We are delighted to welcome back, Hazel Gaynor who will tell us about her approaching second book.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that second
novels are a curious thing. Like that ‘difficult second album’ so many bands
struggle to produce (I’m thinking especially of T’Pau, Mr Blobby and the Sex
Pistols here) so too the ‘difficult second novel’. What if it doesn’t live up
to expectations? What if all those readers who loved your first novel don’t
fall in love with your second? What if, what if, what if. Realising you have
ONE published, actual book is quite something. Doing it all over again is both
a terrifying and exhilarating prospect.
My second novel A
MEMORY OF VIOLETS will be published in February in the U.S and March in the
UK and Ireland. Final proofs are in. Back cover blurbs have been written. The (beautiful)
cover has been designed. We are on the final countdown toward ARE’s and galleys
and early, nerve-shredding, reviews and I suddenly feel crippled with
self-doubt and writerly angst. I’m sure this is normal and expected (please
tell me this is normal and expected), but it’s a strange sensation all the
same. While part of me cannot wait for this novel to be published and read, to
be an actual book (rather than words on a screen or notes scribbled on a pile
of papers), another part of me wants to creep into a distant cave and hide
until it’s all over.
So, here are my ten truths about writing second
novels:
1) Second
novels are like a second child. You are much more relaxed about it in many ways
(you’ve been through this all before, right), but then you panic as you realise
you can’t remember what on earth you are supposed to do.
2) Second
novels come with expectation. Yes, debuts come with expectation also, but it’s
your first (bless), people expect the worst and are surprised if it is actually
any good. But if it is, people expect this one to be even better. Readers have something
to compare your second novel to. This makes you feel nauseous.
3) Second
novels come without the cotton wool and pampering of debuts. Much like a second
pregnancy, people soon forget you’re going through the same aches, pains, insecurities
and fears. They assume you have it all figured out, because you’ve done it once
before. You’re a writer now. Yeah, yeah. We know.
4) Second
novels come with a contractual agreement. With deadlines. With a publication
date. No namby-pamby flouncing around and ‘look at me, I’m writing a novel’
with this one. This is serious, dude. You have schedules to stick to.
5) Second
novels come with experience. You know what’s coming. You know everyone won’t gush
with praise. You know some people might even be downright nasty. This makes you
feel nauseous.
6) Second
novels have to be juggled with the first (which you are still promoting). You
cannot indulge them with your undivided attention like you did with your
precious debut. Sometimes, one or the other may be a little bit ignored. And if
you’re already writing your third, Lord help you.
7) Second
novels must (naturally) improve on the first. You must have learned something
in the process of writing, editing and publicising your debut, and you must prove
this with your second. No pressure then.
8) Second
novels show your readers who you really are – the style of your writing, your
voice, your brand, your ‘thang’. You are setting your stall out. Pitching your
tent. Get it wrong, and people may just quietly walk away and pick up the new
Robert Galbraith instead.
9)Second
novels come with the potential for all those lovely ‘Praise for …’ quotes from
your previous novel and might even come with a ‘from bestselling author’ splash
on the cover. Oh, the joy!
10) Second
novels are, ultimately, brimming with opportunity. They are wonderful,
frightening things that consolidate your place as a writer; your space on the
shelf. And when all is said and done, you wouldn’t swap that for the world.
Hazel Gaynor is a mum, novelist
and freelance writer. Her debut novel THE GIRL WHO CAME HOME is a
NY Times
and USA Today best seller. Her second novel A MEMORY OF VIOLETS will be
published in
February, 2015. Hazel is also a guest blogger and features
writer for writing.ie
Originally from Yorkshire, she now lives in Ireland with her husband, two children and an accident-prone cat.
Originally from Yorkshire, she now lives in Ireland with her husband, two children and an accident-prone cat.
Thank you, Hazel and good luck with book number two!
This blog is brought to you by Elaine Everest and Natalie Kleinman. If you would like to write about the craft of
writing or perhaps be interviewed about your writing life please contact us at elaineeverest@aol.com
4 comments:
I recently finished reading The Girl Who Came Home. A wonderful book and now I can't wait for A Memory of Violets
LOVED The Girl Who Came Home and looking forward to your second release. It was nice to meet you at this year's conference - and hate to say it, but glad it's not me who starts every book wondering how I managed to write the previous!
Rachel x
Thank you Natalie and Rachel! I'm sure we all go through the same doubts and insecurities - and it's great to know that everyone comes out the other side in one piece and excited to write the next one! :)
I think it's worse when the two books are in a series, because the need to meet reader expectations is even stronger.
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