I finished BRILLIANCE last week, my second contracted book. When I sent it to my agent, I was feeling relieved that it was done, and done in good time, happy that for two weeks or so I could just concentrate on renovating the house my husband and I have bought without feeling guilty I wasn’t writing, but I was also feeling pretty scared.
I’ve heard of this phenomenon before. The second book syndrome. You sell a book, and it’s a two book deal. The first book, mostly people were looking for a reason to reject it. So when it manages to go all the way, and everyone loves it just the way it is, well, book #2 better be A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. The kind of book both your agent and publisher look at, sigh, and think ‘I’m so glad I signed this author.’
At least, that’s what I think. LOL.
And I felt that pressure while I wrote this book. It rode on my back every day and forced me to delete and rewrite, delete and rewrite, to really be brutal and tough with myself and make sure there wasn’t a single page I didn’t think was good.
The truth is, second book syndrome is probably all books after the debut book syndrome. 
Because I don’t see how the pressure will be any less for book #3. And now I’m out the other side of what was the toughest writing stint I’ve ever had, I really wouldn’t want it any other way. I love how the book came out, and while it needs a few tweaks before going to my editor, I’m happy to have my name on the cover.
As an aside, the debut book isn’t any less for this, it was just written under my own timeline, and with my own self-imposed deadlines, and with no expectations from anyone but myself that it be good.
It made me realize I need to celebrate my successes more, so today I went and bought myself a new outfit. I’ve been in paint-splattered shorts and a t-shirt for so many weekends, I can’t believe I have a writing conference this Saturday and need to look professional instead of the renovation queen. I love clothes and shoes, so that’s a nice way for me to reward myself.
What do you do to reward yourself when you finish a ms, or reach a writing milestone? I really don’t do it enough, and I’m trying to change that.
Michelle, I’ve read your second book, and I want to be the first of many who will say: BRILLIANCE is brilliant!
Yesterday I’d finished another round of my book (but, alas, not the last), and I rewarded myself with a haircut and a bit of shopping. While I was at the store, I bought a book, though I don’t need any. And last night I ordered three more books on Amazon. One I could have gotten from my library, but I knew it would be a keeper, so I just ordered it.
LOL, thanks, Edie. If it is brilliant, that is partly thanks to you.
I like your rewards! Books are always good. I ended up going a bit further than just a dress and ended up buying an evening bag to go with my GH/RITA outfit for National and some new shoes. I don’t do it often, but when I do, I go big
.
Michelle, congrats on your recent accomplishments, girl! I have no doubt that each new story coming down the pike will be great. Can’t wait to read them.
And I love the reward system!
I receieved a beautiful butterfly necklace from my baby girls, when I sold Butterfly Wishes. Just love it, and the necklace is so precious to me. Of course, I’m always rewarding myself with books, and fun days. To me, it’s those moments you take to actually “feel” what you’ve accomplished. Precious moments… not to be rushed.
Congrats on finishing that 2nd book, Michelle!! I can truly relate to the stresses and fears of writing a new story under contract/deadline. I liked the way you expressed it–that writing that first book was done under our own timeline and with no one else’s expectations but our own. All subsequent books? Not so much.
I don’t know what I’ll do to celebrate finishing Book #3 (that is, assuming I survive the writing of it–it’s killin’ me–LOL), but I’m pretty sure something very chocolaty will be involved!
What a lovely gift from your daughters, LaD. The perfect thing for you! You are so right about feeling what you have accomplished.
Marilyn, I hope you reward yourself really, really well! And thanks for the congrats.
Congratulations, Michelle! I’m not good at stopping and smelling the roses, either! Sometimes, though, if I’ve worked too hard, my muse will just go on strike, or I’ll get sick, or something that forces me to take a break, lol.
Thanks, Natasha. I’m glad I’m not the only one. I sometimes have to force myself not to be so focused and goal driven, and just take a break.