I have to preface this post by saying that this update was written in May. Since then, I’ve taken a step back from Dragons! 2.0 after reaching the 75,000-word mark and deciding something wasn’t quite working (but I’m hoping to resume writing it before the end of the year!). I still thought I’d post this now out-of-date update, though, because it’s a fun snapshot of the writing process, with its ups and downs and experimentation!
May 11, 2022
Today, I passed the 50,000-word point of my sequel for Into Shadow. This is actually a pretty big deal, because it means I’m almost halfway! It’s been a long road for this book so far, full of ups and downs. First drafts often are, but this is the first time I’ve queried a book while writing another, which means writing while my self-confidence is taking repeated blows. I started this book in November but have worked on it in spurts since then.
It’s been an interesting journey so far. Usually, when I write, I let myself ride my waves of inspiration and have 15,000-word days. This time, I’m trying to get better at pacing myself. I cut myself off after a few thousand words, and I’ve been averaging between 1,000 and 2,000 words on my writing days, while also allowing myself to take some days off!
Writing this book has also been an interesting process because this is the first time I’ve fully pantsed a novel. In writing, people often talk about plotting versus pantsing, with plotting being where you plan what’s going to happen ahead of time, and pantsing being where you make it up as you go along. Traditionally, I’ve been a plotter, but for Into Shadow, I pantsed the first half… and then panicked and planned the second half. Strangely enough, I found I wrote much better when I pantsed, and those pantsed sections—or the ones that I kept—actually required less editing. For that reason, for the first time, I am pantsing an entire novel. Weirdly, I’m loving it. There is a lot of insecurity and doubt along the way, but I feel more engaged with my characters and my world this way. I’m savouring the details.
I should note that while I’m pantsing, I have some landmark points I’m aiming for. I know how I’d like this book to end. Also, I happened to write two pages of a notebook on notes for the second half, so maybe I’m starting to naturally… um… “plants”?
This is an exciting process for me. I’ve written a few chapters that have surprised me. The conflict is escalating. Things are starting to get intense, as they should in the second half of a book. Weirdly, the character arcs I expected to have an easier time with are proving more difficult to write, whereas the ones I expected to struggle with are surprising me by being really fascinating.
In short, I think I may be a pantsing convert. I’m really happy with this draft so far. Dare I say that it’s a bit darker than the first, and a bit more intense? Holy subplots, there’s a lot going on. I can’t wait to introduce you to some new characters, as well!
And the excitement is lasting. I have days of anxiety, but the whole “I’m going to give myself days off” thing is actually working out well for me.
This is why I write. I love the rush of adrenaline, the nights when I’m so excited by what I’m creating that I can’t even sleep, the mornings when I’m up at 7 a.m. to write just because I love it so much.
The downside of reaching 50,000 words is the NaNoWriMo part of my brain saying, “Wait, Laura, aren’t you done?” And I have to say, “Nope… not quite halfway there.” Since I’m pantsing, I’m basing this entirely on the length of Into Shadow. It’s really a marathon, but it’s so worth it. It’s revelation after revelation, exciting thing after exciting thing.
Writing a sequel is interesting. I’ve done it once before, for an earlier series that I didn’t end up querying because there were significant issues. It’s nice, because you’ve already set up the pieces and get to pick up where you left off. It’s not as hard to write the beginning of a sequel. Also, it’s nice, because you already know and are attached to the characters, so there’s less work to do at the front of the process. But there are significant challenges, too. You don’t want to just repeat your first book. The characters have to continue to grow and change (which I find they do quite beautifully and naturally when I pants). You always have to move forward.
I’d love to write standalone things, but apparently I think in a very long-form sort of way, and the truth is that I’m really enjoying writing this sequel. I’m terrible at naming things, so right now it’s Dragons! 2.0, but I’m excited to give it a title once I’ve finished it. The goal is to finish by my birthday in July. I’m 12,000 words behind where I wanted to be today, but feeling oddly fine about it.
The hard part about writing a sequel while querying the first in the series is that if I can’t sell my first book, this time could be “wasted.” But as hard as querying is, and as much as my self-confidence is shaken every day of the process, the truth is that I have so much faith in Into Shadow. Even if it doesn’t sell, I’ll be a better writer for having written this sequel, and I’m enjoying living in this world and with these people for a little bit longer.
So, despite the emotional rollercoaster of querying, today I am thrilled to be a writer. I am thrilled to get to explore these complex people and their journeys and their fascinating world. I am in love with my art, and that’s the best way to feel.
Sept. 23, 2022 Addendum
As you may be able to tell from the fact that I had to take a step back from this draft, I’ve learned that pantsing—while exciting—may not entirely be my style. I love the initial exploration and the rush of pantsing, but eventually you do have to put your plotting hat on to make sure things work!
Laura K. E. Jones 