I'm typically a fast drafter, which basically means I spend A LOT of time revising once I'm finished. A book I'm working on may go through several rounds of revisions before I feel comfortable enough sending it to critique partners. But now that my first novel is being published, I have to write the sequel. And I have a deadline for it.
First of all, I've never had a deadline before. I wrote when I wanted to write, and typically, once I was immersed in the story, I wanted to write all the time. But now, I'm finding it hard to have the desire to write. But I HAVE to. It's not an option. I have a publisher who is expecting the sequel by a certain time, and I need to make sure I can deliver the novel by then.
Can I just say how much pressure that is?!
Lately, I've been a little blocked. The words aren't coming, the storyline is falling apart, and it's frustrating. I took a couple weeks off and now I'm coming back to it with fresh eyes, and I can only hope that it's enough to pull me through. My goal is to finish the first draft before we go on our cruise in a couple weeks. Can I do it?
I don't know. But I'm certainly willing to try!
What are you insecure about this month?
It sounds like a workable deadline. And then you can use the cruise to get some distance from the story and be all refreshed when you get back to it. You can do it! :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck! You can do it!
ReplyDelete*raises hand* um I am totally with you on the fast drafting, and then a TON of revising after. I'm sure it's super stressful with a deadline looming but I know you can do it!
ReplyDeleteDeadlines are scary. I never had an actual deadline, but I did have pressure to produce more books.
ReplyDeleteBounce some ideas off your critique partners. They will make suggestions and you'll probably think of some even better ideas. Then you'll be excited again!
I say use those yummy buffets on the cruise as incentive! ;) I know it's been rough for you, and wish I could give you a sprinkle of magic dust to make the words flow effortlessly. I also know no matter how hard it gets, you'll still get in there and get it done. B/c that's what you do!
ReplyDeleteDeadlines stress me out, too. And I'm not a fast drafter, which doesn't help. I find writing isn't as much fun when it becomes something you have to do, rather than something you want to do. Good luck getting those words down before you leave! Have fun on your cruise!!
ReplyDeleteHi Kristin, writing a sequel is my biggest fear. With a publishing deadline hanging over my head I would crumble under pressure. Like you I am a quick first drafter, revisions take ages and ages for me.
ReplyDeleteI quite like having deadlines to work to - I know, I'm weird like that. But I find having a specific goal forces me to do the work, otherwise I'd never get anything done! Best of luck with your sequel, you can do it!
ReplyDeleteI'm getting faster during first drafts, but that's mostly because I don't do as much revising during that part anymore. I suspect that means I'm in for a lot longer revising process later on. But at least it keeps me moving forward.
ReplyDeleteTake a deep breath. It'll be okay. Do you basically know what the story is? Good luck.
ReplyDeleteMy only real deadlines have been for magazine work, which made me a little crazy, definitely not more productive. But you can do it! Maybe it would help to set small goals and break up what you have to write in day-by-day increments.
ReplyDeleteA cruise sounds like a lovely way to treat yourself!
That exact thing happened to me writing my first sequel! I usually am really good about daily deadlines and word count goals, but I found I had to hide my word count for that book. I would just write until I felt done for the day, whether that was a page or a number of pages. You'll work it out :)
ReplyDeleteI was pressured to complete the fifth book in my series. She was not my favorite character and royal pain in the butt. But fans knew it was coming and I had to deliver. You'll make it happen.
ReplyDeleteMeg Cabot had a good tweet about this that basically said you're going to think the book SUCKS while you're writing it, but keep going! I find that's perfectly natural. Then when I get to the end, it all comes together somehow.
ReplyDeleteDeadlines never fail to be stressful. Best of luck bringing this sequel to life! I'll keep my fingers crossed that it doesn't give you too much trouble before your cruise...
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