Second Thoughts #2
With my second novel coming out in October (and it being titled, Second Skin), I've been thinking a lot about how authors tackle their second book. In efforts to stymie my own jitters, I've asked author buddies to offer their insights. I'm collecting responses and will share them with you as I get'm. So, here goes my second, Second Thoughts, featuring Bonnie J. Doerr, a fellow Class of 2k10 member and author with Leap Books.
A lifetime educator, she has taught students from kindergarten to college in eight states. Degrees in reading education, combined with a brief post as a science teacher, led her to write ecological mysteries. Years of teaching and living in the Florida Keys provided irresistible material. Her novels celebrate caring, involved, "green" teens who take action with attitude and a touch of romance. Her work has been honored by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) with a grant for its use in environmental education and has been included in Milkweed Editions literary field guides.
Did you start on the second novel directly after completing the first? And if there was some time between novels – was it difficult to settle back into the voice?
I started drafting Stakeout soon after Island Sting was in the works. There wasn't much time between the writing or publication of the novels. Perhaps that's why I don't remember struggling with voice. On the other hand, it was a lengthy, arduous journey to the first book's publication. I'd been living with Angelo and Kenzie for so many years I kept expecting them to show up for dinner. Since their personalities drive the voice in both novels, its rhythm had etched deep groves in my brain. However, the addition of strong, new characters in Stakeout did force me to focus on consistency.
Have the overall arcs of your characters changed since you first envisioned the series? Or are you on track?
Both Island Sting and Stakeout are more plot driven than character driven. As mystery/adventures the character arcs are not as dramatic as in many novels. But the personal challenges Kenzie and Angelo faced in the first book reposition themselves on the same arc in the second book. Negatives inch upward, losses are slowly accepted, pain eases. All of this making space for the development of what might be considered a second arc which is more like a roller coaster than an arc. But when the heart is involved, isn't that always the case?
How are your marketing efforts different with this second novel? Is it easier now that you have a fan base, or do you feel pressure to up the anti?
I don't want to up the anti because I was very stressed following the release of Island Sting. What I hope to do is better target marketing efforts this time. I'm not sure I targeted the appropriate audience with Island Sting. Much time was spent marketing to the YA audience, and Island Sting is really for only the youngest of teens and middle school or younger audience. I need to target the gatekeepers for ages 10 and up this time round, and that's a tough group to reach. For example, there are a host of YA bloggers out there and, understandably, few are interested in my genre.
Cover love: how much input did you have with your covers? More with the second? Love them? Or wish they were something more?
I'm with a small publishing company that actually encourages author input with the covers. This has definite value and prevents disasters such as a friend of mine experienced. An illustration of a clawed Maine lobster was used in her book which is set in Florida, home of clawless (spiny) Caribbean lobsters. Major embarrassment. I love my covers. So far readers have too. The covers definitely spur curiosity and attract attention.
What's next for you – any WIPs?
I'm researching a third book in the series now with the working title Busted. I'm struggling a bit to get it off the ground. Maybe after the excitement of seeing Stakeout in print comes and goes I'll find it easier to concentrate. But I doubt it. That distracting marketing issue will soon kick into gear.
Can you share an excerpt of the 2nd book?
Here's the blurb followed by an excerpt from Stakeout chosen by the publisher:
It was an ordinary field trip to the New York City aquarium. How could Kenzie have predicted that a surreal encounter with an ancient sea turtle would propel her into peril in the Florida Keys?
A haunting promise compels Kenzie to ensure the survival of sea turtles by ending a rash of nest robberies. Fearless, wheelchair-bound Ana and savvy, troubled Angelo assist in an undercover operation that grows increasingly complicated and treacherous. Problems compound as Kenzie fears losing her first romance, her mother's trust, and her own life
The thief dove on the net. Whirled. Plopped it over Kenzie's head and spun her, locking her arms at her sides.
No . No. No.
From behind her, furious hands wound the long line from her chest down to her knees. Cursing and spitting, Kenzie was knocked blindly to the ground. Shoved and rolled into the trees, screeching monstrous words. Trapped in the growing darkness like a fly in a spider's web.
She screamed with rage—until something snatched and sliced at the nylon mesh over her face—and crammed a bag into her mouth.
A filthy, suffocating plastic bag.
Judith, thanks so much for inviting me to answer these interesting questions. I always enjoy your blog and look forward to following this series.
Ah, thanks, Bonnie. Best wishes with Stakeout and happy writing for "Busted". 
