tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post3763909511994789679..comments2024-03-28T08:48:51.749-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: How to Beat the Fear of Being a One-Book WonderJody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-59042301968421220362011-02-21T12:52:37.307-05:002011-02-21T12:52:37.307-05:00I totally relate. Even though my second book was i...I totally relate. Even though my second book was in the same series, I worried it was too different for people who loved the first book... but I also felt it was stronger and suffered the fear that people who felt iffy about Book 1 wouldn't give Book 2 a chance. The same imaginations that allow us to craft stories also take us into some creative - and futile - worrying.<br /><br />I keep telling myself Perfect Truth drives out fear - and turning to Perfect Truth Himself.<br /><br />Important since now I'm fighting "second-series fear." Writing my first series without a contract, I spent about two years writing & researching each book. Now I need to write each book in a year. It means less pre-writing - and a new set of worries. What if my characters aren't deep enough? What if my research isn't complete enough? Does this plotline stink?<br /><br />Aye yi yi. Cast out that fear and press on.Sarah Sundinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08205570391669770574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-72078919442427616622011-02-17T22:40:51.350-05:002011-02-17T22:40:51.350-05:00I understand what you're going through. I'...I understand what you're going through. I've often had remorse after clicking send when I submit a book to my editor, even if I've read the book a gazillion times. <br /><br />My fourth book comes out in May and I'm still as anxious and worried as ever. <br /><br />Can't wait to read The Doctor's Lady. It's bound to be a hit.Kathi Oram Petersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11959149321213743448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-55121873841658426672011-02-17T21:33:20.729-05:002011-02-17T21:33:20.729-05:00Yep! Only God makes perfect things. :) I think it&...Yep! Only God makes perfect things. :) I think it'll be a natural (and not necessarily bad) thing that people will compare your novels. And it will all be subjective--as subjective as people reading the first novel was. Some people are bound to have your 2nd book resonate more with them, and some the 1st book!Carol Riggshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14092209912983783974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-81017314069472195562011-02-17T20:28:41.735-05:002011-02-17T20:28:41.735-05:00Hi Jody -
I'm still working toward that first...Hi Jody -<br /><br />I'm still working toward that first book. :)<br /><br />This week, my mother illustrated the "forgiving reader principle." Hanging around me, she's learned a bit about writing. <br /><br />She read a book that I wasn't able to get through. Her comment: "The writing wasn't good, but I liked the story." <br /><br />Blessings,<br />Susan :)Susan J. Reinhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461276857852409546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-29280821042789708762011-02-17T16:58:45.466-05:002011-02-17T16:58:45.466-05:00So, doubts will plague us throughout our writing l...So, doubts will plague us throughout our writing lives? It's nice to know I'm not the only one who worries and frets.M Paxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14096697282530998519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-11285210779241940102011-02-17T06:44:20.772-05:002011-02-17T06:44:20.772-05:00I am grappling with this very phenomenon myself. A...I am grappling with this very phenomenon myself. After the work I put in on my first novel, the idea of of beginning a second alone was frightening. But - apart from some terrible writers block - I have embarked on a project that I'm growing more confident with.<br /><br />Your piece is timely - it was just what I needed.DeanfromAustraliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12292995600982621329noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-16575517142905591332011-02-17T00:10:22.307-05:002011-02-17T00:10:22.307-05:00I have the same fears, even though I don't wri...I have the same fears, even though I don't write books. In fact, I think I might be too afraid to write a book.<br /><br />But I write a lot of columns and articles, and I wonder if my next article is going to be good...<br /><br />I suppose it's better than becoming vain.Amy (ArtsyBookishGal)https://www.blogger.com/profile/07339780609570583055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-8863599377909715432011-02-16T18:11:20.060-05:002011-02-16T18:11:20.060-05:00Great post, Jody.
Of course, my fears are limite...Great post, Jody. <br /><br />Of course, my fears are limited to "the next story" instead of the next novel - just for today :) - but the fears are much the same. I love your tip to remember that readers are forgiving. I believe, based on my own experience as a reader and a writer, that point is so true!Christi Craighttp://writingunderpressure.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-90629267272094216092011-02-16T15:29:42.388-05:002011-02-16T15:29:42.388-05:00Great post! (And I'm tickled you quoted me!) I...Great post! (And I'm tickled you quoted me!) I've written three novels since my first one was published, and I do think facing audience expectations gets a little easier with each book. After that second book is published, you have the assurance that readers *still* like you, and that gives you a little more breathing room in leaping into Book #3. This isn't to say that doubts don't still exist, but they get easier to drown out.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13832782604769370695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-30799938245281897042011-02-16T14:35:50.214-05:002011-02-16T14:35:50.214-05:00First, I want to thank you for your honesty. It i...First, I want to thank you for your honesty. It is so comforting to writers everywhere. Second, I think it would be impossible for you not to write a great book. (EEk, double negative, but you know what I mean.) Finally, if for some crazy reason the book didn't sing like THE PREACHER'S BRIDE I'd still buy everything you ever write because you had me at the first book. Once I fall in love, I'm a loyal reader, and I fell in love with THE PREACHER'S BRIDE.Erika Robuckhttp://www.erikarobuck.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-797648390719460502011-02-16T14:05:05.035-05:002011-02-16T14:05:05.035-05:00Nathan Lowell said: "Without that frisson of...Nathan Lowell said: "Without that frisson of fear about the next, I don't think I'd be as driven to improve it."<br /><br />My Response: EXCELLENT point, Nathan. It is that underlying "frisson" of fear that spurs us on. It's not a full anxiety attack or anything like that. Rather the fear can be a good thing as long as it remains an edge that nudges us constantly onward and upward to become better writers! Thank you!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-54493961765556464162011-02-16T13:52:44.182-05:002011-02-16T13:52:44.182-05:00COngrats Tesa! I'm so jealous!!!
Jody, I have...COngrats Tesa! I'm so jealous!!!<br /><br />Jody, I have to say I doubt very much you will be a one hit wonder. I do understand the natural anxiety you must be feeling but you my friend are here to stay. In fact I gave you prime face-out real estate in my Borders yesterday!!! And my daughter said, "no mom it deserves to be on a higher shelf." and she proceeded to give you even more exposure. We love you so. *sigh* I really want to read Doctor's Lady. I can't wait.Tanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10518718614911804428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-31805800148148441162011-02-16T13:41:00.899-05:002011-02-16T13:41:00.899-05:00My dream is to be a multi-published author and I w...My dream is to be a multi-published author and I would to know that I have never disappointed my readers. But the only control I have over any project is to give my all, I commit to that and leave the rest to God.<br /><br />That takes some of the pressure off:)Tamika:https://www.blogger.com/profile/04874834971492028558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-24344621410345625442011-02-16T13:38:42.532-05:002011-02-16T13:38:42.532-05:00This is a very valid fear, and one I have battled ...This is a very valid fear, and one I have battled a tiny bit. My situation has been unique, though, in that I independently published a novella in one genre and now I'm traditionally publishing a novel in a completely different genre. I have a feeling both will have some of the same readers, but overall the readership will vary. This means that until I put out another thriller, I might not feel this one-hit-wonder at all. My novella, Cinders, will be released with two other novellas in 2012. THAT one holds a bit of trepidation for me because I know readers will automatically compare the other two novellas to Cinders, or vice versa. Still, they are part of one entire book so it's different. I don't know if they'll judge the book as a whole or as individual stories.<br /><br />Anyway, all I'm saying is that I've felt this, but my own situation seems all jumbled up. In the end, I feel that it doesn't matter what genre I write. There are parts of my writing that ties all my books together. As long as those elements are there my career will move forward as a collection of books, not individual ones. If that makes sense. Sorry, I totally rambled about myself. <br /><br />Anyway, thanks for this great post! You have some fantastic advice here, too.Michelle D. Argylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09696465137285587646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-81703879844152611252011-02-16T13:06:34.934-05:002011-02-16T13:06:34.934-05:00Congrats to Tessa!
I can see this fear and can re...Congrats to Tessa!<br /><br />I can see this fear and can relate with my other writing. (Since I haven't written a book yet:) These are great points! I appreciate you taking the time to help us grow.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />KarenKaren Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-52423745865776171962011-02-16T12:07:51.914-05:002011-02-16T12:07:51.914-05:00As one of the few people who's been privileged...As one of the few people who's been privileged to get a sneak peek at <i>The Doctor's Lady</i> (Jody and I are critique partners), let me say for the record that this book is great. No, it's not like <i>The Preacher's Bride</i>, nor would I, as a reader, want it to be.<br /><br />I know the Second Book Syndrome fears are real, having been experiencing the early stages myself, but what I realized recently is that our books are like children. Each is unique, and we love them all. I think readers will look at our work that way. They don't want cookie cutter characters and repetitious plots any more than I do. They want something new and different. Knowing that helps me move forward with the next tale and get on with the telling.Keli Gwynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13236868298400593688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-74133216535200219262011-02-16T11:25:02.414-05:002011-02-16T11:25:02.414-05:00I still have to finish editing my first novel (I a...I still have to finish editing my first novel (I am terrible with editing but I'm learning along the way) so I am nervous about it potentially being published. My favourite author has produced some "not so great" books, but out of the many he has written there are the handful of gems that make me realize how much I adore him. I realize he's not perfect and neither am I. We write what we write and we learn from it.Mindyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08086971223461640768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-46859563900658006912011-02-16T11:11:47.366-05:002011-02-16T11:11:47.366-05:00Yay! Thanks again for this giveaway, I'm sure ...Yay! Thanks again for this giveaway, I'm sure my mom and I will very much enjoy the chocolate. =)<br /><br />I still have yet to complete the editing process of my first book, but I could imagine those type of doubts creeping in on me while working on my second. However, there's no reason to fear if we have allowed him to direct the course of the story and our writing career. =)<br /><br />Congratulations on finishing your second book edits! I'm looking forward to reading it.<br /><br />TessaTessa Emily Hallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-76279402634045268462011-02-16T11:11:03.394-05:002011-02-16T11:11:03.394-05:00Yes - the fear of the "one book wonder" ...Yes - the fear of the "one book wonder" has crossed my mind regularly. I am silencing that fear by meeting my daily writing goal...silencing that inner editor, for the present.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15508887711850480059noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-65144166922190535142011-02-16T11:10:46.075-05:002011-02-16T11:10:46.075-05:00This comment has been removed by the author..https://www.blogger.com/profile/01708568014683752847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-63491922100510036532011-02-16T10:50:31.972-05:002011-02-16T10:50:31.972-05:00Right there with you, Jody. Thank goodness my seco...Right there with you, Jody. Thank goodness my second novel was already drafted when I signed my contract, though it needed a major rewrite before submission. That helped with the fear. But it's now, on my third, when I have to face that completely blank slate once more. Research gets me through it by giving me a feeling of solidity, and prayer gets me through it by reminding me I'm not alone.Rosslyn Elliotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11304732306399786236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-76007027842571141182011-02-16T10:21:10.761-05:002011-02-16T10:21:10.761-05:00I posted about this very fear from a different per...I posted about this very fear from a different perspective today! I like how Nathan said it is healthy...it's a good thing. Thanks for sharing and CONGRATULATIONS on finishing!<br /><br />~CarlaCarlahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15380048190884905579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-39343642845289842802011-02-16T10:05:57.394-05:002011-02-16T10:05:57.394-05:00Such a valuable point about seeking out those who ...Such a valuable point about seeking out those who will lovingly share the truth with us. I can't remember, but I believe Donald Miller wrote a post about how we are to have life editors--people who will help us improve our life by encouraging us to cut certain things out, etc.<br /><br />Fear...second post that's asked me what mine is this morning. I want to share my work. As much as it's a true joy to write on my own, I want it published. I suppose there's an underlying fear that won't happen (even though my gut says it will). <br />~ WendyWendy Paine Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15136235074351188350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-65929783440747351512011-02-16T09:53:46.790-05:002011-02-16T09:53:46.790-05:00Thought I'm still working on my first novel, t...Thought I'm still working on my first novel, the feelings you have about the second one totally make sense. I would imagine myself being a nervous wreck with my fourth or fifth book! LOL<br /><br />Awesome post!M. McGriffhttp://www.visualadjectives.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-75580386983250476202011-02-16T09:53:05.673-05:002011-02-16T09:53:05.673-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.M. McGriffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14329175109358005355noreply@blogger.com