feeling the pressure to write a sequel
I just reblogged a post I came across regarding the pressure of writing a sequel. I totally relate to this topic. Even though I am going through the excitement of having my first novel “Reckless Beginnings” being published, I am now dealing with anxieties to write the sequel within two years. Yes, I am definitely feeling the pressure to write a sequel.
How am I going to do this?
I ask myself. It took me seven years to write the first book. Before then it mulled around in my head as an idea for fourteen years. I don’t want my work to deteriorate and lack in quality due to pressure from the publisher to get it done. Of course, I don’t want it to take another seven years to complete and I want to stick to my standards and work ethics.
In order to get this done in a reasonable amount of time, I need to have a plan of attack. I need to structure my writing time more aggressively and discipline myself to spend longer hours writing, no matter what temptations allure me. My days will start earlier. Probably before sunrise when the house is quiet and I will make sure I spend at least 3-4 hours a day working on the sequel before I involve myself in other activities throughout the day.
I wrote the first book at my leisure with no pressure. When I felt like writing, I wrote. Having the pressure of being printed with a sequel in the works changes everything. I don’t want my readers to wait too long, I want to please my publisher and yet I don’t want to produce a rushed manuscript and disappoint my readers.
Quality over quantity
Yes, the pressure is defiantly on but I have to remember and keep reminding myself, “This is my book.” This is a reflection of me and I don’t want to destroy the reputation I am trying to build by trying to rush out the sequel. Quality is important over quantity. If it takes a little longer, that is okay. I want the reader to feel that and not be disappointed in the sequel.
If you have any additional advice on how I might deal with this pressure, I am all ears and it would be gladly appreciated.
As I type this the song “Under pressure” is booming in my head. Time to change the tune. Help!
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I can’t even imagine what sort of pressure you must be feeling. Yikes! Good luck! With perseverance and hard work, I bet you will do just fine.
I’d say, try not to think of the end game (if that’s not your thing – I love the pressure, it keeps me working) and set a schedule. Take it one day at a time, or one page at a time, whatever works. Bang out the first draft in a year and then focus the second year on re-writing and polishing it. However you sort it out, best of luck!
Great advice thank you 🙂
I think this is one of the reasons that holds me back from writing. The pressure can be insurmountable. Sometimes, it’s all I can do to write a blog post, let alone a book. Hope you are able to stay focused and organized to get that sequel written.
~Mary
Jingle Jangle Jungle
I’m doing my best LOL 🙂
I had no idea there were time limits to when your sequel would have to be published. I can imagine the pressure.
It makes sense that the reader doesn’t have to wait too long. Once the editing of the first book has been completed I will have more time to spend on the sequel, thus relieving some of the pressure … I hope lOL
I am sure if you write a good book everyone wants a sequel. I think a lot of the times a sequel never equals up to the first book.
That is very true, I don’t want that to be case with the sequel “Better Endings”
I hadn’t even considered the pressure of a sequel – I am still trying to figure out where to begin on my first book (on my bucket list).
My first book rolled in mind for twenty years. Can’t do that with a sequel lol
I can’t imagine how much pressure it would be to write a sequel. I’ve never written a bok before but always wondered how authors dealt with the stress of more books.
This is a learning curve for me, hoping it gets easier as the sequel unfolds
Congratulations on publishing your first book! That is amazing! And when you get to the sequel, I know it will be amazing as well!
Thank you so much! I hope so too. It’s a lot of work but the rewards are priceless
Oh gosh this must be a horrible pressure you are feeling to try and get it done. I would say take a step back but I’m sure you have heard all the advice.
I’m working on it, its a lot of pressure but as the book unfolds so will the pressure.
As long as you don’t let the pressure break you everything will be fine. Just do your thing and you will blow people away!
Aww, thank you for your nice comment. That’s what I’m hoping to do LOL
I can imagine there is quite a bit of pressure. I’ve never even written a book before though haha.
It’s sometimes overwhelming but looking forward to the end result
That is a lot of pressure that you are under. I can only imagine how challenging is, Good luck and I’m sure you will do a great job.
Thank you 🙂 I hope so
I have never written a book, so I have no concrete advice. My only suggestion would be to treat it like a job and get to it every day.
Working on it every day is the key to lighten the pressure. Thank you.
Well, you can! Try to discipline yourself but also take away the pressure, imagine that nobody is waiting for you, imagine that this is for you and only for you and above all enjoy it!
Good advice Thank you and the enjoying part I intend to do.
Oh gosh!! I cant imagine what you are feeling!!! You can do anything you set your mind to!!
So true! I must remember that!
That would be a great amount of pressure. Writing a sequel is hard. So much pressure to be better then the first.
I want to be as good as the first, better would be good too LOL
I so admire you for being able to write a book, but I think the pressure you are feeling is totally understandable. Good luck.
Thank you, I appreciate that.
Hey, Congratulations on your book, good luck with your sequel. Take care.
Thank you!