Writing a Second Novel

I can hardly believe that it’s been seven months since If Wishes Were Horses was published. It’s been a busy time doing what I can to promote it in Australia. It’s definitely made it more difficult with my publishers, Austin Macauley being based in London – it would be so much easier living in the same country as your publisher!

But what I’ve been mostly silent on recently is the work that’s been keeping me busy on my next novel – the sequel to my first book. Not only the time spent actually writing, but the research that takes up so much time too - it has to be as authentic as possible. I can only dream of what it would be like to have a team of researchers that do all the work for you!

I began writing my second novel whilst the first was still in production as the whole process takes around 18 months (give or take) until it sees the shelf. (Self-publishing, of course, can be quicker, but even then you’ll be following similar editorial and design steps where the manuscript will be repeatedly out of your hands until the next phase.)

This means of course that you’re going to want, if not need, to start on your next project during that time if you aim to have another book on the shelf in the next couple of years. So while your first book’s being edited and made ready to print, you need to follow up with another one – and fast. Ultimately, this means that there’s simply no time to waste!

It can be difficult to keep disciplined and shut out the distractions and noise whilst still making time for family and friends. You can sit down in the morning and after working the whole day have only half a page of writing to show for it, and then you decide it’s not up to scratch and back-space the whole thing.

But I’m getting there; the story is coming together, and dare I say, I think this book is better than the first. I believe my writing is improving! I’m heading towards the half way mark now, and hope to have it finished by the end of the year (fingers crossed!) Sam Fisher's story continues, and favourite characters like Patrick, Kate and Danica will return, as well as some new and very interesting individuals! Watch this space!

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