My Journey Writing Book Two: A Different Experience

Writing book two feels different.

When I wrote my debut novel, My Wingman, it was a personal challenge.  While getting through a bad flare, I was seeking ways to stay optimistic, feel productive, and pass the time without feeling like I was losing myself.  As I started with those first words, I was writing from the heart, one chapter at a time.  There was no game plan, no expected timeline, no expectations beyond a promise to myself to write something each day.  and to admit to myself that it wasn’t going to be perfect, but it was still my way forward.

It turned into a lifeline and a creative outlet rolled into one.

After finding the courage to actually publish, and working through the vulnerable process of having Clover’s story out in the world, I’ve started my second project.  This experience is different.  Not in a bad way…just different.

This time I’m not writing in survival mode.  I’m writing because I’ve ignited a passion for it.  Because I’ve caught the bug, and now I’m addicted.

The process has changed, too.  I’ve approached this story in a more structured manner.  I’m outlining (a few notecards, not huge spaghetti diagrams), mapping, and working on character development more than before.  At times, it feels less spontaneous, but I know it’s helping me grow as a writer.  It’s teaching me how to balance the creativity and think more from the reader’s perspective, something I didn’t work through the first time and ended up editing through multiple drafts.  Now I have the goal to shape a story that feels both heartfelt and intentional.

I love the flexibility of publishing as an indie author.  Writing at my own pace, when life allows it and when I have bursts of energy or a creative spark, feels good.  Self-publishing may not be free of stress, but I can only imagine the added freedom this route offers compared to traditional publishing.

Even though I have that indie advantage, I’m also taking more care this time by researching, fact-checking, and challenging myself to create a fictional world that feels as authentic and true as the characters who live in it.

I admire fantasy authors who layer worlds with their own rules and histories.  I respect the heck out of anyone who can do that.  For now, though, I’m happily grounded in women’s fiction and love writing about women’s strength, their journeys, and their growth.

Who knows where my writing will take me next?  But for now, I’m exactly where I want to be.  I’m glad My Wingman is getting into the hands of readers.  I’m learning the ins-and-outs of marketing Clover’s story.  I’m grateful I won’t be formatting and designing the next project as blindly as the last.  Most of all, I have new plots filling my brain that I can only hope to do justice in words.

Thank you for following me on this journey.  I’ll keep posting updates on this project.  Subscribe to my newsletter for additional project updates and don’t forget to follow me on my social accounts.

Until next time!

Tessa