Writing, the second time around

In theory, doing anything the second time should be easier than the first time around.

Riding a bike, playing a video game, hitting a fastball, whatever it is, our expectation is to have an easier go at it on the second attempt. The second try may or may not be our definition of success, but at least we know what to expect.

This all sounds good, but often turns out to be only a half truth.

The second time riding the bike, you felt more comfortable pushing on the pedals, but you didn't know that this stretch of sidewalk had a nasty bump in it.

You remembered the video game controls from the first game, but did not realize there was a hiding boss when you turned right.

The timing of your swing was perfect for a fastball. The pitcher threw a curve instead.

Writing a second novel, I discovered, is a similar endeavor.

Looking back to when I wrote The Pride of Central, I found that having experience writing as a sports reporter helped in some areas, but not in others. Now, I found that having published one book only helped in certain ways when I wrote The Jewelry of Grace.

The most significant problem for me was avoiding writing the first book all over again. I had to make sure The Jewelry of Grace stayed focused on just a few characters, not an ensemble like The Pride of Central did. Success and failure were more individual experiences than team events. Even with a few characters returning for The Jewelry of Grace, I had to make sure in rewrites that the two manuscripts read like stories that stood on their own without repeating the other.

But there were advantages too. This time around, I had a better feel for the time frame needed for each major step: first draft, first revision, personal editing, editing software and outside editing. I was ready to handle Amazon's submission process with 90 percent less apprehension - though it never quite goes away. I also had a better feel in advance of how the physical book should feel (and picked a much better font for the text as a result).

Some authors will find different areas of comfort as they write their second story. Others will find different challenges in trying to make their second novel fresh and new. But no author should feel strange about not having it all figured out after one book. The challenge will always be there. Just be grateful that, this time, you do have experience on your side.

Next week: Taking off for Christmas. This blog will return on January 4th.