I’ve done a lot of interviews lately, which have involved me talking about the origin story of ‘The List of Suspicious Things’ (it actually came to me, fully formed, with a title, while out on a dog walk and it felt like magic at the time). I’ve also spoken about the 20k words of a book I carefully planned out and wrote BEFORE that, which will never see the light of day, not because it was really terrible, but because it had no life, heart or energy to it, it was just…flat. As a consequence, I’ve been thinking about both of these experiences in relation to my next book/writing project which is proving to be the stereotypical difficult second album (in that it’s bloody hard work).
I loved reading this, Jennie, and applaud your honesty! I think 2nd novel syndrome is a thing, you’re not alone - all part of the process (we hope! 🤞). Thank you. Write strong, Jennie! Al
Hi Jennie. It’s lovely to see you here and it’s always good to hear how other writers function and tackle their projects. I’m sure that once you’ve rested up, as your agent advised, the words will flow.
I hear you…! My debut novel is out soon and i’m meant to be writing the second (while finishing up my university lecturing contract…) and it’s so hard. I went straight from phd to novel -written for phd -to publishing to lecturing…. I haven’t had a work-free holiday since 2017. Too long!! I do have another residential fellowship coming up, so i’ll try to relax while writing in the gorgeous surroundings. But a pool by a tiny place somewhere near a beautiful beach would be the best!
Love this Jennie - Just finished your book & savoured every minute of it. Listened on Audible which was a treat with excellent narrators. I am in the process of editing my first book & although not the same genre I have learnt from the way you managed characters. Taking time out now to let structure settle.
In a way great that you realised those multiple novels weren’t right before you spent years on them?! It’s so hard to create on demand, especially when you’re attached to the outcome! What you say about painting and not being good at it makes so much sense to me - I have a regular drawing practice which helps with writing so much, because I don’t care if my drawings are terrible! I get to focus in an entirely different way and it clears some of the pushing to ‘be good’ away. Thanks for being so honest, too, it’s comforting to know everyone feels this way sometimes!
This makes complete sense: 'It’s my job to create the conditions for those ideas to happen. To allow the space for creativity. So I’ve stopped ‘trying’ and started to look after myself more.'
I'm so happy to see you here! It's such a wonderful outlet for your deeper feelings around things. And this is a great article! It's so important to give your mind space to 'fester' ideas. Forcing never works. I have come to recognise that, after endless days at the keyboard and getting utterly frustrated. My brain wasn't ready to engage, and nothing good would come from forcing. BUT it always comes back! Usually in a whoosh! Enjoy the down time. You've had a hell of a year x
Such good advice!! I too have abandoned manuscripts and am tinkering away with what I hope to be an actual book two - I can’t imagine what it must be like to try and write while doing all the press and events you’ve been doing! A bit of a pause sounds ideal for you right now - and then inspiration will hopefully come! Xxx
Oh Jennie, I love this, and I RELATE to this! It's funny, that sense of a piece of work lacking a certain magic or energy or je ne sais quoi. Have you read Big Magic by Liz Gilbert? It's such a great one for getting back into that free-flowing relaxed headspace and like you say, stop trying so hard. I love that your book came to you fully formed on a dog walk!! I've had most of my ideas fully-formed on flights or random transport. So maybe holidays are the answer indeed.. xoxo
I loved reading this, Jennie, and applaud your honesty! I think 2nd novel syndrome is a thing, you’re not alone - all part of the process (we hope! 🤞). Thank you. Write strong, Jennie! Al
Thank you!
Hi Jennie. It’s lovely to see you here and it’s always good to hear how other writers function and tackle their projects. I’m sure that once you’ve rested up, as your agent advised, the words will flow.
I hear you…! My debut novel is out soon and i’m meant to be writing the second (while finishing up my university lecturing contract…) and it’s so hard. I went straight from phd to novel -written for phd -to publishing to lecturing…. I haven’t had a work-free holiday since 2017. Too long!! I do have another residential fellowship coming up, so i’ll try to relax while writing in the gorgeous surroundings. But a pool by a tiny place somewhere near a beautiful beach would be the best!
Love this Jennie - Just finished your book & savoured every minute of it. Listened on Audible which was a treat with excellent narrators. I am in the process of editing my first book & although not the same genre I have learnt from the way you managed characters. Taking time out now to let structure settle.
Thank you so much Carol!
In a way great that you realised those multiple novels weren’t right before you spent years on them?! It’s so hard to create on demand, especially when you’re attached to the outcome! What you say about painting and not being good at it makes so much sense to me - I have a regular drawing practice which helps with writing so much, because I don’t care if my drawings are terrible! I get to focus in an entirely different way and it clears some of the pushing to ‘be good’ away. Thanks for being so honest, too, it’s comforting to know everyone feels this way sometimes!
Love this and totally agree. Creativity needs space and you need time to take a breath - enjoy and good luck x
Oh I hear you on the second book thing, it's blimmin hard isn't it? A completely different beast. 💙🐦⬛
I could not agree with this latest line of thinking more! 👏
Creativity and ideas need space to form, keep nurturing yourself and it will come to you when you least suspect it.
And in the meantime, just enjoy your life! 🥳 😘
This makes complete sense: 'It’s my job to create the conditions for those ideas to happen. To allow the space for creativity. So I’ve stopped ‘trying’ and started to look after myself more.'
So glad you are here Jennie.
All love from a life long fan.
I'm so happy to see you here! It's such a wonderful outlet for your deeper feelings around things. And this is a great article! It's so important to give your mind space to 'fester' ideas. Forcing never works. I have come to recognise that, after endless days at the keyboard and getting utterly frustrated. My brain wasn't ready to engage, and nothing good would come from forcing. BUT it always comes back! Usually in a whoosh! Enjoy the down time. You've had a hell of a year x
Yay! Thank you Jodie! X
Such good advice!! I too have abandoned manuscripts and am tinkering away with what I hope to be an actual book two - I can’t imagine what it must be like to try and write while doing all the press and events you’ve been doing! A bit of a pause sounds ideal for you right now - and then inspiration will hopefully come! Xxx
Oh Jennie, I love this, and I RELATE to this! It's funny, that sense of a piece of work lacking a certain magic or energy or je ne sais quoi. Have you read Big Magic by Liz Gilbert? It's such a great one for getting back into that free-flowing relaxed headspace and like you say, stop trying so hard. I love that your book came to you fully formed on a dog walk!! I've had most of my ideas fully-formed on flights or random transport. So maybe holidays are the answer indeed.. xoxo
Thank you Emma & oooh I need to go back to Big Magic. I’m also finding your ‘Sabotage’ SO insightful! X