While waiting on some feedback from some friends of mine, I tried a few other projects here and there, but nothing seemed to really stick. So, I’ve decided to dive face-first into the sequel. While the first novel was something I had planned out extensively, having worked on it in various forms for several years, the sequel was always a kind of far-off idea. I didn’t want to get ahead of myself, so I kept my attention on the first book as much as possible, and even made some conscious choices not to explore the sequel ideas until I had laid out a proper foundation.
That foundation is laid. So, it’s time to begin.
The thing that is most different about the sequel compared to the first is the sheer amount of planning I haven’t done for the sequel. It’s nothing more a collection of ideas and sequences. I have a vague order of events, and an even vaguer ending to shoot for, but that’s the extent of it. When I decided to write the sequel, I told myself I would start by outlining. That didn’t end well.
So, instead, I’m writing by the seat of my pants.
It’s actually a rather thrilling experience! Instead of knowing how all the pieces fit together, I’m experiencing the thrill of actually doing the piecing myself. Suffice to say, I haven’t struggled with a scene that didn’t work as well as I hoped, nor attempted to fit everything together in a long time. I really, really enjoy it!
Progress has been steady too. About 2000 words a day. Not too shabby. It’s very much a first draft, and I can already see what needs to be improved in the next go around. My first drafts tend to be an overly detailed outline anyway, so I expect to expand a lot in future versions.
But it’s fun!
I get to put together a story again. I get to take my beloved characters on another journey, put them in new situations, and have them deal with new problems. I don’t know how every scene will end, I don’t know how the entire plot will come together, and I don’t know the point of every conversation.
I get to enjoy figuring it out though. :)
Derek Pietras 