While I was waiting on feedback from my Beta Readers I began edits on book two of my series, The Heroes of Calvano Security. Sounds like a great idea, right? Well… maybe not so much. Let me explain what happened.
One Story at a Time
The books in my series are individual stories that intertwine but could technically be read as stand alone books. What I mean is I don’t have six books that tell different portions of the same story line. This means each book is different then the last. Once I jumped into book two my brain was dead set on finishing up the edits on their story. I love each of my characters but the chatter in my head from them is pretty clear and often annoying. I need to listen. (Yes, I know this sounds crazy… fellow writers tell me you get me?) Anyway, the edits and notes started coming in on book one and I quickly realized I wasn’t going to be able to get into them in depth until I finished what I started.
Let’s Talk Benefits
So let’s start with the good. Since I have a one track mind when it comes to writing I get a entire book to a semi completed phase before I even think about starting the next one. Now, don’t get me wrong they need revision and edits but the story line is there. On average my books around 50,000 words. A the first draft I am normally around where around 30,000 and the rest gets added in revision. This is something I desperately want to change because I am working on cleaner first drafts but for now, this is how it works for me.
While I am writing the first draft of the current book the other characters will come to me. But I always, always finish before starting the next. This makes my writing process pretty liner. I may jot down some names, or an idea on the plot, but that’s it. The rest of my attention is focused solely on the book I’m living in. Since I’m not a degree holding writer I have no idea if I am doing this right. It works for me though, and I’m okay with that!
With Every Up There is a Down
So let’s talk about the downside. During the beta reading process I have had multiple calls and emails exchanged with one of my main readers. This has provided me information that is helpful for edits on all of my books. Things like, recommendations on how to handle dialog, past and present tens with POV and more. While I was waiting for my manuscript I began applying some of these concepts to the second book and I could already tell it was better then the first.
Each book takes multiple read throughs, right now my goal is to just get book two done so I can read the detailed notes from book one. Here in lies the problem. If there are big juicy changes needed in book one that may effect book two! Clearly no one warned me of the potential complications on writing a series. I’ve had to come up with a plan for myself and I’m going to stick with it. As much as it’s killing me to hold off on book one edits I know I won’t be successful until I get book two where I want it to be. Once it is with my beta’s I’ll work on book one. Then edits will start again on book two. Are you following me yet? Honestly, even I’m confused. Regardless I’m hoping for the best! Wish me luck. 🙂
Has anyone else struggled with this? Maybe it’s not even writing, but something else in your life you struggle to follow the process with. If so share below! I’d love to hear from you.
Happy Reading.
-Nikki Rome