I'm probably crazy, starting to write the sequel to a book I haven't sold yet; but I've been thinking about it on and off for a month or two, and writing notes, and the impulse to get the first page down on Word became too much for me. Also, I've noticed I'm happier when I have a novel in progress.
So three days ago I began once more the scary, rewarding business of writing a novel. (I use the word business loosely, since no one is paying me for this. The rewards are purely creative. As yet.)
I've written just over a thousand words. Only 74,000 - 79,000 more, and I'll have a book.
That's terrific! And a thousand words already. You will have your fourth book done by this time next year, or sooner.
ReplyDeleteDoubly great to see your entry here since I have just barely begun my prequel. The backstory to Boomerang is all of about 500 words complete, so you are well ahead of me.
A prequel - don't you get confused?
ReplyDeleteIt's the Time Lord aspect of fiction that gives me more trouble than anything else.
Note I am not suggesting we race each other. That would be a Bad Idea. Possibly even a Disastrous Idea.
No race. Let's just write. But I have to say that I am enjoying reading so much lately that my little bit of writing time has been sliced even thinner. I am thirsting after books more than I have in many a year and I have always been an enthusiastic reader.
ReplyDeleteBut I do want to have some fun with Ted and Jerry again. They are much more enjoyable company than Darin.
There are so many things I want to do or should do that whatever I am doing I feel guilty.
ReplyDeleteMaybe this is the appeal of writing; one is transported and focused. Time flies by.
I think it's perfectly sensible to write a sequel. If you do end up selling the first one, then someone is bound to ask about a sequel. I have always assumed that having more than one ought to be a sales advantage.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea whether a pitch along the lines of 'I want an agent who can get me a two book deal' is any more likely to succeed but it feels as though it might.
A Rag Doll Falling, the one I'm working on at the moment is really a sequel to 'Don't Drink the Water'. The only snag is the Don't is the first book I wrote and pretty dire - but it won't be like that forever.
Yes - but that's quite a big 'if' these days.
ReplyDeleteThe thing must be to make a sequel capable of standing, and selling, alone. Trav's much better than my first book, Tor, but is doomed by being its sequel.
Lucky one does not realize the faults of one's first book while writing it, or there'd be no books at all.
Lexi - first time here! I saw this post and I had to comment. I'm in exactly the same boat. Finished my YA/MG novel and have done a lot of revising as yet - it's now out with a friend who is a copy editor for a reading, but I can't stop thinking about Book 2. I love it, but it's also driving me nuts.
ReplyDeleteAm in Limbo!
Hi Liz, thanks for dropping by. Congratulations on finishing the novel. What does MG stand for?
ReplyDeleteI am also being driven nuts trying to work out my plot details... My favourite part of writing is when you're totally involved and speeding ahead, knowing where you are going, but not the exact route you will take.