Please join me today in welcoming Tiffany Shand to my blog for the second time, with her new novel Denai Bound and an insight into the joys of writing a second novel. We all know the feeling: we did it once, can we do it again?
Overcoming Second Novel Syndrome
by Tiffany Shand
When I first started working on my second novel, Denai Bound, I thought this should be easy. I know my characters now, I've already written the first novel and this should be a breeze. Boy, was I wrong!Shouldn't second novels be easy now you have the experience of doing one?
In fact no, many writers often find that writing the second novel is a lot harder than writing the first one because there is the pressure to make the book as good as its predecessor. This is why the condition is called second novel syndrome.
Yes, writing a second book is a lot harder. You don’t have the indulgence and carefree time that you had with your début novel.
Here are some tips of overcoming second novel syndrome:
- Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. After your first book has come out you will probably feel the need of getting something else done quick and having another book out there. Don’t give into that pressure. Books are like babies, they come when they’re ready to.
- It’s okay to take your time. After the first book, you’ll probably want to dive in and get the words out as quickly as possible. But it’s okay to take your time. A rushed book isn't going to impress your readers and may cause more harm than good. But make sure the wait is justified and the second book is as good as it can possibly be.
- Don’t try to write same book twice. It can be tempting to make your second book the same as the first with a similar plot. But this will quickly become boring both for you and your reader. Each book has to be different and unique in its own way.
- Success doesn't mean you can write anything. If you had a successful first book it doesn't mean you can just write any old thing for the second one. If it’s a sequel then it’s still has to remain true to you characters and the elements you set up in your first book.
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Book Info
by Tiffany Shand
Denai witch, Cate McCray should be enjoying married life with her new elemental husband, Jason. But their arrival in a new city soon has them stumbling headlong into a new case with dangerous connections to the very people that govern their world.
Cate and Jason face opposition from those they once considered allies. Together with their team of enforcers, they must find the killer before anyone else dies.
With danger from all sides and the threat of ancient, dangerous magic, the team must pull together and use all their strength to find their enemy before disaster strikes.
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About the Author
She has always done writing in one form or another and started writing novels in her early teens.
Tiffany loves to read books and discovered her love for fantasy and paranormal romance during this time.
She writes both non-fiction and fiction, but mostly fantasy and paranormal romance.
After doing a creative writing course in her early 20s she is now a freelance writer and professional proofreader. She is currently studying for a journalism degree.
Tiffany lives in Essex with her two spoiled cats and one very nutty hamster.
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