Your Book 2: The Sequel That Didn't Suck

One of the pinnacles of writing a manuscript, is achieving your own satisfaction. We are often our hardest critics (at least we should be), and being able to read your own work without throwing furniture through windows is a real benchmark. Having reached this threshold, with a publishing deal under your belt no less, you are ready to bask in the glow of your accomplishments.

Aaaaand… Done! Okay, stop loafing. Time to get back to work.

You've got to write a follow-up now. Somehow you got the crazy idea to tell the publisher that this was the first in a series and that means you are now face to face with the daunting task of writing a sequel that doesn't suck.

But, hey! Sucking is what sequels do best! Sure, there are writers who pull it off, but there are lot of others who… uh… don't. Your clambering readers want more of your world and your characters, but the mounting pressure to not disappoint them is overwhelming. What's the secret?

That's been the subject of my own recent research. Here are my findings:

Rejection: It's Not You, It's Me

By Kristin Owens

It’s inevitable when you dip your big toe (or entire foot) into the publishing pool, rejection floats to the surface. That is IF you have the gumption of putting your work out there. And you should - the sooner the better. If words were important to write down in the first place, then share. Please.

If publishing were a game, you’d have better odds winning

Not Your Everyday Mountain Troll

 by Laura Mahal

If you are a Harry Potter fan, surely you recall the scene where Hermione, Ron, and Harry encounter a full-grown mountain troll in a girl’s bathroom. Ultimately, they subdue the troll—but Harry’s wand will never be the same.

Trolls may be a welcomed addition to a fantasy novel, but facing one on social media is intimidating. Celebrities routinely deal with everything from stalkers to sensationalists, eager to share in a flash of Internet fame. These are not your everyday mountain trolls.

Merriam-Webster defines trolling as “to antagonize (others) online by deliberately posting inflammatory, irrelevant, or offensive comments or other disruptive content.” Wikipedia adds that this is done “with the intent of provoking readers into an emotional response . . . for the troll’s amusement.”

What I learned at the 2017 Writer's Digest Conference

By April Moore

August 18-20, I joined a thousand other writers for the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference in New York City. This is the second consecutive WD Conference I’ve attended and like last year, this year's event didn’t disappoint. Backed by the WD name and number of attendees, scoring high-profile speakers isn't difficult, which means, there was no shortage of valuable advice and information. 

While I spent a lot of time tweeting some of these tidbits of information over the three-day conference, I came away with pages and pages of writing advice, from marketing to freelancing, from craft to querying. Plus, I also got to catch up with NCW’s 2017 keynote and presenter, Chuck Wendig!

The following is a compilation of helpful tips and advice from bestselling authors and industry professionals. Let us begin . . .

An Interview with Shakespeare

By David E. Sharp

[Today it is my esteemed privilege to interview one of the greatest writers of all time. His works are mandatory reading in most English classes. He's been called the inventor of the human. Please welcome William Shakespeare.]

DS

William, it's so good to have you here to offer your writing advice to us.

WS
As good luck would have it.

DS
Good luck, indeed! I admit, I wasn't sure we'd be able to get you. Seeing as how you've been dead these last few centuries.

WS
I have not slept one wink.

DS
So, you've been gone 400 years. The world has technology you never could have predicted. Special effects. Hollywood. Yet somehow your writings have remained relevant. And not only relevant, but foundational to our modern storytelling culture.

WS
The wheel is come full circle: I am here. I bear a charmed life.

DS
Absolutely. How is it, then, your works have stood so well against the test of time?

Having Talent Is Like Having Tickets to Red Rocks But No Sitter And No Transportation

By John Garvey

I love my work as a writer, but I’ve come to some painful realizations about both the craft of writing and the value of talent. Grab a stiff drink or, depending on the hour, a double espresso and hop on my carousel of disillusionment! It’ll do ya good.

Wish I Didn't Know Now What I Didn't Know Then.

                                         --Bob Seger

Free Writing Apps You've Got To Try

By Ronda Simmons

Like many writers, technology is not always my friend. After wasting hours on Facebook getting up to speed with what my second cousins are thinking about having for lunch, I tried to go web-free. Big mistake. There are scads of apps available FOR FREE worth the time to look at as writers. Here are my latest favs.

Hemingway Wasn't Known for His Tact.