Wow, November already!
Well, if you're just joining the Insecure Writer's Support Group, you can find out details at Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog.
Around my birthday last year, I submitted my first book to a publisher and got accepted. My book came out in December. Almost one year ago!
The pressure has been on since that moment to get book two done. I've revised and polished, but not quite ready to send it off to my Beta Readers and Critiquers.
So while this is sort of a "oh my gosh, I need support" post, it's also an advice post.
Life is going to happen, regardless of how much we plan and set goals and make deadlines. I need to relax a little more. This book will get done, when it gets done. If I force it, it'll be crap. I have to take my time with it as much as I did the first one, albeit, not AS long as before. It took me almost 20 years to write my first book. I don't think my readers would appreciate the wait.
So if you're in between your first and second book or your one hundred first and one hundred second, just take it easy. It'll come. All in due time.
13 comments:
I'm right there with you and totally understand that pressure. Your advice is spot on too, but it's hard to remember that sometimes. We have to remember that our readers would rather wait a few extra months to get something GOOD than just a rough story of what could have been more.
Good luck Mel!
Well said! My latest book came out a month ago and I'm struggling to get back into editing the second in the series with that added pressure! Best of luck with yours. :)
You're right - forcing it will only be crap.
My first one took thirty years. I'll try to be faster with others.
Well my goodness 20 years is a long time and getting it published was something you should be very proud of. I have read that for many authors it takes them years after that first book to come out with a second. They want it to be perfect, after all their name is going on it! I say take your time for a great second book. I also read 'writers who are readers' and while I am not at the level your at with writing at any stretch of the imagination, I always since I can remember have read a book with my own little thoughts in my mind....ie., stop repeating, I get it, I don't think I would have said or done this or that, etc., Paranormal wouldn't interest me I liken books of this genre to UFO writers. Sandy of sandysanderellasmusings.blogspot
Good advice. It was over 10 years between my 1st and 2nd books. Life does indeed happen. Enjoy the journey. Enjoy life.
Great advice. Just what I needed to hear as I have a tendency to scream at myself for not starting the next book.
Great advice and just what I needed to hear today.
Thank you.
It's so nice to know I'm not alone in this boat. I love taking this journey with so many of you.
Wise words, Mel. Best to go at your own pace and without any undue pressure. Indeed, life gets in the way. Yet, life can be part of an inspiring distraction.
Gary
Better to take it slow and get it right.
.......dhole
Thanks for the sound words of advice.
Wow, looks like I have something to look forward once this first book is done :) I'm definitely feeling that pressure now, and I agree. Yes, it's important to work hard, and put your heart and soul into it. But you can't produce good work if you run yourself ragged!
That's good advice to relax a bit. Some people think there is a timeline on success. But, nope. We all have our own timing.
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