oz book to capitalize on the success of the stage version of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and although he didn't plan to turn it into a series, he was talked into writing four more books by the publisher.

Lyman (long for 'L.') Frank Baum (– May 6, 1919) was an American author, best known for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz-a work so popular that, in fact, he was chained to the series and wrote Oz book after Oz book while longing to write anything else. For aside from my evident inability to do anything 'great,' I have learned to regard fame as a will-o-the-wisp which, when caught, is not worth the possession but to please a child is a sweet and lovely thing that warms one's heart and brings its own reward.' Now that I am getting old my first book is written to amuse children. 'When I was young I longed to write a great novel that should win me fame.

The magic of oz by l frank baum