I know I haven’t been around as much as I had hoped. You see, I’m working on my next book, the sequel to Secrets in the Blood. It’s a daunting task because it’s been years, 2013, since I wrote the first book.
I have a dilemma, too. Over the years, my writing has changed and matured. I’ve studied my craft, practiced a lot on my blog here and used workbooks to improve.
I’m wondering if I should revise book 1 and rerelease it as a 2nd edition before I publish book 2. It would be a lot of work, that’s for sure. Or maybe I should move on and just work on book 2 for now since I’m deep into it already. Do people understand that a debut novel might have a different tone as compared to the evolution that happens when writing another book later?
Decisions, decisions. Your advice would be helpful.
As for the new book, book 2, I’ve pulled a lot of all-nighters and written like a madwoman to get my first draft, but it needs tons of revision and self-editing before I turn it over to Bee for the real edit. This is going to take a while.
So, book 1 was Secrets in the Blood. Book 2 is called Mysteries in the Blood.
Mysteries in the Blood is a modern western, romantic thriller, and bio-thriller. I’m new to the bio-thriller genre, so I hope it all comes together well.
Well, I reckon that’s about it. I just wanted to bring you up to speed on what’s been happening around here.
Thank you so much for reading, liking, lurking, and commenting! You are important!
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32 comments
Awesome! ✨ Wishing you much success with Book 2. 🎉 As for revising Book 1, that depends on whether you have the time and inclination to do it. Whatever feels right to you!
Thank you, Debbie. Your well-wishes mean a lot.
Thank you for your word of advice, too.
I agree with Jan, Kymber. My first book was released almost ten years ago, and I refuse to look at it because I know I’d want to change so many things. Writers absolutely evolve and grow, and I’ve considered asking my publisher about re-releasing it because I’ve toyed with the idea of a sequel. It’s a lot of work, but it’s whatever feels right for you.
Thank you, Teri. Your advice is invaluable to me. This is definitely how I feel about it.
The choice is yours, of course, Kymber. I’ve taken down my first book and completely revised it and feel SO much better about having my name associated with it. But it’s a personal choice. You are so right about how much we grow in the writing craft over the years. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
That’s how I think I would feel if I revised my first book. Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback.
I would focus on book 2, since you’re deeply into it. Going back to book 1 can be done at a later time. Good luck!
Thank you, Eugi. I think you’re right!
You’re welcome, Kymber.
Hi Kymber. Glad to hear you’re having a stab at another book – kudos to you. If it were me, I would focus on the new one, Mysteries in the Blood. Then, once you have published this, return to your previous, Secrets in the Blood. If you published your first book through a publisher or via an agent, you could get advice from them. If you self-published, continuing with your new book would make more sense. Hope this helps.
Hi there, Peter-James! Thank you so much. I’ve already changed the title of the book again. LOL This does help a lot. Thank you again.
I guess I need to read book 1. I don’t really have any advice for you, but I do wish you the best in your journey. 💜
I honestly don’t think you’d like book 1. 😀 I was a different person then. But book 2 will be good, I promise. Thank you for your well-wishes. That means a lot to me.
I get it. Such an exciting time!
Thank you, Jacqui!
Great news! I would say focus on the second book…if you go back to the first one, you may want to change a lot and that will divest your energy from the current novel. Thanks for letting us know about your creative journey.
Thank you so much. Your advice is very important to me. And I think you’re right about possibly wanting to change a lot of things.
Going back to rewrite seems like energy that could be used to move forward. My first books will stay the way they are. Best wishes on the second.
Thank you, John. Now that I’m doing revisions, it seems impossible to work on Book 1 right now. Thank you for the advice and for the well-wishes.
It’s exciting to read this, even as I’m aware that some of the work is the very opposite of exciting. But still! Thanks for letting us know, and I know we’re all out here, cheering you on!
Right now the revisions are killing me. LOL But I’m excited, for sure. I’m so glad you’re cheering me on. It means a lot.
Gosh – since this is a sequel to your first book maybe you can do a little quick “refresher” like a recalled memory or something from your main character – just to give people a point of view to enjoy the next book (since it’s been a while). At least you’re doing a second book! After my first book I had barely started writing the sequel when I began experimental cancer treatment and it changed me, my creative side especially, so much that I no longer WANTED to write. Poems occasionally but another book….no. The fact you’re READY to do your sequel means GO FOR IT. Good luck!
Hugs, Pam
Yes, I see your point and think a refresher is a great idea. It took me this long to get into writing the sequel because I’d been ill. I’m sorry for what you went through, and I hope you are well now. Thank you again, Pam!
Oh how cool your working on a new novel! I hope you enjoy working on it! Xo
Thank you, Carol Anne. I am so geeked right now. lol But revisions take sooooo long. lol
Nothing stays the same, it makes sense that your writing will evolve with time. Have a wonderful new week! 🙏🏻
Thank you, John. That means a lot to me.
I’d say to keep going on your second book for now since it is fresh on your mind. You can always go back and redo the first one for a second edition when you’ve finished. It might provide clearer ideas for the first one. Just my opinion. Good luck sis.
Thank you, bro. Your advice means a lot. And this makes a lot of sense. Thank you again.
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Hi Kymber. This is exciting news. I never revisit previous books I’ve written. They remain as I originally wrote them. I could never summons the interest to go back and rehash old work. I’m to busy moving forward.
Thank you, Robbie. That makes sense not to revisit previous books. Moving forward sounds like a good idea.