Tomorrow, September 13th, BODY ON THE BAYOU, the second book in my Cajun Country Mystery series, launches. I should be all…
But instead, I’m all…
When your debut novel gets published, you’re nervous, but it’s more of a giddy-nervous than an uh-oh-I-better-not-be-a-one-hit-wonder nervous. Everyone is excited for you. Family and friends buy your book just to show their support. There are contests specifically devoted to your rarefied group of publishing first-timers. You’re a shiny new book toy.
But if you’re writing a series, book two rolls around. Oh, there are still plenty of huzzahs from those who love you, but it’s time to go beyond Aunt Martha buying a copy for herself and the nurse who’s always so nice to her at the cardiologist’s office. To survive, authors must develop a readership that extends beyond their nearest and dearest. With that goal in mind, I’ve spent the last year blogging, newsletter-ing, signing, swagging, and mailing. I’ve commented, posted, and copy-and-pasted. I’ve networked endlessly with readers and authors, on and off line, and loved every single minute of it. Frankly, I’d like my Cajun Country Mysteries to go on forever. Donna Andrews has twenty books in her Meg Langslow series? Sounds good to me. But that’s why book two is important. It separates the Aunt Marthas from the wonderful strangers who somehow discovered your first book and, God bless ’em, eagerly await your second.
Yet as I write this, I realize that while I may suffer the Terror of Book Two, I will always have the Wonders of Book One. The terrific mystery friends I’ve made, the fantastic readers I’ve met and e-met, the super-duper publishers and booksellers, the informative and boozy conferences and conventions. Whatever the future brings, the past year has been one of the best of my life. And for that, I’m all..
Oh, and… HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY TO ME!!
Readers, writers – thoughts on book two in a series? Love to hear any and all musings!
You were our first Chick out of the coop. Fly, El, fly!! Happy book birthday (13 hours to go, according to our hourly countdown clock) and xo!
Thank you so much, Lisa! Love you…
Best of luck with Book Two!!
Thanks, Diane. I thought of you, as always. You’re such a pro at this. See in you NOLA!
So happy for you, and eager to read number two!! (And now, just that little more nervous myself. Thanks, girl…) Wish I could celebrate with you in NOLA!
Me too! I’ll miss you. 🙁
Ellen, how cool you’re doing your launch in Louisiana where the book is set! Congrats & laissez les bon temps rouler!
Thanks so much, Vicki. See you at B’con!!
HUGE congrats on Book Two! That’s no easy feat (speaking from personal experience, I’m still trying to complete #2). I have no doubt it will be a great success! Isn’t it wonderful that the writing life can bring so much joy? 🙂
Thanks, Lida! I have your book on my TBR pile. Looking forward to reading it. I hear it’s great.
I am quite sure Body on the Bayou is phenomenal! Can’t wait to toast its release with a hurricane!
Yaaasss!! Pat O’s, here we come!
I’ve published book one and am just entering the terror of book two in the series phase. I have to agree – the aftermath of my book one was fabulous too for all the reasons you mention. I had no idea there were so many wonderful people my book would introduce me to – including you. Best of luck with your newest book!!! Happy Birthday indeed!
Congratulations to YOU, Nancy! Glad you had a great debut experience. It’s amazing, isn’t it?
Congratulations, Ellen! I can’t wait to read. I almost always love book 2 more than book 1 – oh, the return of familiar characters!!! <3
Thanks so much, Katherine! Looking forward to finally meeting one day.
me too!
Congratulations, Ellen, and happy release day! Yay! I’m so looking forward to your second book and also totally understand book 2 terror.
Thanks so much, Ann. I know you understand!
Congratulations, Ellen. If you’re terrorized bywriting book two, wait until book six when you realize you’ve already poisoned, clubbed, shot, knifed and powder-sugared someone to death. What’s left? Anyway with your creative imagination I hope your series goes on forever. Can’t wait to read it!
Cindy, you crack me up!
Congratulations, Ellen. Getting book 2 out there is exciting, as I found in February. It’s also worrying because one wonders if it REALLY matches up to the first. What surprised and delighted me the most, though, was being taken much more seriously as a crime writer by bookstores, libraries, reviewers, readers and peers. And, of course, family and friends who’d endured all those author uncertainties and sleepless nights. Hope book 3 is coming along nicely.
Jill, great comment. I never thought of that. Thank you.