The Completely Normal Author Experience of Losing Your Mind Over Book Two

There should honestly be a support group for authors finishing a second book. Not because writing the book is hard. No. It’s everything after the writing that slowly turns you into a sleep-deprived raccoon digging through emotional garbage at 2 a.m.

The Struggle of Naming the Book

You’d think after writing an entire novel, the title would magically appear in the stars like some dramatic movie moment. Wrong. Instead, I now have approximately 487 title ideas floating around in my notes app. Half sound poetic. Half sound like either a country song or a criminal investigation documentary.

I’ve stared at the same three words for so long that language no longer feels real. At this point, I could name the book:

• Screaming Internally

• Emotionally Unwell Under the Stars

• Please Send Help

  
  

…and honestly? They all fit.

The Editing Process

Then comes editing. This phase is just reading your own book over and over until you begin questioning if you even know how words work anymore. I have reread this novel so many times that I can now spot a typo from across the room like some kind of traumatized hawk.

Missing comma? Found it. Extra space? Prison immediately. A character breathing twice in one paragraph? Absolutely not. The problem is that after the 50th reread, your brain starts autocorrecting mistakes on its own. So now I’m sitting there like: “Did I actually write their instead of there… or am I hallucinating again?” Nobody knows. Not even me.

The Waiting Game

And now we enter my favorite phase: Waiting on beta reader feedback. Or as I personally call it: ✨ emotional warfare ✨ Because logically, I know beta readers are wonderful human beings helping make the book stronger. Emotionally? I am refreshing my email every seven minutes like a Victorian woman waiting for war correspondence.

The second a notification goes off, my entire nervous system activates. Did they love it? Did they cry? Did they throw the book across the room? Did Ben traumatize them? Are they Team Drew? Do I need to disappear into the woods permanently? Again. Nobody knows.

Coping Mechanisms

So if you need me, I’ll be:

• rereading Chapter 12 for the 93rd time,

• debating titles like my life depends on it,

• and pretending I’m mentally stable while waiting for beta reader reviews.

  
  

You know. Author things.

Embracing the Journey

Writing a second book is a journey filled with ups and downs. It’s a process that tests your patience and resilience. But through it all, I find comfort in knowing that I’m not alone. Many authors share this experience. We are all navigating the emotional rollercoaster together.

Building a Community

As I continue this journey, I’m reminded of the importance of community. Connecting with fellow writers and readers helps ease the burden. Sharing our struggles and triumphs creates a bond that enriches the experience. It’s comforting to know that we can lean on each other for support.

The Joy of Creation

At the end of the day, the joy of creating something new outweighs the challenges. Each word written brings me closer to sharing my story. I can’t wait for you to read it. I hope it resonates with you and brings you joy, intrigue, and perhaps a little romance.

So here I am, embracing the chaos and excitement of finishing my second book. I’m grateful for the journey, the lessons learned, and the stories yet to be told.

If you’re an author, remember: You’re not alone in this. We’re all in this together, navigating the wild world of writing and waiting. Let’s keep supporting each other, one word at a time.