Working on the sequel to my first novel has been a wonderful experience. Not. Â More accurately, its been disappointing – feeling like a wretched waste of time as I write and rewrite… Â And with each new effort, the story feels more forced.
In an effort to continue on, I decided that I might need to change some things up. Â In the past, I’ve been a pantzer. Considering my lack of progress, I thought that plotting might help. Â Yeah – nope. Â Not so much. Â In fact, I think planning the story sucked all the joy from the project.
I discussed my writing problem with a dear friend.  She offered me some real insight:  STOP OVERTHINKING IT!!!  There’s no right or wrong – it’s my story after all.  She went on to advise me to stay true to my writing style – so I’ll be flying by the seat of my pants again.  And I find that rather liberating.  Instead of worrying over my lack of progress on the sequel, I’m allowing myself to answer the call of my muse.  She’s been patient long enough and I’m afraid that if I don’t heed her call, she may very well leave me.  It would be nice if she turns my heart back to the sequel but if not – that’ll be okay.  There are other stories to tell.
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