Can I ask you about your second books?

[Daphnesmate]

So, I have finally finished my first novel. I had all the inspiration I needed really - I knew about the setting because it is local, it is partially (though only partially) memoirish so I knew how the main protagonist was feeling and how they reacted to things most of the time. The fantasy element sort of feel into place as well. In short, everything just seemed to fit.

Fast forward to my second novel and I am currently procrastinating over the storyline (although I have a general theme because it is a sequel to the first, so not completely fresh). However, I feel as if I have used up all of my good stuff, if that makes sense. The new setting is not very well known to me. It is partially historical and I know less about this period in time than I did the previous period in time that I wrote about (I am doing a lot of research). I just feel daunted, out of my depth and subsequently have developed writers block (I get easily overwhelmed).

Can anyone else relate to the second novel thing?

[NorwegianButter]

What do you mean by 'good stuff', though? Do you mean that the setting/time period you know so well was a big component of the first novel, and you feel on shakier ground with the second? Is it simply that you need to do some research and become more familiar with the new setting?

[Daphnesmate]

Yes, I did a lot of research for my first novel, though not specifically for the book - I didn't realise it at the time when I was researching some family history years ago. Plus the first book seemed to come together really easily or maybe it is just the fact that I am back to square one now and have forgotten all the hard work involved. The other aspect of it was that it was a bit memoirish and I had my own experiences to work from, the scenery was known to me and the places that I describe buildings etc. are local to me. The second book is going to take more imagination I think and it is making me feel a bit daunted.

[NorwegianButter]

But isn't it also freeing? I mean, I do know what you mean. My first novel was based on historical characters, so to an extent I had the story, even though I needed to plot it, but the one I’m just starting is purely invented, and contemporary, with far more characters, so I’m also a bit disoriented. But I tell myself it’ll wear off...

[Daphnesmate]

Yes, it could well be freeing especially as the first book was quite dark with the themes that I tackled, there will be a bit more of the same in it though I think, if I ever get started with it.