Second Thoughts #3

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 third, Second Thoughts, featuring Alberta author, Jan Markley.

Here's a bit about Jan from her website: 

"I spent about a decade working in broadcast and print journalism. In my late twenties I traveled for two years through Europe, Africa, and Asia, and freelanced for radio broadcast outlets including the CBC, BBC, and an Aboriginal radio station.

I completed a Master of Arts, Cultural Anthropology in 2002 and did my research among the members of the Peigan Nation in southern Alberta. In addition to writing fiction for children, I write creative non-fiction and have had personal essays published in the Globe and Mail and WestWord."

And now for the questions: 

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 actually started the second novel before the first – Dead Frog on the Porch - was under contract (which is what you're not supposed to do). I knew I was getting close to a contract with the first (and since there's a lot of waiting in publishing) I didn't know what to do with myself so I started the second novel- Dead Bird through the Cat Door. I figured if the first didn't sell I would submit the second as a stand alone. 

It wasn't difficult settling back into the voice of the twin protags Cyd and Jane – they are firmly ensconced in my psyche. In fact, sometimes I wish they would just shuddup already! They tend to talk to me more when I'm not in front of my keyboard. Wow, that sounds spooky – Ouija board anyone!?     

 Have the overall arcs of your characters changed since you first envisioned the series? Or are you on track?

The characters are on track. Cyd – the non-animal lover who attracts animals – is all about the snarky comments, using her Nancy Drew smarts to solve mysteries, and writing. Jane – the two-minutes-younger animal loving twin – is all about the animals and following the rules. Together they use old fashioned curiosity and new technology to save the various animal kingdoms.  

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 think I put myself under pressure to up the anti! It is easier with the second book because kids have read my first book and I've done school visits and have an active blog. I think now it's about continuing the marketing efforts and building on them incrementally. As you said to me once Judith: "we're not launching a book, we're building a writing career." Wise words from your inner wolven (or maybe you're really a vampire …).    

Any world building or rule you established in the first book that caused challenges for you in the second?

 Not so much caused me trouble but I have to remember what I built in the first novel in terms of the small city they live in. In the first book they biked around the university as they were gathering clues against Dr. Talbot (aka the Cheese Pie Man) who was creating giant frogs. Now the girls have the river valley and bird sanctuary, where the director of the sanctuary Aviary Finch is kidnapping cats to kill birds, to bike through and explore. So, I've created new aspects of their existing world.  

Cover love: how much input did you have with your covers? More with the second? Love them? Or wish they were something more?

Love the cover. Gumboot Books used the same artist Mike Linton and the cover is striking. 

Many authors experience shifts in their writing world before their second book is published. Some find new agents, get an agent if they didn't have one before, or even seek out new publishers. Have you had any such dramas?

No drama (just comedy!). I've gained a lot of new writer friends through the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Young Alberta Book Society (YABS) and the Writers' Guild of Alberta (WGA). I went to the SCBWI New York conference and the symposium in Bologna – both were great learning and networking opportunities.  

If you could go back in time and give the newbie author you one writing tip – what would it be?

Continue to focus on your craft and develop as a writer. Also, you might want to learn a thing or two about marketing since it is a part of any author's life.  

What's next for you – any WIPs?

 I'm working on a contemporary y/a working title Blood Scarlette … if I told you anymore I'd have to stab you with my mechanical pencil.  

Can you share an excerpt of the 2nd book? Link to booktrailer?

Here's a synopsis of Dead Bird through the Cat Door:

 Dead birds? Stolen cats? C'est what? When Cyd and Jane's cat Yin gets kidnapped – that's when it gets personal.

Once again, Cyd and her animal loving twin Jane are up to their bird beaks in intrigue cracking the latest Megabyte Mystery. The director of the bird sanctuary, Aviary Finch, is stealing cats to kill birds. The twins use the latest technology and Shakespeare's Macbeth to help crack the case. Methinks the culprits doth protest too much! Will Cyd and Jane save the sanctuary, free the birds, and return the cats to their natural habitat of their owners' laps? It's predator eats predator when evil meets crazy!

Here's a book trailer that my 13 year old niece produced for me. Lucky for me she works for samosas and chai tea (and cash money!).

Thanks Jan! I look forward to digging into any and all that you write. And I hope our paths cross again soon. ;)