The Challenges in Writing a Sequel
The debut book is written, published and selling. Fans are loving it and asking when the next one is coming out, to which this here author replies, “Uh… Christmas?… Maybe?”
Joking aside, I do have a goal set to release my next novel by the end of the year, but it’s a lot harder to do than to say, that’s for sure. I’m finding there are 7 main reasons why. See if you agree.
First, I personally have to wait for God to lead me in the direction He wants the story to go. He’s the One who connects the dots, closes the loopholes, and fuels the characters. If I do it my way, well… let’s just say that everyone will be able to tell.
Second, it’s a sequel. Keeping continuity of details and timeline adds a greater challenge than just flowing freely while writing.
The third challenge: Maintaining my writing style while increasing the intrigue and keeping the characters relatable.
Fourth is staying true to each character’s goals.
Fifth is determining how much content should be recapped in the sequel to refresh the reader without retelling the original story. This is important to make sure the new story stands on its own legs. I don’t want the old story regurgitated, but then I don’t want the reader to be lost in the continuation either.
Following that same vein is the sixth challenge: Researching how other successful authors formulate a sequel without allowing their style to influence mine. When I began writing my debut novel, I unintentionally avoided other authors’ fictional work because I was so enthralled in the story that God was unfolding before me. However, once I realized I had a viable manuscript, I deliberately shirked the worlds created by other fiction authors. Currently, I’m debating whether to do so because… well, I can’t have Carlos turning into that other guy, and Shannon needs to stay Shannon.
Challenge number seven: I’ve got to do all of the above AND do it expeditiously. Oh, the pressure! While I originally had no intention of publicizing Imbroglio, as it was my little secret, solely for my own enjoyment and escape from reality, now, people are expecting more from me! The bar has been set and that question, “When are you going to release the next book?” keeps coming. One reader even told me I’d better hurry up before she forgets what she read. Nail-biting. (Are Shannon, Carlos, his brothers, Carlito, Mama B, and ‘nem really forgettable?)
Yes, I’m feeling ALL of this, and if you’re presently facing your own goal challenges I hope you take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. However, what must we do? The answer is, “Stay at it.”
…Which means I should get back to my manuscript…
