The "What's next?" syndrome

Once you've completed a first novel, there's an expectation of a second novel. This is known as the "What's next?" syndrome. I liken this to asking a marathon runner if he's going to run another 26 miles right after he's crossed the finish line.

But I suppose it's human nature to ask such a question. And I prefer that question to the other question that I get most often, which is, "When will your book be out?" At least I have some semblance of an answer for the "What's next?" question. There seems to be a general assumption that I should have an answer to the "When will your book be out?" question, but I don't.

Back to the "What's next?" question. When I say I prefer that question, it doesn't necessarily mean that I like it. Although it's a seemingly simple question, nothing in writing is as simple as it seems.

My general answer is that I have started writing a second novel. Now this general answer, I've found, tends to explode in my face because it works as a triggering device for a series of loaded follow-up questions that I don't have answers to. Questions like, "What's it about?" or "When will it be done?"

If nothing else my experience in writing my first novel has taught me that there are no simple answers when it comes to the novel-writing process. As I've noted before, the first draft of Lost in the Ivy (which at the time was called Ivy Dancer) bears little resemblance to the final draft. Still, the basic premise of the story remained the same from day one. Of course, seven years followed from day one before I reached the end of my little story. 

With that in mind, I enter into discussions of my next project with rather timid steps. But I will share the basic premise, which is a bit of a departure from my first novel.

My new project, at least as I've envisioned it, is a coming-of-age story whose foundation is loosely built upon an actual traumatic event from my past. I can't say I've ridden very far with her yet. Every time I've saddled up, I seem to get bucked off. But I'm determined to break this bronco. 

Much like my first project, it is the basic premise that keeps me riding. If you want a taste of that premise, you can read my opening to the first chapter. This is by no means necessarily how the final version will read, but it at least gives you an idea of where I'm starting from.  And before anyone asks, no, I don't have a title yet.

Because I will be refocusing my energies on this second novel, I might be curtailing ever so slightly on the number of journal entries that I write for this blog. Still, I will try my hardest to post at least one new journal entry a week. Also, this blog will continue to serve as my primary source of news surrounding the publication of Lost in the Ivy. So if you want to be the first on the block to know the answer to that dreaded "When will it be out?" question, this will be the place to look. Hopefully I'll also be able to answer the other questions that tend to follow as well, such as where you can buy it and where you can find me signing it.