anxieties Archives - Tina Hogan Grant

feeling the pressure to write a sequel

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!

Below are more of my links that you may enjoy.

Monday's weekly 7-day writer's prompts — Monday’s weekly 7-day writer’s prompts

feeling the pressure to write a sequel — Tip on how to write a good book blurb

it-takes-courage-to-publish-your-first-book — It takes courage to publish your first book

more-than-just-a-view-a-platform-for-a-story — More than just a view. A platform for a story

The journey begins

My new title is Tina Hogan Grant Author book Reckless Beginnings. Yesterday I signed and mailed my contract to my publisher to begin the process of publishing my first novel “Reckless Beginnings.” Prior to this event I have been feeling elated and super excited. I received the phone call last week that my novel had been accepted for publication. Wow! They receive over 8000 manuscripts a month and only publish 100. I felt honored and proud of my accomplishments.

I spent a week going through the contract, asking hundreds of questions, re-reading the contract, discussing it with friends and family, re-reading the contract yet again, until I finally signed it yesterday. All of a sudden in a matter of seconds, after seeing my signature at the bottom of that contract, it became real. My book is going to be published

Since I began writing this book seven years ago I have visioned this moment so many times. The day I sign the contract. It’s nothing like I had imagined. I wasn’t expecting to feel so nervous and have such anxieties. It’s the fear of the unknown, the fear of failure. Have I lived up to the readers expectations ? What kind of reviews and feedback will I receive? These insecure feelings I am experiencing since signing the contract have me puzzled. I feel as if my confidence level has dropped a few points. I’m hoping after this finally sinks in and the SHOCK factor finally wears off that I will begin to take this in stride, instead of thinking the worst. I ask other first-time authors: while waiting for your book to be published, did you experience the same anxieties?

My publisher tell me that it will be about ten months before my book will be launched. That gives me enough time to compose myself, enjoy this fantastic moment in my life and enjoy the ride.

I will keep you posted on the events of the publishing of my book as they unfold.

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