Third-in-the-Series Syndrome

Monday, January 6, 2014



As we all know, the passing of an old year and the dawn of a new one gives us opportunities to reflect on what went before and what we can do better this time around. I think I’m past the stage where I make resolutions, but I am goal-oriented so I must have targets.

So far, my publishing goals for 2014 include the book I have slated for release in March and the knowledge that I want to finish the third book in my young adult series. I am aware that I need to set some other goals, but that’ll be done soon.

The one thing I’m trying hard to do this year is to be disciplined with my writing. I don’t have anything resembling a schedule, not have I ever had one. This method or lack of it, has worked for me thus far, but I know it’s possible to achieve more if I write consistently. I don’t intend to stifle my creativity, but I do know that with a little discipline, I can do lots better than I’m doing now. I’m working with the premise that even ten minutes each day counts as progress.

I’ve jumped back into a book I should have published in September 2013. I lost my passion for the story. I think the whole third-in-the-series syndrome kicked in and stole my enthusiasm. You know that feeling you get when you’re stuck with getting through the series, and you kinda hate your main character? And you feel as if you can’t work up the energy it takes to get through this next story?

I’ve dusted off that third book since January 1 and started adding to it and since I’m going to take the MC on a voyage of discovery, I’m more enthusiastic about her journey. Trust me, she’s one character that needs an attitude adjustment. Kinda like the word art below that's giving me fits to get it sized right.



Remember this week Wednesday is IWSG posting (pop on over) and if you haven’t signed up to help with my cover reveal for Chasing Anya (Contemporary Romance) and want to do so, please add yourself to the linky list close to the top of the sidebar. I know that’s not why you’re helping, but one lucky participant will win a $15.00 Amazon Gift Voucher! Thanks a mil to those of you who have signed up already

So, d'you have any stories that you’ve put on the back burner because you lost the will to write it? Any hope that you’ll do something with it in this new year that’s filled with new opportunities? Any new projects calling your name?

16 comments:

  1. It's easier for me to write when I am familiar with the characters. I was worried about my current manuscript, but it's starting to come alive now.

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    1. Same here. I've had to read through what had gone before and think about this character's actions in the novels that have gone before.

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  2. By the time I hit the 5th book in my series, I was struggling. Ironically, that turned out to be the best one.

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  3. One of my goals this year is to finish a few stand-alone books that I have in my brain. I wanna get those done this year.

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  4. Last year by this time, I had all my goals laid out. This year I haven't given them much thought. I will get to it though. :)

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  5. All the best with your goals Joy. You seem pretty goal oriented to me. I have lots of projects to finish this year.

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  6. I have enough new stories and old ones to write this year. Plus publishing an entire series in 2014. Glad you've been inspired and want to discipline yourself.

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    1. Thanks, Sheena. You have a lot on your plate. Hope you get it all done.

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  7. Diane, I hope I manage to make this third book a raging good one too. :)

    Clarissa, here's hoping those books flow smoothly as you get them all done.

    Holly, likewise. I just know that I have two major things to do, but I wanna have a schedule.

    Denise, good to see you here. We writers do seem to set ourselves so many tasks to complete. Guess we'll always have something on the boil.

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  8. Glad to see you're headed in the right direction with making progressive steps in your writing. The writing is more the goal for me this year. I have some publishing projects, but I hope to crank out more words by focusing more on telling my character's stories. Some have been so patient with me and it's time.

    Here's to making 2014 a great year!

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  9. March, eh? Sounds great. I wish I'd had a little more heads up on the cover reveal. I guess my weakness/super power is over-planning. I will definitely have to squeeze your exciting reveal into one of my posts along the way, just not sure where yet...

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  10. I'm just trying to go with the flow... :)

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  11. You're an inspiration, Joy. You just keep going like a "real' writer. I haven't lost the will to write, just the time. I have unfinished businesses to finish. I'll get back to writing books when I do not have anything major to finish. Happy New Year!

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  12. That the way of it for me too, Angela. I'm staying consistent with the writing this year.

    No worries, Crystal. Any time is a good time. :)

    Hope the flow is smooth, Bish.

    Peaches, I know how that goes. You have to do what's threatening to boil over on the front burner. Finished your book. I need to wrap my head around the review.

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  13. I think we all have stories like that. I know I do. Good for you for resurrecting one of yours!

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