How do I start book two?

Although I am yet to officially reach my goal of publishing my first book, I am still so much further than I have ever been so far in my writing journey. So, the idea of thinking about book two is flabbergasting! I do I am on somewhat of a roll. I have enjoyed the writing and editing process and am genuinely looking forward to starting my next book.

“So, what’s the problem, Abbie?”

Coming up with an idea! What a classic writer’s dilemma. Fortunately the problem isn’t coming up with one idea – I do have multiple ideas. No, as I’m sure many of you can relate, the problem is choosing which idea should be the second book (or the third). At the moment, the main idea I have relates to a key character. However, this is someone with a bit of a mysterious background, and I want to continue that mystery for at least the next book, if not more. So, their story will need to be at least book three or four. So, the second book? What is the usual next step? Does it need to be ‘more’? More drama, more mystery, more suspects, more tragedy….than the first book? Or do I just continue with the same cozy pace of the first book?

I do want to ensure that, not only are my readers interested and intrigued, but that I also enjoy the writing process, have fun with it and get to be creative.

I’m also waiting on feedback for my first book. I’ve been calling them Advanced Readers but I realise now they are really my Beta Readers. The book will still need some further editing, and I am just crossing my fingers there won’t need to be any major structural changes. At this stage, I feel I need to know what people think of my first book, what they like, what they don’t like, what they want to hear more of, before I start the second book.

So, am I right? Do I wait? Or are these just excuses for me to not actually start?

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