Now that I’m on the other side, it’s easy to lose perspective. I’ve been trying my best to keep a healthy perspective on things. I’ve also been trying my best to work towards my next book. But I’ve been dragging my feet a little. Winter 2 is so close to being done, still I drag and I procrastinate.
Why?
Because I’m a little bit scared of what might happen when I finish. You see, I just received my twenty-second 5-star review on Amazon…and that’s just from the people who’ve bothered to post a review. I’ve gotten many private messages and emails and conversations with people I know that follow the same lines of everyone of those reviews. This newest review called Winter, “A compelling argument for debut of the year.” Robert Liparulo said, “Few things are as thrilling as finding a new writer whose talent for storytelling is obvious from page one.” And more than one person has gushed about the movie potential.
I’m a little bit scared…because I don’t know if I can do it again. I don’t know if lightning can strike twice in the same place. What if this was just a fluke? What if I owe my success to the brilliance of my editors? Was there ever in a million years I could have reached that place on my own? What if this second book can in no way live up to the bar that’s been set?
I just don’t know if I can deliver again. And so, I’m dragging my feet. That may be a silly thing to think, but it’s where I’m at right now.
I am extremely humbled by all the praise…I really am. And I certainly don’t think I deserve it. But thank you. All of you. I do hope that come November 2012 you’re not disappointed in me. I’m just a southern guy, who trained to be a musician not a writer. And somewhere along the way I decided I wanted to tell stories. I’ve never formally studied writing at all, and I’ve never had a critique group or partner. I’m doing my best mostly on my own. (Maybe that’s why I have a tendency to break rules and blaze trails.) But the fact that Winter has been so well received, may have just been some strange accident. God really did bless my beautiful mess.
I just wanted to warn you. Please don’t get your hopes up too much. I can’t guarantee I’ll prove to be the writer you think I am. But thank you anyway for thinking it.
-k
The New Authors Fellowship 
Silly boy! You are the most talented person I know!
Pshaw!
This is like me saying that just because I have one good performance, for the fear of never living up to it, I shall never sing again.
Again I say, silly boy! 😛
Lol, oh boy, is there every a happy time to be a writer? When you’re trying to get published, you’re afraid you never will and stink at writing. After you get published, you’re afraid people won’t like it. After you get great reviews, you’re afraid you won’t replicate the same quality. I guess the point is, as in life, to try and be content where you’re at, because what you write isn’t going to be enough to satisfy you. I have to remind myself daily to be happy to be a writer. Have fun being a writer, Keven, and don’t worry about Winter 2. If you have fun, it will have been worth it.
You’re right. It’s like that in every aspect in life. You’ll never be or feel good enough. There’s always something to fear.
I guess I didn’t do a good job of conveying that I don’t write for people…so my fear has little footing. I’ll write whatever comes out, and offer to God. Maybe he’ll beautify the next mess too.
I’m glad you have that perspective. Also, did you really just tag this with Justin Bieber and Twilight? Is that your covert Newsomestyle marketing?
Why yes. Yes I did. I wanted to see if it would help produce hits. Ha!
“Whether or not you write well, write bravely.”–Bill Stout
It is already quite clear that the first part of the quote you have no problem with. Now, just writer up, my friend.
I’m in the same canoe. Though my book has yet to be published and read by more than a handful of people, I am delving into the second book. I know the first is epic. I know it is. Now to continue by faith and action to make the second more so.
You got this.
Thanks. I shall plow ahead some tonight.
My Dearest Keven,
I know how scary it must be but I know in my heart you will do fine.
Would God have brought you this far for you to fail? I think not. Chin up, my friend. You are going to shine for a very long time. 😀
You’ve only failed if you fail to try.
Besides, just between you and me, I’ve found that choices made in fear are usually pretty stupid. The opposite of Fear is Faith. And Love casteth out all fear. As long as your heart is in the right place, move forward with faith. Trust your head and God to fill in the steps as you go.
There is no “easy street” for a true writer, any more than there is one in real life. The fake ones paraded about lead to nothing of value. Life is made of stages where there are both advantages and disadvantages. A newborn takes a ton of hands-on providing for, but they can’t argue with you, get up and walk out on you or crash your car. Doesn’t it always seem that about the time you get into the swing and conquering a stage, the tables turn and you have to start over? I think it’s God’s way of encouraging us to grow. But He has faith in you, otherwise you wouldn’t be faced with it.
Thanks for posting this, Keven. I’m busy with my own sequel and agonizing over every word. I’m loving every second but seriously worried that I won’t be able to deliver the goods. So what I’m trying to do is: enjoy the writing and postpone the worries for when I get feedback from my first victim…I mean, reader ;-).
Dearest Paul and Keven,
If you enjoyed the first book and they loved it then————–?????????
See…I knew a fellow pubbed author might agree.
I am terrified enough of finding someone to publish my first book, I can’t imagine the pressure after people have formed somewhat of an opinion. Eek! However, we ultimately write for an Audience of One, and it is HIS approval we seek. And you know what? We already have it. So, as Tymothy pointed out, write bravely and with the blessing of the Lord…all will work out as He intended. 🙂
That’s how I’m trying to keep perspective. But sometimes the human fears just can’t help but sneak in.
It sounds like your are normal, Keven. 🙂
“Didn’t you hear? Normal’s the new unique.” – quote from Winter 2.
[…] Paul gave you his take on writing a second novel, and it’s something Keven tackled back at NAF. In my comments on Paul’s post, I jokingly accused him of stealing my thoughts. And he […]
Reblogged this on The Cheesecake Thickens and commented:
As I near the completion of Winter 2, I thought I’d share some feelings I had last fall when I completed the first draft of Winter 2. Nothing’s changed. I still feel the same way.
I understand where you’re coming from. I’m the same way, even if I’m my only audience. I always have the niggling fear that the last time was just a fluke.
No need to warn in advance though. You are only human. Besides, I have a hunch you will do fine. 🙂