A big shout out to our Ninja Captain, Alex Cavanaugh, for bringing us together. To see more posts from other insecure writers, click on this link: http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/In a few days, I'll have my first round of edits, which is exciting. Nothing about this part of my journey shakes me, but something farther ahead does. More than anything, writing book two in this series, terrifies me. I have lots of ideas, and I know my writing has improved, so where's my confidence? I ask myself that question over and over. Truthfully, I wonder if I can write a sequel that measures up to the first story?
Maybe I should put my current WIP aside and quit avoiding the sequel--stop making excuses and write the dang story! When I do, I think it'll be an even greater accomplishment than book one, because this time around, I'm not naive about the work ahead. I know the joyous agony!
Sorry for the short post, but I like to make speedy confessions. Tell me, did any of you go through book two terror?
Thanks for stopping by! Until next time, happy writing or whatever makes you smile. :)
I haven't started any sequels yet, but I'm sure if I wanted to, I'd feel the same way. lol It seems like everyone who does starts back at Emotion 1.
ReplyDeleteThis makes me feel better, Debra. You're probably right. I bet everybody feels the same way. :)
DeleteI have a sequel planned, just not written all the way through yet :/
ReplyDeleteYeah, after I was finished with my first book, I needed to get away from those characters, so I started a totally different story. There was no nerves or pressure with that one, which is weird. I hope your next writing adventure is a smooth one. Maybe we should just kick each other in the butt, lol, and get moving. :D
DeleteYeah, the sequel thing. I have a sequel in mind... okay, that's a lie. My sequel's plans are something like 'Do it bigger and better than the first book.'
ReplyDeleteDecidedly unhelpful.
The thing I struggle with for sequels is that I don't want them to feel like I'm treading the same ground again. There's always the danger that they'll be repetitive. They could fall into sophomore slump land, so yeah, sequels give me the heebeegeebys.
Yes!!!! Gosh, how is that you always say exactly what I'm feeling?!?! That's it! I'm afraid it'll be the same old story. I want it to be fresh and exciting and for my characters to grow! Bigger and better is definitely the plan! :)
ReplyDeleteI have a non-fiction book and a fictional book I'm writing. As I write them both, I think, alright, I'm totally going to do a sequel for these! However, I think it's easier to think these thoughts while the book is still a WIP than when it's being published. There's no pressure on me right now. No one expects anything but me. If that makes sense?
ReplyDeleteElsie
IWSG co-host
Yes! It makes perfect sense! It's crazy how fast things can change, so buckle up! Thanks for co-hosting! :)
DeleteI have a sequel I've been avoiding, too! My husband is mad at me about it. :P I've been writing other things instead. I just can't seem to get into it.
ReplyDeleteYay!!! I'm not alone! Don't worry, you'll start to miss you characters and want to go back. I already do, but it's the fear that keeps me from diving in. Maybe after edits on book one, I'll feel different. Fingers crossed for us both. :)
DeleteI haven't finished my first story yet, but I'm already adding hooks for the sequel. Of course, that doesn't mean I'll actually get around to writing them. We'll see how the first one is received. :)
ReplyDeleteHowever, I've poured so much time and energy into this first story, that I fear that I'll never be able to match those levels in a sequel. Sure, I'll be able to skip over all the mistakes I made the first time around, but I still have my doubts that subsequent stories will be as good as the first.
That's exactly how I feel, Ken. I know it's all in our minds, the whole fear thing, but gosh, it's hard to conquer. Maybe when we finally do it, the process will surprise us and something brilliant will come of it! Glad you stopped by. :)
ReplyDeleteHey, you have book one out of the way...that should give you some confidence that you -can- do it! :)
ReplyDeleteDon't dread book two, but I think you should dive in and strike while the iron is hot. Get in there and get to work.
Best of luck! :)
Thanks, Mark! I'll quit being a whiney hiney and get my fingers to tapping! :)
DeleteYou're quite normal! We are, after all, our worst enemies. You'll get there!
ReplyDeleteOh, and short posts are good. Very good :)
So true, Wendy! If a stranger treated me the way I treat myself, I'd probably punch them, lol. I like short posts, too! :)
DeleteOh, sequels definitely scare me! It's one thing to write a good book, and it's another to revisit characters and keep the energy alive...
ReplyDeletePhew. Now I'm scared, LOL ;-)
Ha, sorry, Morgan! But, yes, I agree, it's a scary thought! I think mostly because I'm afraid I'll run out of good stuff for my characters. :)
ReplyDeleteOh Lord. I need to get through BOOK ONE before I can even touch a sequel. I have ideas for it though :)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, Samantha! Since you already have ideas, maybe you won't lock up. I wish you the best. :)
DeleteI'm sure in the end, you'll figure it out!! buckle down and do you girl!! always here if you need help... :D
ReplyDeleteGood advice, Tammy! I may be knocking on your cyber door, lol. :)
DeleteHaven't even successfully made it through book one yet. Just got up the courage to send it out to CPS.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt, you can do it. You've done it before, you can do it again. I don't know about you, but I love my characters too much to put any of them to rest after just one book. Think of it that way, maybe it'll motivate you... I hope :)
That's awesome, Jaybird! I never looked at it like that, but you're right, it's great motivation! :)
DeleteYour paintings always amaze me! Really beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHi Celeste! Everyone has the jitters about sophomore novels. In fact, I can't think of one writer who hasn't lamented over them. But, try not to worry! You're a fantastic writer and I have no doubts, it'll be great!
ReplyDeleteAlso, tagged you for a Liebster Award at http://www.tinamoss.com/2013/04/sharing-is-caring-liebster-award.html Hope you'll join in the fun!
Hey Tina! I'm just now seeing this, so I better get my rear in gear! Thank you!!! :)
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