Two Novels

I am in the process of writing two novels: a new experience for me. For years, my friends have asked me to write a series instead of individual novels. I find that very hard to do because it seems so confining as a writer but I've finally acquiesced and I am trying my hand at writing a series. The hard part is defining your protagonist. Should it be a policeman, reporter, etc. which I find to be the most difficult. I am still working on it and have a couple of trial manuscripts out (few chapters) to see if it works. My target audience has always been women age 45 to 65+. My other novel, The Frog Pond has been a joy to write but it is in familiar territory. We'll see what happens.