Just typing that as my blog post title brought a wave of anxiety. It’s been about three years since I finished writing what became Don’t Let Me Fall, published in 2012.
If you’ve rocked with me since 2010, you know it started as a ‘web series.’ Season one was the foundation for Don’t Let Me Fall. Season two featured three different characters (a resident advisor, football player and freshman legacy). I enjoyed how things played out and decided to explore their story-lines in book #2, including Ciara and Nick from Don’t Let Me Fall as minor characters.
Lately I’ve been rethinking this.
I’ve plotted, planned, outlined and drafted so much, but feel as if I’m progressing at the pace of Congress. I don’t have writer’s block–my muse is happy and able to churn out stuff like these short stories. But when it comes to focusing on the work in progress (WIP) aka book #2………….
Now I’m wondering, maybe that story isn’t right. Maybe it isn’t ready yet. I must make a confession–yep another one.
I didn’t want to re-feature Ciara and Nick because…honestly they were draining. Their bad decisions aggravated me, even though I knew it was within their young, naïve nature. The nuances and vulnerabilities that made them interesting, made me fear what would happen next because:
…they’re going to have go through some more ish.
Ciara and Nick overcame a lot and learned some things about themselves. Some of the people and things they chased on page one changed by the end. They’ll likely struggle and deal with the rewards and consequences of their choices.
It’s weird–as the “author” I have the highest hopes for my characters. I enjoy their good times and transitions; I hate to see them face create the pain and obstacles. Yet, that’s what makes it an authentic experience for the characters and readers.
I’ve discussed with/seen in reviews from people who read Don’t Let Me Fall that they actually want to know what happens to these two people. I’m the only punk…lol.
And I hate being a punk so I’m ready to write a few chapters of “what happens next.” Two-three years later, I’ve given them (and myself) some time to recover. If it goes well, maybe my WIP will become more progress and feel less like work.