pandora/ipod: "fear of the unknown" by siouxsie and the banshees
Yep, I've contracted a horrible disease: SSS or Sequel Slump Syndrome. And it's eating my brain like a zombie on a night off from fasting!
I'd heard about this dreaded condition before, of course - the blank Word document staring back at you with that accusing look it sometimes has, the dwindling wordage that seems to actually be going in reverse, the paralyzing fear of not living up to your debut.
KABLOOIE!!!
That's the sound of my head exploding.
Unlike the Faux Suckitude Doldrums, that other made-up malady I sometimes suffer from, I haven't yet figured out how to kick SSS for good. So far I've attempted the old stand-bys:
~ butt-in-chair
~ write or die
~ extensive dog walks
~ libations
~ ritualistic sacrifices
Not really working yet. I've managed to squeeze a measly 700 words out of my addled brain, but never fear - I'm not giving up! It's just funny how something you've done for awhile and with some modicum of success, can suddenly be this big scary monster looming in the bedroom closet waiting to rip your face off as soon as Mom turns the light out!
Oh. Hey. Maybe I should put that in the sequel?
Is it a case of not knowing what to write next?
ReplyDeleteWere there any leftover story bits from the first book that weren't resolved? Story questions left unanswered? Can you try those for a possible springboard?
I'm escaping the SSS by revising SLIDE. But I know the monster is there, just waiting for me.
ReplyDeleteI think a monster in the closet is a FINE idea! (as is a monster under the bed)
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I don't think there's any easy way around this -- and it's not just SSS, it's Second Book Syndrome in general. You just have to accept that it's a horrible grind, and drink a lot.
Okay, what's the worst possible thing that could happen to your main character? Do that. :)
ReplyDeleteAw, I have some friends suffering from this too. I guess the one silver lining is that I hear the next book after that is a BREEZE. Yeah...I know how unhelpful that is. So I say copious amounts of alcohol and/or junk food are essential. :)
ReplyDeleteTake the fun and exciting from the first book (explosive relationships or hinted-at intrigues, for instance), mix in a big, new event (subject to evolution over course of drafting), add anything in a martini glass. Mix, and enjoy...
ReplyDeleteIf only it was that esay. When I started my sequel, I found myself writing in circles and tossing out vignettes in other characters' POVs until I found a series of substantial plot threads.
Good luck!
Mmmm. Copious amounts of booze...
ReplyDeleteAnd yes on the cliches. It's...ugly. :D
I'll leave the advice to people who know, but I do know you can do it.
ReplyDeleteHere's my technique: find some bored friend who's willing to spend a couple hours bullshitting with you about the story on chat. Copy & paste into Word. Figure out what's salvageable.
ReplyDeleteg, i think you need a break. don't start till the new year. for me, as a writer, i need to replenish creatively after writing a novel (often up to 6 months of no writing!) and you just did some major revisions and writing for Possess. i wouldn't force it.
ReplyDeleteand in the new year try again. if it's still like pulling teeth, ask for deadlines from your agent. that always lets the poo flow. =)
Let the poo flow. That should be a song...
ReplyDeleteI already know that I'm not at the place I need to be to write any SPITFIRE sequel. The characters are clamoring around in my head--and making outlandish demands about their plot lines--but I can't do it. Not yet.
ReplyDeleteAlthough SPITFIRE is nowhere near debuting--I imagine that lights quite a fire! Or a kaboom.
Kaboom is definitely a good word in this situation. ;)
ReplyDeleteCindy, as usual, has provided some wise advice. I'd let it rest a bit. Sometimes you have to wait for the well to refill before diving into a new project. Otherwise it just frustrates the hell out of you.
ReplyDeletePlus, I think you are much more glam and beautiful with an unexploded head. IMHO.
Good luck with it! I both envy and don't envy you on this account. (If that makes any sense at all)
J - makes perfect sense. ;)
ReplyDeleteG- I am in the same boat... It took me almost a year to finish the sequel to IMMORTAL and I am terrified to go back and revise. That being said, I am feeling the SSS on book 2 of UNFORGIVEN (which has a total of 5 books to the series) I make little notes during the day when ideas hit me on what to put in it. Then, go back and read over them and figure out how to fit them in. I KNOW you will defeat this monster in your closet...or at least beat it into submission... {{{HUGS}}}
ReplyDeleteIt will come to you and you'll be pounding it out like a rock star. But I agree with Cindy, maybe it's time for a break until the new year. Then you can start 2011 with fresh creativity.
ReplyDeleteBook #2 is going to be awesome, I know it!