I need your advice:

21 Responses to I need your advice:

1. Tam

   April 11, 2011 at 11:32 am

   Which one is calling your name? I think you have to go with the one that has your imagination on fire.

   Although when your first novel is published and is a big success you will want to have a sequel ready to go when the adoring public is clamouring for more.

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2. Adam

   April 11, 2011 at 11:34 am

   Start a new one.

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3. Brian F.

   April 11, 2011 at 11:36 am

   Write up a very detailed outline/notes on the sequel but don’t write it. Write something completely different and new. You might never sell the first book (which would make the sequel useless). Many writers write several novels before they sell one (and it’s rarely the first one they wrote). Always work on something new.

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4. Brian F.

   April 11, 2011 at 11:41 am

   Oh, and I should ask: did you FINISH a draft of the first book? If not, and you’re considering starting work on the sequel, then you have earned a brick to the forehead. And scorn. And ridicule. I’m not saying you MUST finish it before you start a new project (my hard drive is stuffed to the gills with half-finished pieces) but you MUST finish the first book before you even think about starting the sequel. Trust me.

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   • Craig

     April 11, 2011 at 11:51 am

     Yes, the first one is finished. But I guess you’re right about wasting time on a sequel to a book that will probably never get published.

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5. Dave2

   April 11, 2011 at 11:43 am

   I tend to be more excited about something new and fresh than treading on old territory, but to each their own! Good luck!

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6. The Ryan

   April 11, 2011 at 12:11 pm

   I think Tam has a point that having a sequel ready would make things easier after your first novel does well, but there is a danger that revisions of your first novel before publishing would invalidate the sequel (although it may be good to know this ahead of time so that you can avoid making a seemingly small change that constrains you in the future). On the other hand, a new novel would be a second hook to bait publishers with.

   Ultimately, I agree with Tam that whatever one is most compelling to you will make you write more and do a better job.

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7. Mikey, Head Writer

   April 11, 2011 at 12:18 pm

   erotic memoirs!

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   • Justin

     April 11, 2011 at 12:21 pm

     Mikey that’s cruel — Craig needs a book that’s more than a half page long for heaven’s sake!

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8. Justin

   April 11, 2011 at 12:21 pm

   I agree with Brian F.

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9. TwoPi

   April 11, 2011 at 12:25 pm

   Write a prequel. That way, when it is a blockbuster success, you’ll have a follow-up book ready while the public is eager to buy.

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10. Michelle M.

    April 11, 2011 at 1:12 pm

    I say, strike while the iron is hot and work on the new one. Take advantage of the inspiration.

    Or work on both at the same time : ).

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    • Craig

      April 11, 2011 at 1:18 pm

      That’s the problem. I don’t have a new idea yet. I want to do something more adult though. Like an intricately plotted thriller. But I’m better at writing poop jokes.

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11. Hadrianus

    April 11, 2011 at 2:49 pm

    I’m in the same boat. After finishing book one I began to sketch out the sequel. Evernote is a great tool for this. It helps me juggle a lot of stuff in a complex novel. But I was a bit burnt out from the characters, etc. While outlining I came up with a new idea for a standalone novel through my research. So I’m working on the new one currently and hoping that when it is done the sequel work will seem fresh. Good luck!

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    • Craig

      April 11, 2011 at 5:05 pm

      I never heard of Evernote, but it sounds great. I’ll have to check it out.

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12. The Infamous Dr. Para

    April 11, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    Coming from someone who is about to finish his fourth unpublished novel Friday morning and can’t get any of his friends to read them (I’m glaring at you Justin,) there is no easy answer to this. For me personally, I just work when inspiration strikes, but if I happen to be going through a dry spell, I pull backlogged ideas. For example, the new book was something I considered almost 3 years ago but shelved it because I had this other idea that had been bouncing around in my brain that was screaming to be unleashed. Basically, you have to go with whatever you’re feeling at the time and just do it, even if you lose the desire to continue with it midway through (my issue with this new one.) Either way, I’m excited that your novel bug has bitten again and you’re inspired to write, god only knows it’s nice to know I’m not the only one slaving away day in and out with things people won’t read … (Justin!)

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    • Craig

      April 11, 2011 at 5:06 pm

      Yeah, I really want to push myself this time. Maybe get out of my comfort zone a bit. I feel like when I get my new place with an office I’ll be able to escape and write more often.

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13. M. Nicodemus

    April 11, 2011 at 6:11 pm

    Personally I like to have two writing projects going at the same time; preferably one in rewrite and one first draft. This works well for me as I can flip-flop between them whenever I get stuck on one or the other, essentially allowing me to take a break from one story without losing too much productivity. However, I have also found that the two stories have to be COMPLETELY different in nature or I will sometimes get stuck in both at the same time; very frustrating.

    Anyway, I guess what I am saying is that it is good to take a break and let your creativity play with new ideas and concepts or you may run the risk of becoming stale and predictable.

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14. Polt

    April 11, 2011 at 8:18 pm

    Man, I’d just like to finish one thing that I started writing. I usually have the whole thing plotted out in general in my head, but when it comes to actually putting the words on paper, I end up losing interest. Guess that why I’ll never get ANYTHING published.

    So why do I care about your petty problems around a second novel, huh?

    Serioiusly, I say go with what you’re the most excited about writing, new or sequel.

    HUGS…

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15. Chris D.

    April 11, 2011 at 8:42 pm

    Speaking as a fan of your first novel, I would love to read a sequel! However, from a more objective perspective, the important issue may be whether a sequel could potentially stand on its own. If someone could fully appreciate reading the sequel without having read the first book then that may be a fine project to pursue.

    I think inspiration may be the most important factor. You should likely pursue whatever idea you feel inspired to write about.

    Also, remember that the publishing world is changing, modern technology has become a tremendous force multiplier. Certainly it may be nice to get a literary agent and a deal with a publishing house. It can’t hurt (too much) to give that a go. However, if that does not yield the tremendous success that I believe you undoubtedly deserve, don’t give up. Consider electronic self publishing.

    You may have already seen this on Gizmodo: http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2011/03/this-26-year-old-makes-millions-writing-kindle-only-books/

    Even if you don’t make tons of money, it may help to augment your income, and perhaps more importantly give your writing greater exposure. There should be very minimal financial overhead, perhaps none. Times are changing, electronic reading devices are getting cheaper and cheaper. One day soon it may become far more routine for most fiction authors to cut out the middle man and just self publish. Their success will be based upon reader reviews and ratings and not some antiquated subjective short-sighted literary gate keeper!

    For what it’s worth, I think you are a great writer, and I believe in you!

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16. John

    April 12, 2011 at 1:48 pm

    Write a book based on your idiots guide to the future. Particularly the healthcare one. I’m biased, but that’s my favorite.

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