Blank Screens

Am I the only writer having 'second book' panic? Writing a series is a new concept for me. I've had positive responses from book one, but now that it's time to get book two moving, I'm frozen!

It doesn't help that I have this weird obsession with the first line. Maybe it isn't weird, and maybe I'm not the only one. But for me, the first line works like a catalyst. Of course the line will change and evolve many times before the book is published. But to get a running start, I need that {temporary} first line to be solid. I guess all writers have their quirks.

My problem isn't a lack of direction. I know where this book is going, and I know how it will end. It's just that old 'can I really pull this off?' feeling. You'd think that having successfully finished, edited, formatted, and published the first novel, I'd have a little more confidence. But I'm finding that isn't the case. Call it pre-writing jitters. Call it fear of not meeting expectations (including my own). Either way, it's had me staring at a nearly blank screen for weeks.

So what am I supposed to do with this problem? What do successful authors say? In a word: write. This is where first time writers slump their shoulders and sigh. I know, because I've done it. We all have been at that early stage as a writer when we googled the odd habits of legendary authors, hoping some strange writing ritual they 'performed' would work its same magic on us. Writing in the tub, on the toilet, or upside down. Listening to bird sounds, ocean waves, or a fog horn (said no one ever). Renting a hotel room, writing before dawn, or staying up late. Everyone has their 'thing'. But the 'thing' also changes. Sometimes the tub isn't working anymore, and it's time to hang from a bungee cable. (Maybe not?)

The point is, every author has a unique method. But there is something that all writers have in common, across the board, around the world, through the passages of time.

We have to actually start writing.

At first it'll feel like labor. And likely the first words we write will be akin to a third grade essay. But the only way to get words flowing is to turn on the tap.

So here I go. I shall now type words. Because:

I believe in you!
Always,
Laura Fran