Oh well, holidays are over and my sequel is out for final proofreading. I’m completing my citations and bibliography page now and I’m forcing myself to finish writing my next book in the series. I say forcing since I’ve a hard time changing hats from researcher-writer- revisor- queryer-editor-designer-publisher-promoter then back to writer. I tend to get stuck in the phases.
When I was writing, I just kept writing. I actually finished the first book, the second, 2/3’s of the third, and 1/3 of the last book all in one straight streak. I couldn’t stop creating. I worried that I would never want to stop writing to get any of the books out. I made myself stop and start to rework the first book. Then I got caught up in all the other stages.
Why do I have such a hard time transitioning?
So now, I really don’t want to start researching the next life I’m delving into. I keep trying to convince myself that it’s a better idea to start reworking the lives I’ve already completed in the third book. I think a part of me feels like I haven’t written in so long that I’m afraid I can’t do it anymore. I have this great momentum in the book up until this point and then I stopped to do all the other phases and I’m scared to pick it back up again.
What if the momentum is ruined?
I think a part of me is scared to see if I can still write this series. I feel so much more comfortable to do what I’ve been doing for a year now. Plus, I have to isolate myself so much more during the writing process. I can revise, edit, design, promote all while watching Thundercats, shaking a baby toy, or keeping an eye on my son’s ninja attempts. But when I write, I need to focus and fall into the world inside me. Once the words start pouring out, it’s torture to stick a cork in to do something else.
But I don’t have a choice. I’m a full-time mother and writer, so I must try to juggle as best as I can. I realize that I just have to quiet those fears and throw myself into the writing. I hope it will be like riding a bicycle. I hope the series will keep up it’s pace and intimacy I created previously.
Who knows? Maybe all this professional editing will rub off during the first draft!
Do you have a hard time changing between all the different phases? Which phase to you enjoy the most? Which one do you dread?
laurenwaters 
I am such an AWFUL crit partner, I’ve vanished into thin air. *ARGH* I’m sorry!!
Okay, so firstly, you will rock book 3 like no other. It will be amazing, incredible, and awesome. Know why? Because you’re talented. 🙂 Secondly, I’m off to finish homework, then finish reading the chapters you sent me so I can actually, ya know, be helpful. 🙂 You’re amazing, Lauren, and a great writer as well as an awesome friend. Lots of adjectives in that sentence, but you deserve every one. 🙂
You are an awesome crit partner! Which is why I will wait weeks and weeks for your fantastic input. Life must come first, then writing. Just your pep talks alone are worth their weight in gold!
I’m sure that once you just sit down and start writing, you’ll get back into writing mode and everything will turn out great 🙂 I think sometimes we don’t like change but once we accept it, we see it’s not so bad and we shouldn’t have wasted time worrying. that being said, I need to get back to writing myself. I think I’ve had a bit of the same problem :b
You’re so right. Sometimes it’s just the idea of change that’s the hardest to accept. Good luck with your writing too!
I’m completely scared to write my sequel! I don’t even let my brain go beyond a few plot ideas in fear that it will tempt me to write again! For one, once I start writing, my mind is taken over by my characters but sometimes in a bad way. Examples…not sleeping, not listening to some story someone is telling me, bad driving due to deep in scene plotting, ect. Second, I’m scared the voice I used to write the first one, will be gone. Maybe it was a fluke? Maybe in these years of editing I’ve grown a part from my main character. These are the thoughts that keep me from starting that first opening paragragh. Also, I’m still editing my first book which I’m starting to avoid too because its the harder edits. You know, the ones that require your full attention. So…what do I like? Well I guess it depends on when you ask me. Right now, I like re-reading my first book. I’m hoping by hearing them again, maybe I’ll want to continue their next adventure.
Good luck on yours….in two weeks lets see if either one of us has moved in the direction of writing. My prediction is…you will and I will still be avoiding it!
Oh good, I’m not alone. I’ve actually starting researching (which is definitely not my favorite part). Let’s see who starts their next book first!
I have been having some trouble with the different phases as well. It took a while for me to adjust to going from just being a writer to becoming an editor and researcher. It is interesting because it scared me a little bit too. I can become very moody and down when I dont get a significant amount of writing done.
But over time, I think that you will get used to juggling all these different roles in the writing/publishing process. It is wonderful, by the way, that you have your sequel out for the final edit – and that your third book is nearly completed. A series is quite an accomplishment for a writer.
You are a creative and excellent writer and that will never change! It is in you to write. 🙂
It will be such a relief to finish a series. I can’t wait to see what that feels like. Thanks so much for the kind words. What would I do without the support of this blog? How is your novel coming?
I am waiting for my first edit to come back. So exciting! Of course, I might not think so when I get the marked up pages back.
How has your writing been going this week?
First edits are so daunting! At least they are for me. I haven’t been writing all week. The moment I start getting into it, I have to stop to get this series out. *Sigh* I’m running out of January days…it looks like February might just be my launch month now.