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New Book, New Process
You learned how to write your first novel. Now you have to learn how to write your second. This is an old but true adage. If you want each successive book to be good or better than the last, challenge yourself to grow. Throw out the rules and remain open.
‘Each time you write something, part of you grows. You’re training your artistic muscles to find your voice.’
Pen Densham -
New Skills
You’ll probably need new skills if you want to be true to the new theme and characters. These might include learning how to write different characters, changing point of view, writing in another tense, changing your style or using different techniques such as alternating chapters or bending timelines, conducting deep research, visiting new places or interviewing people. Whatever your story requires.‘When you combine something to say with the skill to say it properly, then you’ve got a good writer.’
Theodore Sturgeon -
First Drafts Are Rubbish
Don’t let perfectionism hold you back. Remember, you probably worked on your first book for ages, editing and honing it until it was fit for publication. Perhaps you’ve forgotten how woeful your first draft was. Don’t expect that just because you’ve completed one novel, the next will come out equally polished. You’ll need to go through the same torturous, creative process of redrafting over again until your true and best story emerges.‘The beautiful part of writing is that you don’t have to get it right the first time unlike, say, brain surgery.’
Robert Cormier -
Abandon Fear
Fear of failure can be debilitating. This is especially the case if you enjoyed some success with your first book. Don’t expect the same kind of story to emerge. Don’t expect success. Or failure. This story is different, so let it emerge and grow organically. Trust and believe in yourself. Authenticity will get you through.‘Don’t wait for the world to believe in you. Believe in yourself first. It’s faster and more efficient.’
Milli Thornton -
Stick With It
Give your new work a chance. I know so many people with abandoned second books because they didn’t meet their own or others’ demands. Ignore doubting or prescriptive voices and write for the sake of it. You’ve planted a seed, now nurture it. Get back to good writing habits. Do, don’t overthink.‘A writer’s only responsibility is to his art.’
William Faulkner -
Know You’re Not Alone
Plenty of writers struggle with the second novel. It’s a part of the writing life. Know that others have faced this challenge and worked their way through it. You can too.‘Every writer I know has trouble writing.’
Jospeh Heller
writing nore 