Comments | sandy_williams: Writing a sequel is different from writing a first novel

sandy_williams

Writing a sequel is different from writing a first novel

Nov 12, 2010 10:16

That should be obvious, right? Not to me, apparently. I mean, I knew I'd have to slip in back story and remind readers of the different characters and events that ocurred in the first book - that's not a problem - but I didn't realize I'd have to change my writing process. To be honest, I didn't realize I had a writing process.

I've mentioned before ( Read more... )

Comments 9

phoenixfirewolf November 12 2010, 20:11:52 UTC

Sequels are different. I've written two and it was really a challenge the first time I did it. The second time was a little easier but you're right, it's different.

Good luck with the first chapter. I'm sure it will be just as awesome as the other one, if not more so :)

sandy_williams November 16 2010, 20:54:16 UTC

Thanks! I'm looking forward to writing it. Been so busy lately with Real Life stuff, though. Ugh.

phoenixfirewolf November 16 2010, 20:57:33 UTC

Yeah, Doom on RL stuff :(

mtlawson November 13 2010, 00:02:19 UTC

"I sense much squeee in you..."
--Yoda (approximately)

It's good to see you back in the saddle again.

sandy_williams November 16 2010, 20:54:36 UTC

hehe

reneesweet November 16 2010, 23:33:33 UTC

*pushes sandy in the arm* Just send it to me already! ;P

sandy_williams November 27 2010, 16:07:32 UTC

Ha! I might. Of course, I need to completely finish the first chapter at least. :-)

so what about spoilers? anonymous November 26 2010, 22:14:49 UTC

Since you expect your second book to sell gobs more than your first, and since you expect lots of people to be picking up the second book in the store and beginning reading right there, spoilers aren't a problem.

Your spoilers in the second book -- who lived, who died, and so on -- need to be at the same time specific enough that they serve the second story, and vague enough that they allow the first novel to be enjoyed when it is read (or reread) with that extra knowledge.

You need beta readers of both types, and your second needs to satisfy the ones who *did*, and the ones who *didn't* read the first one.

Dal

Re: so what about spoilers? sandy_williams November 27 2010, 16:07:04 UTC

But the first book is so awesome. I don't want to ruin its awesomeness for betas who haven't read it, if that makes sense. I'll probably use my previous betas for this book, too. The difference is I'm going to finish it first before I send it to them, and I'm used to having CPs read chapters as I write them.

It's an adjustment, but it'll work out fine. :-)