What to do now?

[rosearche]

I've written my first novel. A young person's fantasy adventure set in London that concludes with the lead into a sequel set in New York. The letter, synopsis and, where asked for, the first three chapters, has been sent, (agents and publishers). To my mind I am pleased with the product, I've enjoyed doing it, especially the research.

A published author/mentor has suggested I get on with the sequel. I am concerned that if the first doesn't go anywhere, the second will be a waste of time and money, it too will need research this time in NY. She suggests writing it as a stand alone, which I'm finding it difficult to do as the fantasy has a reason behind it and the characters have history from the first.

I've taken a few months off, been travelling and now feel I should be doing something, (other than waiting for a result) and I suppose the reason for this post is to find some motivation and direction.

Any views, please.

[chopper]

i'd try writing something completely different;

if this first project doesn't get picked up, then you have something fresh to approach people with, and who knows? that one might get picked up. and if it does, then you can go back to the first project, present that as your next book, and get the research done for the follow up. Irons in the fire, so to speak.
as long as you know where the sequel will be heading, you can strike off in a different direction for the time being

s

[Tobytwo]

I'd pretty much agree. Really you should write what you want to write and will therefore do best, but it's reasonable to keep an eye on the publishability of your work.

I would suggest either striking out in a different direction or writing a related story in the same world. It's always interesting to do related stuff, as you broaden your viewpoint and often find out more about what you've created.

Striking out could help as well: I was trying to write a heavy-duty historical novel when I wrote some SF comedy for my own amusement and light relief. It was the comedy that ended up getting published and the historical stuff that's still looking. Strange, but you never know, it seems.

[Grimblade]

To be honest with you rosearche I don't think it would be a waste at all. Even if the the first book isn't very well received commercially there are still alot of benefits to be had from the research and writing of the next book. Even if all you do is visit New York, by all accounts a very nice place with alot of culture and history (as historical as America can be, anyway) and the experience of completing another piece of work that you yourself can be pleased with.. Very tempting stuff.

Some writers can go their entire lives without even completing a piece of work that they feel they've done right by, the fact that you've done just that is wonderful thing by itself. If you want my advice just go do it. Chase the idea until it's all in your hands and you're happy, so to speak.

Or you could not bother? Write some freelance "Do's and Don'ts" for a skincare magazine. Is there a hanging emoticon here..

BTW, would you mind sending me a little teaser of your work? Maybe a chapter or something? Maybe I could give you a more educated opinion having seen the story in question.

In any case - BEST OF LUCK!