Here’s something I didn’t anticipate.
I thought writing something new would be fun. It has been, sometimes. But I can’t stop thinking about my first story. I want to go back to it, to rescue it from the space of forgotten books, to bring it back to life and make someone else love it too. I almost feel like I’m cheating on our year-long relationship by dipping my pen somewhere else. There’s still work to be done. I miss my characters. These new ones are alright, but they’re not the same. It will take time to know them, to love them the same way.
I’m tempted to throw NaNoWriMo down the drain and go back to save my old book. I’m ready to mean business this time, really. I know what needs to be done. Still, maybe absence makes the heart grow fonder? Maybe starting something new always feels this way? Maybe two more weeks will do me good? I’m just having a hard time putting my heart into it. Last year felt so different.
For those of you who have written more than one book, was it easy to move on?
oliviaobryon 
I understand exactly where you’re coming from, Olivia. I started working in earnest on novel #2 a little more than a year after finishing novel #1. I liked it, but didn’t love it, at least not in the same way. But here’s the thing: I think it’s the better book, and I wonder if it’s better *because* I’m not so in love with it.
I don’t recall how long you’ve been done with the first one, but I would suggest you stick with NaNo – there’s only 2-1/2 weeks to go before it’s over. Novel #1 will still be there, you can read it fresh and go back over it if need be. Hang in there, good luck!
I agree– I’m going to stick with it, just didn’t expect to feel less excited this time around. Thanks for your input, it helps to know I’m not alone 🙂
Interesting. I’d say I m the opposite. Every novel I have started writing since that first one I have liked better than the last. Which makes my inability to complete them all the more frustrating.
That is really interesting– I hope I start to feel the same way. Today I wrote some more and felt a little more into it. I think maybe it’s just the realization that I’m not done with the other one that makes it hard to focus. Here’s to finishing projects old and new! 🙂
Odd thing is that when I finished One Night in Bridgeport, I came up with ideas for two more stories to complete the trilogy of misery for Jack McGee. But, then I got interested in other characters and stories and became bored with the idea of revisiting Jack’s life a few years later. Those stories still lurk there though… Awaiting the day when I can spend my day writing instead of all the other … stuff.
May that day come very soon! 🙂
Perhaps it is the change and not the book? The first book becomes like an invisible friend filled with comfort. You know its secrets and its loves. It is safe. The new book is unknown. It is still getting to know you and you it. It’s a bit uncomfortable because it is different. Maybe? Just my own two cents. I wish you well with your writing. Peace.
I like that theory and think you might be right 🙂 Thanks for sharing.