The new book and getting over the old one

It's not much of a secret, if you follow me on other social platforms, that I have been working on novel number two. I'm back to the typical grind: staying up way too late writing what usually ends up being just one page (how does that happen??), the mental plotting throughout the day, and the insatiable desire to do nothing but write whenever I'm not writing. Sounds great, doesn't it? ;)

This second novel is a bit different than Still the Song. Whenever I mention I'm writing another book, the first question I get is usually something like, "Is it the same characters?" I take it as a compliment that readers are eager to know if I'm continuing the adventures of Jonah and Hannah, but the answer is no. To be honest, I actually tried to start another book about them. I tried to go the prequel route, one from Jonah's point of view, and then another in third person just like the original. But neither was right. There are no holes, no stories to tell that hadn't already been told in Still the Song. And you know what? That's okay. Jonah and Hannah told their story and I am satisfied with that.

I think the main reason I attempted continuing their stories in some way is that I wasn't ready to let them go. That may sound a bit insane to those who don't write, or maybe to those who don't read, but it is possible to form a fondness for fictional characters. I mean, look at all the fandoms that exist for other books like The Fault in Our Stars, Divergent, The Hunger Games, etc! Readers love to love their characters, and how can they do that if the author doesn't even love their characters? It is a necessary evil, my friends. And it's fun too.

Needless to say, I finally got over my little crush on Jonah (did I just say that out loud??), and was able to dream up some other characters who aren't just Jonah with different names and slightly different descriptions. These new, imaginary people are coming to life and telling their story, and it's amazing to watch it unfold, as if it's not even up to me (more writer talk, you know).

I'm making new writing playlists, throwing around title ideas, and looking forward to a whole new publishing adventure with this book. And just wait until you meet Cole, Leighton, and Wesley. I love them already.