As most of you know, the draft of my debut novel, Henderson House, is at Inkshares awaiting an editor. Since many readers asked for the story to continue, I immediately got started on the second book in the Henderson House series and I'm having a great time finding out what's next for Mrs. Henderson and the Blackwell family.
I'm also still thinking about the first book and what the editing process will bring. Then a few weeks ago, I began thinking about November and participating in NaNoWriMo again (National Novel Writing Month.) During NaNoWriMo, you strive to write the first draft of a new novel in a single month - the goal is 50,000 words in 30 days. However, if you love Thanksgiving as much as I do and want to spend time with your kiddos home from college, you pretty much have to wrap up your crazy writing sessions before the holiday. It's insane, but it's a great way to push yourself to write without any revisions or self-censorship.
Last year, I participated without doing much outlining before November and it was difficult to hit the 50,000 word goal. I have the ugly first draft of a novel, which could be the third novel in a Henderson House series, saved on my computer. I have not opened the file once since last November, seriously, I've never looked at it. I was too busy with my first novel and the contest at Inkshares. However, just knowing that the draft of another novel is in the refrigerator marinating is exciting. I'm learning that I love the editing process. I like starting with something, even something terrible, and then making it good. The hard part is writing the first terrible version! That's why NaNoWriMo is such a valuable exercise for me.
This year, I decided I want to go into NaNoWriMo with the idea for a new novel more defined. I know many writers work on outlines, research, and character sketches well before November. So, I have blocked Wednesdays as my day to work on my new book idea for November and I am having THE BEST TIME exploring a totally different story.
At first, I was afraid launching into a different time period and completely new characters would somehow dull my enthusiasm for continuing to develop the Henderson House series. Nothing could be further from the truth. I am finding that taking a break one day a week to play with something new is energizing my writing all the way around.
Working on more than one book at a time is not dissimilar to reading more than one book at a time. I like having multiple worlds and characters running around in my brain. How about you?
I am looking forward to your next book(s). I am also looking forward to seeing the finished copy of Henderson House! I am waiting to read the entire book as it got revamped all at once when it comes out. Wishing such good luck on all your efforts and I can't wait until the next in the series as well as whatever else you create! Derry