tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post6277395417713272829..comments2024-03-28T13:35:16.194-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: Why Every Writer Should Complete More Than One BookJody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-37452190004723897602011-02-06T08:57:39.481-05:002011-02-06T08:57:39.481-05:00I think every writer needs to write book two, just...I think every writer needs to write book two, just so they can see how book one was maybe not as awesome as they now (with the extra experience) could have made it. And also because, I think, a lot of writers begin writing book one for themselves, even if they finish it with other intentions. As a result, it's maybe not a polished or intricately plotted as they would desire for their first real, reviewed work. I know my first effort wasn't my finest hour - but I'm not unhappy I wrote it. It's part of my authorial evolution.littolearnbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04861842725424290265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-48029984718741711592011-02-01T12:43:56.229-05:002011-02-01T12:43:56.229-05:00Excellent advice, Jody! I camped at Book 1 for a w...Excellent advice, Jody! I camped at Book 1 for a while (worried that I may never be able to write another one.) But now that I've completed Book 2, I couldn't be happier! Now I have something else to look forward to (new possibilities, new agents to query) other than my inbox!<br /><br />Lorena<br /><br />PS. Agent Chelsea Gilmore from Maria Carvainis Agency has granted me an interview and will stop by my blog to answer questions today, if anybody is interested.<br /><br />http://divinesecretsofthewritingsisterhood.blogspot.com/2011/01/interview-with-agent-chelsea-gilmore.htmlThe Sisterhoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09889577041903181315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-76873997553517864282011-02-01T06:59:45.557-05:002011-02-01T06:59:45.557-05:00P.I. Barrington, Glad I could give you that poke! ...P.I. Barrington, Glad I could give you that poke! :-)Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-16991434882046371312011-01-31T16:45:58.579-05:002011-01-31T16:45:58.579-05:00Again, you are spot on with this post, Jody! I was...Again, you are spot on with this post, Jody! I was blessed to have gotten contracted for a series and so I finished the three novels in the Future Imperfect trilogy due to deadlines and I got the offer to write a novella for an anthology. <br />But right now, I'm trying to break out of the "fifth" book mountain so it also happens after that first book success, thereby emphasizing your post even more!<br />Thanks for the poke in the ribs to keep me going on the WIPS...P.I. Barringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05225260434926598041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-80849490985872108782011-01-30T21:00:27.063-05:002011-01-30T21:00:27.063-05:00I've written three manuscripts, and I've d...I've written three manuscripts, and I've definitely grown with each. It's also helped me to learn what writing techniques help me to get through those mushy middles and to the end, so when I do get a book deal, I have confidence that I can write another one quickly if I have to.<br /><br />CDCecilia Dominichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12799727636246434837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-87291996244895109262011-01-27T22:10:51.191-05:002011-01-27T22:10:51.191-05:00Writing is not instant gratification, so I can see...Writing is not instant gratification, so I can see where many don't go beyond the idea of it. The first book is the uphill climb. Then the roller coaster of writing can really take off. My climb is still going. I have many pots boiling on the burners (not just writing), so my climb may take a bit longer than others. In the end, published or not, it'll be worth the effort.CMOM Productionshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04595915747223847421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-39323418201219424612011-01-27T21:43:21.090-05:002011-01-27T21:43:21.090-05:00sarahanneloudinthomas asked: It's tempting to ...sarahanneloudinthomas asked: It's tempting to stop and think that there's no point in writing book two if you haven't sold book one. What if no one reads either one of them? <br /><br />My answer: If you love to write, then it isn't so much about publication as it is about writing. Keep on writing the next book and the next, because you love telling stories. No one but me ever read any of my first stories, and that was enough! Hope that you'll find enough joy in your writing for it to be enough for you too! Eventually, if we work hard enough we'll be ready to share our books with others.Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-16069011522112087172011-01-27T18:09:40.374-05:002011-01-27T18:09:40.374-05:00great post. I'm a non-fiction writer (not for ...great post. I'm a non-fiction writer (not for lack of trying fiction) and am just completing my third book. I'm not sure it gets easier but it certainly gets better and I think we gain a large degree of confidence as we move on from the thrill of book 1. Good luck to all of you as you share your voice with the world.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07459000646574450621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-74267744912476080492011-01-27T16:35:13.546-05:002011-01-27T16:35:13.546-05:00It's such a rush to finish that first book! I ...It's such a rush to finish that first book! I nearly finished a book and then abandoned it as the unviable practice run it was. When I finished my first book that I thought had a chance it was AWESOME. Now I'm 100+ pages into book two and in some ways it's easier simply because I know finishing is possible. Also, I've revised book one enough to be a little tired of it! That said, it's tempting to stop and think that there's no point in writing book two if you haven't sold book one. What if no one reads either one of them? But it boils down to your summary. Writers write. If you're not writing then . . .Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-51443765435485683492011-01-27T15:40:16.924-05:002011-01-27T15:40:16.924-05:00Hi Jody -
I read Rachelle's post on this subj...Hi Jody -<br /><br />I read Rachelle's post on this subject over a year ago and saw the wisdom in writing another book. Since then, I've finished a second book and started a third. <br /><br />I'm somewhat stalled on the third manuscript because it's part of a trilogy. I'm debating on whether or not to start a fourth book unrelated to the series.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Susan :)Susan J. Reinhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461276857852409546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-12167155256883425102011-01-27T14:10:25.014-05:002011-01-27T14:10:25.014-05:00This is a great post!
I worked on my "first...This is a great post! <br /><br />I worked on my "first" novel for many years. It was technically my second, but I don't consider the one I wrote in 6th grade to count.<br /><br />I rewrote the novel a half dozen times and the characters and plot went through such drastic changes it didn't even feel the same. After a while, I felt I was just "beating a dead horse." <br /><br />That novel did pique the interest of the agent who I would eventually sign with, but while waiting to hear from that agent, I wrote another novel and it was a hundred times stronger. With that second manuscript, the agent offered representation.<br /><br />This past year, I completed my third, which has the strongest protagonist and plot so far. <br /><br />I've heard it takes 100,000 words or 10,000 hours of writing to truly find your voice and with this third book, I feel I've "graduated" in a way. <br /><br />Thank you for the post!Nicole M. Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17785140184739471426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-16273301813521804152011-01-27T14:04:32.362-05:002011-01-27T14:04:32.362-05:00If you don't like writing then don't try t...If you don't like writing then don't try to write. It is a long exhaustive process. If you love writing, do it! It takes perseverence, patience, and strong commitment, but is so fun to see a story become real--outside of your mind. <br />Once I start querying for my fist book, I plan to start working on my next writing project. I will never stop. Thanks for the post.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06519655950073446857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-52374772041139937772011-01-27T13:47:51.033-05:002011-01-27T13:47:51.033-05:00Does writing a screenplay count? I wrote a 99-page...Does writing a screenplay count? I wrote a 99-page screenplay that I am shopping now. I'm also thinking about developing it into a play.<br /><br />"They quickly understand that the ease of reading is not duplicated in the pain-staking process of crafting words and plot."<br /><br />Your above statement is so TRUE!! I had to really search and ask myself if I liked reading books more than writing them. I finding now, I'd rather write what I'd like to read.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12783350310611096039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-9190020117341993772011-01-27T13:35:18.247-05:002011-01-27T13:35:18.247-05:00I'm not camped out, per se, but I am having tr...I'm not camped out, per se, but I am having trouble devoting time to two projects at once. Book 1 is on about the fourth revision and about to be sent off to a freelance editor. Book 2 has an extremely rough outline and a couple of chapters. Whenever I spend even an hour on Book two I feel as though I'm neglecting Book 1 - my baby.<br /><br />Perhaps when Book 1 is with the editor I can finally relax and focus on the second one. For now I feel like I have two children tugging on me at once and I don't know who deserves my attention more.Whitney Baileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17054611631341873119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-79243404004948155572011-01-27T12:32:14.756-05:002011-01-27T12:32:14.756-05:00I've completed two. Well, the second one is ab...I've completed two. Well, the second one is about a day from The End before a full round of spit and polish. I feel like Book 2 was rewritten enough to count as more than one!<br /><br />As soon as it's done I'm ready for book three. No camping. Who knows how many I'll have to write to find 'the one'. (I sure hope it's this current one-wouldn't that be nice?)Debra E. Marvinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17853387871623424853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-5275640526917499872011-01-27T11:41:15.366-05:002011-01-27T11:41:15.366-05:00I've known writers who've written their fi...I've known writers who've written their first books and are dying to be published. They keep getting shot down by agents. On one hand, it's good they don't give up. <br /><br />However, I also somewhat believe what my own agent said, 'a writer's first book should go straight to the garbage.' Harsh (and btw, I think every book a writer writes should stay on a shelf to be plumbed in the future.) Admittedly, my own first book was dog doo. <br /><br />But I fear new authors' thirst for publishing success stops them from being honest about the quality of their work and the realities of the business.Tart and Soulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05778685047307590457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-54152452455281720942011-01-27T07:31:45.135-05:002011-01-27T07:31:45.135-05:00I'm still struggling on the nursery slopes -- ...I'm still struggling on the nursery slopes -- but thanks for the advice and inspiration!Wendy A.M. Prosserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17089690967649152875noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-73882697698365530692011-01-26T20:10:28.489-05:002011-01-26T20:10:28.489-05:00I'm way too antsy to stick with one book. By t...I'm way too antsy to stick with one book. By the time I get one done, I am VERY ready to move on to the next. I'm usually ready BEFORE I'm done, so that takes some discipline.Marla Tavianohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14485117754789717519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-56846443099268592172011-01-26T17:46:15.017-05:002011-01-26T17:46:15.017-05:00Great post, and very encouraging. I just wanted to...Great post, and very encouraging. I just wanted to let you know I got the Plot & Structure book you recommended to me (also on your sidebar) for Christmas, and I am starting to go through it. I've only just started it, but so far I am enjoying it and feeling motivated!Shelley L. MacKenziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15037786480134738465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-33074385666848378882011-01-26T17:32:50.080-05:002011-01-26T17:32:50.080-05:00Definitely striking a chord today, Jody! I'm a...Definitely striking a chord today, Jody! I'm attached to closure and this is good motivation to keep going beyond that first book! I like the idea of continuing to grow and develop while in the process of waiting. Good stuff here! Thanks for the nudge! God bless!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-19149186616891654662011-01-26T17:14:09.449-05:002011-01-26T17:14:09.449-05:00The beauty of writing more than one book is that y...The beauty of writing more than one book is that you discover that book four looks an awful lot like book two and three, but not very much like book one. My most exciting story is one that was created from two other full length novels(kind of sounds like parenting, doesn't it?). I wouldn't have had this book if it weren't for exploring the others, picking out the best pieces, and truly finding the story I was really meant to tell. Thank you for the encouragement and great advice. As always!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-30748777805178511732011-01-26T15:58:06.186-05:002011-01-26T15:58:06.186-05:00Thank you for the encouragement. I need to keep wr...Thank you for the encouragement. I need to keep writing and not give up. :O) I figured whey keep writing if I was never going to be published....Dianehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07604687906788800639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-12715208213376966702011-01-26T14:44:14.340-05:002011-01-26T14:44:14.340-05:00Great advice, because NOT that many people are luc...Great advice, because NOT that many people are lucky or talented enough to have their very first book be The One to get published. Gah--mine certainly wasn't. No, I didn't stop at one. I'm on about novel #15 or 16 now, still plugging away. And getting closer to publication and much better at writing!Carol Riggshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14092209912983783974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-70103432991686766002011-01-26T14:20:15.395-05:002011-01-26T14:20:15.395-05:00This is really great advice. I'm in the middle...This is really great advice. I'm in the middle of writing my first book so I'm looking forward to the feeling of accomplishment that will come when I finish it! I already have ideas for future books so I won't stop at one book.Ghenet Myrthilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12621168379560585094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-10118063015581313332011-01-26T14:08:43.777-05:002011-01-26T14:08:43.777-05:00I'm on number five! I always want another one ...I'm on number five! I always want another one in the wings incase the current one doesn't pan out:)) Great advice.Terri Tiffanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07771622379178654235noreply@blogger.com